Rainfall in London is quite common throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the city!
With a vibrant history and culture uniquely its own, London, England is one of Europe’s most visited cities and a favorite spot for many international travelers. However, due to its annual percentage of heavy rainfall, both locals and tourists alike are often deterred by unexpected changes in weather.
If you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a follow-up trip, you’ll definitely want to pack a reliable umbrella in your bag to be prepared for those London thunderstorms. But don’t let a little shower stop you from exploring all that this world-famous city has to offer. Whether you’re playing games inside a café, or wandering through a hundred-year-old museum, allow London to dazzle you with its royal charm, rain or shine. Below we’ll take a look at some fun activities that can be had in England’s capital all while staying dry and warm.
Start the day off with a classic English breakfast
A staple of any great day in London is beginning with a tasty English breakfast, which is sure to start the trip off on the right foot. Sit indoors and enjoy this plate full of fried eggs, tomatoes, bacon, sausages, and bread with a side of hot coffee and you’ll be in good shape to conquer the city no matter the weather.
Some of the best spots in London for a classic English breakfast include Balthazar, Polo 24 Hour Bar, and The Breakfast Club London Bridge. If your budget allows for a more upscale experience of this national dish, try out Hawksmoor Guildhall located smack dab in the city’s center. Wherever you choose, you’ll have a piping hot plate of deliciousness waiting for you to devour.
Invite friends to play in a group game at The Poker Room
London is known for having some of the largest and most gorgeous casinos in the country. From The Empire to The London Hippodrome, the city boasts a dazzling display of elegant gaming sites. However, if you’re looking for a more casual play experience where you can practice your poker strategy or enjoy a round of blackjack with friends, London’s Poker Room is the place to be.
This modern facility is perfect for a rainy day, and with a variety of games, dining options, and seasonal events, visitors will never grow bored. If you happen to be completely new to the game, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the activity’s basic rules and strategies before diving straight in. For example, it’s worthy to know the difference in variants and types of selection available when it comes to hand rankings. That way, once you’re sitting nice and comfortably at the table, you’ll be prepared to compete in any game against both friends and strangers for a thrilling rainy-day session.
Take a walk through history at the world famous British Museum
After you’ve exercised your mind with a few rounds of poker, why not head on over to one of London’s most famous sites, the British Museum? As the world’s first public museum, there are millions of historic pieces to explore throughout art and culture. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to get a tangible sense of British history while escaping the rain.
Enjoy the expansive collection which holds dozens of notable masterpieces from the Aztec era to Ancient Egypt. Visitors can even see the ancestral Royal Game of Ur in its original form, a gameboard which dates back to 2600 BC.
Visitors and locals alike love to order a hearty English breakfast at all times of the year
Sip on coffee and play board games at Café Muse
After you’ve walked around the British Museum for hours, your feet will probably be tired and aching for a comfortable chair. Take a load off while getting a caffeine refresher from Café Muse, a contemporary spot located in Chelsea. No matter your coffee preference, they’ll have something hot waiting for you.
What’s more – since Café Muse is a board game café, you can sip on your delicious cappuccino while challenging your friends to a classic game of Monopoly or checkers. Choose from a wide selection of games, flaky croissants, and hot drinks and wait the rain out comfortably indoors.
Stroll around the covered Borough Market
If you’re not in the mood to play games or look at art, take a stroll around one of London’s oldest food markets, Borough Market. Thankfully its covered so you won’t even need to bring along your umbrella and can casually browse through a wide variety of artisan culinary selections. With a history dating back to the year 1014, Borough Market boasts both local and international food and is aesthetically pleasing in terms of architecture and layout.