Great places to hide from the rain in London

Staying indoors definitely isn’t boring in the bucolic surroundings of Hampstead’s famous neoclassical villa. Many an hour can be spent ogling its legendary art collection – which contains masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Gainsborough, among others – or marvelling at its interior, painted in baby blues and pastel pinks, making even the gloomiest of days a little brighter. Entry is free, but you need to book in advance.

Give the rain what for by brandishing one of Jimmy Smith’s superior-quality umbrellas at it. This charming Victorian shop is filled with every kind of brolly from traditional to snazzy high-tech folding models and sun parasols.

Read more about James Smith & Sons.

Don’t get soaked in the rain, soak up knowledge in the Wellcome Collection’s beautiful reading room. This gallery-cum-library-cum-events space has more than a thousand books and a hundred objects to peruse, including contemporary sculptures, paintings, medical artefacts and manuscripts. Pick one of the many comfy sofas and hunker down with a book. You’ll instantly forget all about the dark clouds outside.

Roam the city’s cobbled streets without getting wet by taking shelter under Leadenhall Market’s magnificent vaulted roof. Designed by Horace Jones in 1881, this covered market is a fine example of Victorian architecture and houses plenty of pubs, cafés and restaurants that you can try without the risk of a soaking. Be sure to pay a visit to the historic Lamb Tavern for a leisurely pint.

Stroll amid 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees at the Barbican’s conservatory oasis. It’s a taste of the tropics in the heart of London and rain-safe all year round. There are koi carp and terrapins that you can visit too. Booking essential.

While away the hours indoors by getting down to the ultimate rainy-day activity: a board game. At Draughts there are more than 1000 to choose from. The £7 entry fee allows you up to three hours play as well as the guidance of a ‘game guru’ who will tell you which game is best for your group and give you the lowdown on the rules. So cheaters, beware. There’s also a branch in Waterloo in the Leake Street Graffiti tunnel.

Get comfy in one of London’s oldest cinemas by watching a flick wrapped in a cashmere blanket in one of Electric Cinema’s luxurious leather armchairs. Nestle down on one of the front row’s six opulent, velvet-lined double beds for a sumptuously cosy few hours indoors.

Dodge a downpour by exploring one of London’s excellent museums. And what better choice for a drab afternoon than Bermondsey Street’s Fashion and Textile Museum. Its dazzling bright orange-and-pink frontage and eye-popping displays of colourful threads make for perfect relief from grey skies. 

Indulge in retail therapy while remaining dry at Camden’s famous collection of bohemian stalls and shops which spill out from a network of old horse tunnels. Stock up on retro and antique furniture as well as quirky crafts and clothes while waiting for the rain to clear.

This ivy-covered watering hole in Limehouse is the perfect spot to get cosy away from the wet. All wood panelling and warm burgundy walls, this is a traditional riverside pub serving hearty grub and classic ales. Cocoon yourself in The Dickens Snug, named after its famous former patron. With the open fire and riverside views, you can get toasty while watching the raindrops ripple on the Thames. Fun fact: The Grapes is co-owned by Ian McKellen.

When the weather takes a turn, thaw your hands – and your heart – with a life-affirming hot chocolate from Chin Chin Labs. The Willy Wonkas of Camden Market are best known for their ice cream, but their hot drinks are hard to beat, too. The menu is commendably short – order the signature hot choc, which comes with a handmade toasted marshmallow. Also in Soho.

The perfect antidote to grey skies: stare up at the stars in one of the planetarium’s regular shows while touring distant galaxies and learning about the universe with the help of an experienced astronomer.

Feel a million miles from drizzly London (or more like 5,870) with a trip to Japan – without the long-haul flight. Japan House is one of three new cultural centres (the others are in LA and São Paulo) aiming to show you the ‘real’ Japan. Spread over three serene floors, everything at the London branch from the floor tiles (flown in from Awaji Island) to the food (by renowned chef Shimizu Akira) will have its roots there. The best bit? No jet lag.

Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits, have some kidult fun at this classic bowling alley in Finsbury Park, filled with red neon, kitsch Americana and old-school arcade games. You can have pizza delivered straight to your lane or go for a song at the in-house karaoke booth, so there’s no need to face the elements.

Surround yourself with water without getting wet at this busy London attraction. Walk over, under and through colourful aquatic wonderlands, from tropical to Arctic, and keep your eyes peeled for swift sharks, ephemeral jellyfish and jewel-coloured sea turtles.