London Rainy Day Activities

If you had a trip planned but didn't count on the unexpected rain, you can still have a great time in London. The city has a generally wet climate, but is ready to continue the show with museums, escape rooms and visits to its major landmarks. Take advantage of the best things to see and do in London indoors like attending a musical tribute show or enjoying teatime at coffee shops, hotels and tour buses.

This situation is the perfect excuse to also have fun at themed places like Shrek's Adventure, Harry Potter Park and Madame Tussauds Museum. In addition, the changing of the guard is a traditional ceremony that is celebrated even when the weather conditions are not so favorable. Here is a list of all the things you can do!

Due to its historical connection with the monarchy, there are plenty of palaces and castles in London that you can take advantage of to shelter from the bad weather. The most important is Buckingham Palace, which has been used as the residence of the British Royal Family since 1837. Many people travel to the city with the purpose of visiting it, but you should know that it is only open to the public from July to September.

Inside you can see the State Rooms and discover some of the common areas of the royals. You can also book tickets for the royal coach houses, which are usually open from March to October. Here you can see the royal carriages of the monarchy and the royal stables where the horses of the late queen are kept.

If your trip coincides with a month when it is closed, you can still enjoy the changing of the guard ceremony. It is an emblematic activity that takes place every day in summer and every other day in winter, even during rainy days in London. You will be able to witness a colorful parade with military marches and red uniforms, but if the rain intensifies it is possible that a simpler show will take place.

Prepare your wand and immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Harry Potter. There are different options to discover the details of this saga that conquered millions of people. Its theme park is an ideal option for rainy days, since most of the attractions are covered and take you through the studios where there are real objects and scenarios.

Immerse yourself in the "behind the scenes" and live closely environments such as the Great Dining Room of Hogwarts, the Gryffindor dormitory or Diagon Alley. You won't have to be bored at the hotel, as the park has everything you need for a day of fun and some tickets may include transfers.

Another highlight is the Harry Potter locations in London which encompass routes, locations, sets and a variety of indoor attractions in different parts of the city.

Top Indoor Attractions at Harry Potter Studios Park

If you are going to visit London you have to consider buying tickets for the Harry Potter Studios Park in advance to plan how to get there and secure the experience. In this themed space dedicated to one of J.K. Rowling's greatest hits you'll find covered areas to enjoy on a rainy day, including:

• Hagrid's Hut.
• The Forbidden Forest, with realistic simulations of magical creatures.
• Costumes and Props, with the costumes and objects that were used for the movie.
• Special Effects and Animatronics, a wing explaining how the visual effects were made.

And do not forget to take advantage and try butterbeer, a curious drink that became popular after the saga.

Although tickets may sell out you always have the option to opt for the resale of tickets to the park

London' s best museums are waiting for you during a rainy day so you won't be stuck at the hotel. The British Museum is one of my favorite choices because it is free and has 8 million objects about the history of mankind and the evolution of the city. During the tour you will see Egyptian hieroglyphics and mummies, Polynesian statues, ancient texts and medieval chess pieces.

It is too big and complex, so many people prefer to sign up for a guided experience to understand the context behind the unique pieces and objects housed in this museum.

Hopping on one of London' s best sightseeing buses on a rainy day can be an excellent option for not stopping and still being able to enjoy the city. You'll be safe aboard a double-decker vehicle that offers 3 different routes and flexibility to explore with free stops (in case of light rainfall).

Pass by approximately 45 landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and in front of Westminster Abbey. You can see the gray sky decorating the skyscrapers and old buildings and go through London neighborhood by neighborhood. There are different options and there are even combined experiences with a cruise.

A tea time sightseeing bus tour is ideal to get closer to the culture, gastronomy and architecture of London while tasting typical snacks and sweets. Additionally, if you take an evening tour, be prepared to see the London Eye at night

To improve your mood and go in search of an unforgettable experience, I recommend you consider buying tickets to the Madame Tussauds Museum in London It is a worldwide chain that merges reality with fiction, as you can take pictures with your favorite celebrities who are immortalized in wax. In general, there are numerous copies of singers, politicians, athletes such as Harry Styles, The Beatles, Lewis Hamilton, Lady Gaga, Julia Roberts, among others.

Of course, there is a wax representation that pays tribute to the late Queen Isabell II. But that's not all, the museum is also famous for its immersive experiences that include an epic Marvel-style battle and Spirit of London Ride

To facilitate the visit the museum is divided into different thematic rooms, where the figures are organized according to the industry they belong to, among the highlights are:

• Awards Party: movie idols such as Audrey Hepburn.
• Fashion Runway: fashion trend-setting celebrities such as Kendall Jenner.
• Culture Capital: iconic figures who grew up in this city such as Princess Diana.
• Impossible Festival: for music fans of singers like Béyonce.
• The Royal Palace: figures of the monarchy and a complimentary cup of tea included in the ticket.

