Top 11 Most Fun Indoor Activities in London in 2024

We can’t always predict the weather and sometimes we have to make alternative plans when the skies get dark and the heavens open up. Luckily, there’s a plethora of indoor activities in London that will brighten your day, regardless of a rainy day in London. 

If you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘is there anything fun to do in London in the rain?’ or maybe the weather has nothing to do with it and you’re just wondering, ‘Where can I chill indoors in London?’.

This article compiles the top 11 most fun indoor activities in London all in one place, for your convenience. You’ll find cheap indoor activities, indoor activities for adults, educational activities and more. 

Jump to Section

• Best Indoor Activities in London for Adults
• Fun Indoor Activities in London for Kids
• Free Indoor Activities in London

Best Indoor Activities in London for Adults

1. Visit the Italian Food Hall

Perhaps you're seeking places to go on a rainy day for adults? Well, get ready to eat your way through Italy in the heart of London at Eataly London. If you’re looking for indoor activities in London for adults, then this is the spot for you.

Eataly offers Italian fare in the form of bars, restaurants and food stores. There’s enough food to keep you busy for hours until the weather clears up outside. It also makes for a great birthday dinner in London if you're celebrating your big day.

If eating out isn’t your thing, then check out cooking classes in London and learn how to prepare your favorite meals from scratch. 

2. Bowl With Friends

A rainy afternoon doesn’t have to be spent alone; in fact there are many indoor group activities for adults to choose from. Get your bowl on and escape the rain with your closest friends.

You’ll be spoiled for choice on which bowling alley to choose from as there are many located all over London. 

3. Keep It Simple, Watch a Movie

Visiting the cinema is a quintessential indoor activity and it just so happens to be the perfect indoor date idea if you’re in need of indoor activities in London for couples.

Go ahead and get cosy, grab something to eat and spend a couple hours relaxing in front of the big screen. 

4. Catch a West End Show

Whatever it is that you’re in the mood for, the West End has got you covered. Be sure to catch one of the amazing performances on show; you’ll find that some of the best indoor activities for adults take place in the evening.

So, if the weather is forecasting rain, make sure to book ahead and enjoy a night of pure entertainment indoors at the West End. 

Fun Indoor Activities in London for Kids 

5. Discover Children's Story Centre

When looking out for indoor activities in London that the kids will enjoy, be sure to include Discover Children’s Story Centre on your list. It offers two floors of interactive play as well as a story trail and weather permitting, an outdoor story garden complete with a spacecraft. 

There are plenty of ongoing events and exhibitions at all times; all you have to do is book in advance. You might also want to consider this during the colder months to provide kids with winter activities or even fall activities to enjoy while staying nice and warm.

6. Madame Tussauds London

Kids will get a kick out of seeing their favorite celebrities in the flesh or rather, in wax. Madame Tussauds London is one of the best indoor activities in London for kids, offering an interactive outing despite the rainy day in London. It’ll be a day to remember as they spend hours pointing out the many famous faces.

7. Climbing Wall

Who says physical activity has to go out the window when the storm clouds roll in? Let the kids climb to their heart's content at one of many climbing walls scattered all over London.

Clip 'n Climb Chelsea offers an all-weather climbing facility designed for various ages and levels, no climbing experience needed. There are plenty of indoor activities in London that will accommodate your exercise needs.

8. The Ronson Theater at the Science Museum

If you find yourself wondering ‘what to do in London with kids when it rains?’ and you’re looking for educational indoor activities in London, then check out the 3D IMAX screen at The Science Museum. 

After exploring the museum itself, settle into this large-screened cinema that shows everything from major blockbusters to educational documentaries. Kids will have an unforgettable experience.

Free Indoor Activities in London

9. Go Museum Hopping

What better way to pass time than with a visit to one of London’s many museums? Best of all, most major museums in London are free, perfect if you need cheap indoor activities. 

Whether it’s the British Museum, Natural History Museum or Saatchi Gallery that you choose, you’ll no doubt spend an afternoon learning something new and having a great time doing so. Who said free indoor activities in London can’t be fun and educational?

10. Take in the Sights at Old Spitalfields Market 

It’s free if you don’t buy anything, but there's also a lot of interesting items to look at across the different market stalls, from art to vintage clothes. It’s a great location if you feel like getting out of the house to stretch your legs when the weather outside isn’t so welcoming. 

Located near Shoreditch, Old Spitalfields Market also offers delicious street food, making it a case of taking in not only the sights but also the smells.

You might see something you like, so make sure to return on another day when you want to spend money and you feel like engaging in indoor activities in London.

11. The Barbican Conservatory

The Barbican Conservatory truly brings the outdoors indoors on a rainy day with its vibrant plants and beautiful architecture. Entry is free of charge, but booking ahead is required. 

You might even consider it if you need date ideas in London, specifically indoor activities in London for couples. What's more romantic than taking shelter from the rain as you stroll through a jungle oasis?

Whether you’re in the mood for free indoor activities in London, places to go on a rainy day for adults or indoor activities in London for kids, you’re sure to find at least one thing on this list that piques your interest and suits your needs.

For even more fun things to do in London, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!