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 it's ready to keep the show going with museums, escape rooms and visits to its major landmarks. Take advantage of the best things to see and do in London indoors such as attending a musical tribute show or enjoying tea time in the cafes, hotels and tour buses.

This situation is the perfect excuse to also have fun at themed places such as Shrek's Adventure, Harry Potter Park and Madame Tussauds Museum. The Changing of the Guard is a traditional ceremony that takes place even when the weather conditions are not so favourable. Here is a list of all the things you can do!

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

Inside you can see the State Rooms and discover some of the royal common areas. 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 late Queen's horses are kept.

If your trip coincides with a month when it is closed, you can still enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It's an iconic activity that takes place every day in summer and every other day in winter, even on rainy days in London. You'll see a colourful parade with military marches and red uniforms, but if the rain intensifies it may be a simpler spectacle.

Get your wand ready 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, as most of the attractions are covered and take you through the studios where there are real objects and scenery.

Immerse yourself in the "behind the scenes" and experience close-up environments such as the Hogwarts Great Dining Hall, 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 fun day out and some tickets can include transfers.

Another highlight is the Harry Potter locations in London which encompasses 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're visiting London you should consider buying tickets for the Harry Potter Studios Park in advance to plan how to get there and secure your 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 costumes andprops used in the film.
• Special Effects and Animatronics, a wing explaining how the visual effects were realised.

And don't forget to try the Butterbeer, a curious drink that became popular after the saga.

Although tickets may sell out, you can always opt to resell tickets for the park

London' s best museums await you on a rainy day so you don't have to stay in your hotel. The British Museum is one of my favourite choices because it is free and has 8 million objects about the history of mankind and the evolution of the city. On the tour you'll see Egyptian mummies and hieroglyphics, Polynesian statues, ancient texts and medieval chess pieces.

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

Hopping on one of London' s best sightseeing buses on a rainy day can be a great way to stay on the road and still 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).

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

A teatime bus tour is a great way to get a taste of London's culture, food and architecture while sampling local 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's a worldwide chain that fuses fact with fiction, as you can have your photo taken with your favourite celebrities who are immortalised 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 including an epic Marvel-style battle and Spirit of London Ride

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

• Awards Party: film idols such as Audrey Hepburn.
• Fashion Runway: fashion trendsetters such as Kendall Jenner.
• Culture Capital: iconic figures who grew up in the city, such as Princess Diana.
• Impossible Festival: for music fans of singers like Béyonce.
• The Royal Palace: figures from the monarchy and a complimentary cup of tea included with your ticket.

A rainy day is no excuse for missing out on the city's major landmarks. In fact, you should consider booking tickets for the Tower of London, as it is a landmark 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 chance to see the crown jewels.

Inside are ancient crowns and you can hear stories of the coronations of monarchs from all eras. 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 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 organise 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 in 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 treasure hunt.

Fun is a never-ending resource in London. Proof of this is that you can visit Shrek's Adventure to share experiences with cinema's most beloved ogre. This theme park offers fun for the whole family, with characters from the film such as Donkey, Fiona and Puss in Boots lurking in the indoor facilities. It's definitely one of the best tickets in London with over 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 horror you might consider buying tickets to London Dungeon. The exhibits recreate real-life creepy scenarios and are known as The Dungeon.

It's generally an interactive experience that will bring out a few screams of terror, as there are actors recreating historical events such as the rotting of the Great Plague and the Great Fire of 1666. Overall, it has around 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 behaviour" that were linked 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 Jack the Ripper: you will follow the serial killer who scarred London into the depths of a mysterious alleyway.

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 to Sea Life. It's the London Aquarium and for rainy days it's great because you can get to know the aquatic world without even leaving the comfort of its roofed spaces.

In the building you will find 14 themed rooms and approximately 50 exhibitions that will not leave you indifferent. It offers unique experiences that stand out:

• Snorkelling with sharks.
• Interact with penguins.
• Walk through 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 area, which is packed with theatres. The shows combine dance, drama and music, and there are even hologram experiences where you'll feel like you're right 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 characterised by their high quality.

Some of the best musical shows in London's West End include:

• Mamma Mia: a joyous show that will transport you to Greece with costumes, sets 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 tells the adventures of a peculiar ghost.
• Les Miserables: a favourite and tells the story of an ex-convict seeking redemption in 19th century France.
• Lion King: ideal for children and inspired by the heartwarming Disney film.
• Abba Voyage: a concert that immortalises the members of Abba and their greatest hits through simulation and holograms.

We've all heard 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 dating 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 traditional 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 which have a dress code.

There are also places like The Orangery opposite Kensington Palace where you'll overlook the gardens and enjoy a lovely atmosphere. Some of the best food tours in London focus on this experience and allow you to discover British hospitality and lifestyle.