A rainy day is no excuse to miss the main monuments of the city. In fact, you have to consider booking tickets for the Tower of London, as it is an iconic building with mostly indoor attractions. You may have to leave its outdoor areas and gardens for another visit, but at least you won't miss the opportunity to see the crown jewels.

Inside are antique crowns and you can hear stories of the coronations of monarchs from throughout the ages. There is also the unmissable Line of Kings exhibition, which offers wax dolls inspired by different figures of the British Crown. You should know that years ago it was a prison and a palace, so you can see the Bloody Tower where Princes Edward and Richard disappeared, as well as explore St. John's Chapel where ceremonies and funerals have been held.

If you like art you should know that London is home to one of the most important art collections in the world, specifically in the National Gallery. You can take advantage of the day and organize a visit to discover the creations of Da Vinchi, Caravaggio and Michelangelo.

You can go on your own or sign up for a guided tour to discover the best paintings of the National Gallery, including paintings such as "The Pond of Water Lilies" by Claude Monet. You can even book a visit to the National Gallery for children. This is an interactive and educational experience that allows them to learn through interactive games and a scavenger hunt.

Fun is an inexhaustible resource in London. Proof of this is that you can visit Shrek's Adventure to share experiences with the most beloved ogre of the cinema. This theme park offers fun for the whole family and in its indoor facilities lurk characters from the movie such as Donkey, Fiona and Puss in Boots. It is undoubtedly one of the best tickets in London because it has more than 10 rides and a 4D magic bus that flies from England to Far Far Away.

There are also themed musical shows and sections dedicated to characters from other DreamWorks films such as Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon.

London is an amazing city, but its kind of weather also increases the chances of encountering a challenging day. If you're someone who enjoys experiences with a touch of terror, you might consider buying tickets to London Dungeon. The exhibits recreate real-life creepy scenarios and so it's known as The Dungeons.

It's generally an interactive experience that will get a few screams of terror out of you, as there are actors recreating historical events such as the rotting of the Great Plague and the Great Fire of 1666. Overall, it has about 10 dynamic shows and experiences such as:

• Ghost Boat Ride: the terrifying story of Octavius, the ship that sailed without a captain for 14 years across the Atlantic with the skeletons of the entire crew.
• Witch Trials: discover what it was like to hunt witches in times gone by, where people were condemned for their gifts, abilities or "suspicious behavior" that were related to powers of sorcery.
• Medieval Surgery: a show that shows you what an operation would be like with the obsolete tools of the time.
• Encounter with Jack the Ripper: you will follow the serial killer who marked London in the depths of a mysterious alley.

Some images may be disturbing and is not recommended for children under five.

If you love animals and are curious about marine life, you have to get tickets for Sea Life. It is the London Aquarium and for rainy days it is great because you will be able to get to know the aquatic world without even leaving the comfort of its roofed spaces.

In the building there are 14 thematic rooms and approximately 50 exhibitions that will not leave you indifferent. It offers unique experiences and highlights:

• Snorkeling with sharks.
• Interact with penguins.
• Tour the ocean with a virtual reality simulator.
• Appreciate an exhibition of jellyfish.
• Learn about animal care and conservation.

London is famous for its musicals that come to life in the West-End arts district, which is filled with theaters. The shows combine dance, drama and music, and there are even hologram experiences where you feel like you are in front of the performers. There are too many to choose from and it's hard to settle on just one, but they are all characterized by their high quality.

Among the best musical shows in London's West-End are:

• Mamma Mia: it is a show full of joy that will transport you to Greece with costumes, scenery and Abba's hits in the background.
• Wicked: discover the value of identity and acceptance in a performance of The Wizard of Oz.
• The Phantom of the Opera: a gothic show that narrates the adventures of a peculiar ghost.
• Les Miserables: a favorite and tells the story of an ex-convict seeking redemption in 19th century France.
• Lion King: ideal for children and inspired by the touching Disney movie.
• Abba Voyage: a concert that immortalizes the members of the group Abba and their greatest hits thanks to a simulation and holograms.

We have all heard something about the possibility of zombies conquering the planet, but would you dare to live it? To escape from the room you will have to solve puzzles and respect the times to avoid being trapped. It is an experience full of adrenaline with realistic scenographies that will increase the tension.

You must keep calm and concentrate to overcome each challenge, generally you will have a window of 60 minutes and the idea is to do it in a group.

Tea time is a British tradition that dates back to the 19th century and is still very popular. It usually takes place between 15:00 and 17:00 and offers a varied menu with treats of all kinds such as cakes, tarts, British scones and the typical tea. Although it can be taken at any local coffee shop or on board the tour buses, many people book luxury experiences at hotels like The Ritz that have a dress code.

There are also places like The Orangery in front of Kensington Palace where you will have views of the gardens and enjoy a charming atmosphere. Some of the best food tours in London focus on this experience and allow you to discover British hospitality and lifestyle.