Whether you are planning a trip to London for business or as a leisure tourist, you should be prepared for the potential for a weather washout. In fact, on average 165 days out of the year are filled with rainfall in the UK’s capital city.
Even though these undesirable conditions mean that outdoorsy days out and walking tours may be off of the cards, we can assure you there’s still plenty to do in this vibrant city. From indoor markets to notable landmarks, keep reading to find out what the best pastimes are to plan for when a rainy day arrives. We will also share why our relaxing hotels are the ideal accommodation for a trip to London, no matter the weather.
Discover London’s World-Class Museums, Attractions and Landmarks
One of the main reasons that London attracts around 30 million annual visitors is because there are plenty of attractions to keep people entertained. We are happy to confirm this is also the case when wet weather sets in as there are plenty of museums, galleries and indoor attractions to keep anyone amused.Â
If you’re keen to take in some cultural sights, then visiting any of London’s museums or galleries is a great idea. Options includeThe British Museum, Science Museum, V&A and the Tate Modern. These attractions are also free to attend, with only costs being incurred for special events or exhibits, meaning it’s also an affordable activity for rainy days. If you don’t mind paying an admission fee, there are plenty of other undercover attractions such as a trip to Madame Tussauds, exploring the Tower of London (one of our must-see London landmarks) or even taking a ride on The London Eye. Alternatively, you can also take in some royal landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral or a tour of the Buckingham Palace state rooms.
Sip and Relax in London’s Cosiest Cafes
For a more relaxing way to enjoy the sight of London in the rain, you can’t beat a trip to one of the many cafes around the city. With options ranging from cosy traditional dining experiences to modern places to grab a coffee, there are plenty of options conveniently located in all parts of London. You can even opt to visit a place to eat that has some of London’s most iconic foods available to try for a truly authentic experience.
Explore Indoor MarketsÂ
Another way to still enjoy London on a rainy day is to explore one of the many indoor markets. Known for having a plethora of markets to choose from all year round, not just at Christmas, London has a selection of undercover spaces which are ideal for those days with undesirable weather conditions.
Should you wish to explore a famous food market, we recommend either Borough or Old Spitalfields Market. Both include a selection of bites and beverages which range from traditional options to contemporary creations. Alternatively, if you are looking for something more eclectic with a mix of stall types, you can’t beat the inviting appeal of Camden market. Offering everything from fine jewellery to social-media famous food stalls, this market combines indoor and outdoor stalls making for the perfect place to visit on a rainy day.Â
Other markets to consider which are held at different times throughout the year include The Giant London Flea Market and various seasonal events held at Kensington Olympia.
Catch a Show in London’s Famous Theatres
No trip to London is complete without catching a show, especially when the wet weather has made its appearance!
There are plenty of places to visit in London that offer entertainment and protection from the Great British weather. The most famous location for theatres in London is the West End, which has been home to a selection of world-known productions. Whether you want to visit The Lyceum for a showing of The Lion King or see Wicked at The Apollo Victoria, there is something for any preference. Tickets are available in advance but can also commonly be picked up on the day by visiting your chosen theatre’s box office.
Aside from grand west-end productions, London also offers many other types of shows to select from. From comedians performing in cosy venues to dinner shows such as dance performances, there really is something for everyone in London.
Hit the High Street and High End Stores for Some Retail Therapy
Last but by no means least we have the option for sheltering from the rain by taking in some of the best shopping areas that London has to offer. Although it means you may have to duck and drive between stores, spending some time exploring anything from well known stores to unique boutiques is a fantastic way to pass the time on a rainy day.Â
For high-street shopping, we recommend taking a trip to the world-famous Oxford Street, which has every store you could imagine. Oxford Street is also home to the world-famous Selfridges and is close to Liberty of London if you want to spend some time looking around department stores.Â
If higher-end stores are what you prefer, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Kensington and Chelsea to visit Harrods. You can easily spend hours in this maze of brand names making for the ideal way to enjoy some dryness and warmth on wet days. Alternatively, if you are searching for more unique or bespoke stores, somewhere like Camden or Soho, it would be ideal to visit as a broad collection of retailers is available in these spots.
Why Staying at Crown Group Hotels Enhances Your Rainy Day Plans
We know that it can be disappointing when the rain arrives during a trip to London. However, hopefully you now have a better idea of what activities can be planned in order to keep your spirits as high as your umbrellas! When looking for the best area and location to stay in London when rainy weather is expected, it’s important to ensure you are close to the plans you want to make. Each of The Crown Group of Hotels are conveniently located meaning that you can get from A to B without being drenched by the rain.
Some other reasons why staying at our hotels can enhance rainy day plans are as follows:
Indoor Amenities for All
All of our hotels include a range of amenities which make any time spent indoors relaxing and enjoyable. From full equipped bathrooms to free WiFi, even if it’s rainy outside we guarantee you will have a relaxing experience indoors.
Easy Transport Connections
Each of our hotels are also located near travel options such as tubes and buses. Furthermore, our team can also help you arrange taxis and book other modes of transport to ensure you can get around London easily even during wet weather.Â
Comfortable and Cosy Rooms
Finally, all of our rooms are comfortable and inviting, with soft furnishings and cosy beds that are ready to invite any guest. If you are not brave enough to head out until the rain stops, you can find the perfect place to relax in your room.
Book Your Stay at The Crown Group of Hotels Now
Each of our stays (Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Mabledon Court Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, and Arran House Hotel), offers a selection of rooms to meet any preferences and budgets. Offering you the perfect place to relax and unwind when the London weather is not at its best, we think you’ll appreciate the comforting designs of our stays.
Click here to book your perfect hotel room now or feel free to contact our team with any other questions. You can also search our special offers to find an option which meets your budget. We guarantee that with a lovely hotel room to dry off in or relax in when the rain has arrived,your stay in London will be one to remember for all of the right reasons.
