10 Best Things to Do when it's Raining in London

London is famed for its vast array of esteemed museums. Visit The British Museum in Bloomsbury to discover a treasure trove of curiosities including ancient Egyptian mummies, Nigerian brass heads and colourful medicine masks from the Native American Tlingit tribe. Be dazzled by the Crown Jewels at the notorious Tower of London, or study 80 million specimens at the Natural History Museum. Budding astronomers should visit the Royal Observatory in Greenwich to see giant telescopes and compelling hands-on exhibits.

Alternatively, art aficionados can immerse themselves in London’s world-class galleries which display venerated old masters and cutting-edge icons. Swing by the V&A for a flamboyant collection of fashion and textiles or get your fine-art fix at the Tate Modern.

One of London’s most venerated landmarks, Westminster Abbey draws visitors from across the world thanks to its close ties with the British Royal Family. 40 monarchs have been coronated here including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty King Charles III, while Prince William and Catherine Middleton were wed inside its beautifully ornate interior.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey was founded by Benedictine monks in 960AD and boasts innumerable Geometric Gothic features including an 11-bay nave, radiating chapels, flying buttresses, elaborately carved tympanum, kaleidoscopic fan vault ceilings and glittering stained glass windows. Grab a bite to eat at the Cellarium Café before taking a guided tour with a knowledgeable verger.

Tate Britain is a cultural stalwart that focuses on national art from the 16th century to the present day, as well as international and contemporary works. Dating back to 1897, the gallery is housed in a spectacular Neo-Classical building that features a grand porticoed entry and a central dome.

Inside, peruse the world’s largest collection of works by J. M. W. Turner (English Romantic painter and watercolourist), Pre-Raphaelite masterworks such as Ophelia by John Everett Millais and important pieces by William Blake, John Singer Sargent, Tracey Emin and David Hockney. The Djanogly Café serves an enticing selection of sandwiches, baked goods and loose-leaf teas, as well as their own aromatic coffee that’s roasted in a World War II Nissen Hut.

For all things seafaring, swing by the HMS Belfast: a jaw-dropping light cruiser warship that was built for the Royal Navy. Permanently moored on the River Thames, this epic London attraction offers visitors the chance to climb up and down its many ladders to visit each of its 9 decks.

Learn about the vessel’s colourful history (from firing shots on D-Day to sailing the icy Arctic circle) or visit the brand-new World of Warships room which offers free interactive gaming. While you’re aboard, sit in the Captain’s Chair, test your navigation skills as you steer the ship or visit the Stokers Café for ice cream and pastries.

A quintessential British pastime, indulging in afternoon tea is the perfect rainy-day activity. You can enjoy delectable baked goods in many London locations. Enjoy afternoon tea with unparalleled views of the glamorous skyline Oblix at the Shard. The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason is renowned for its warm, home-baked scones with jam and clotted cream. The Wolseley serves deluxe assorted finger sandwiches and ice-cold fizz in lavish chandeliered interiors.

For something a little out of the ordinary, try Brigit's Bakery & Afternoon Tea – a chic London gastro tour aboard a double-decker bus. While taking in iconic sites like Hyde Park, Marble Arch and Big Ben, you’ll enjoy savoury muffins, miniature quiches and scrumptious cakes and tarts.

The beating heart of British politics, London’s stately Palace of Westminster is home to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. A hotbed of heated debates, questions and bills, its glorious Gothic Revival architecture is reason to visit alone.

A guided tour will allow you a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the inner workings of this secretive UNESCO locale which features a labyrinth of elongated corridors, ornately decorated foyers and baroque committee rooms showcasing prized oil paintings, panelled ceilings and furniture designed by Augustus Pugin. Afterwards, stop by the Jubilee Café next to Westminster Hall for coffee, cake, pastries and paninis.

Situated on Level 3 of the Barbican Centre (a brutalist architectural gem), the Barbican Conservatory offers a leafy and tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of inner London. Boasting an immense glass roof, this urban rainforest houses approximately 1,800 species of plants, some of which are rare and endangered.

Walk the pathways and wooden bridges to admire exotic flora and fauna such as banana palms, monstera, flowering cacti, fishponds filled with Japanese koi carp and a family of resident terrapins. The venue also hosts installations and events by visiting artists like nature-inspired sculptures by Ranjani Shettar.

Located on bustling Southbank, London Dungeon is a spooky entertainment haunt that serves up spine-tingling experiences. Inside, you’ll descend into the bowels of the capital in a medieval lift to an atmospheric soundtrack of grinding cogs and chains.

Take the Tyrant Boat Ride along dark and choppy waters or enter a rat-infested tunnel to meet the infamous Guy Fawkes, the mastermind behind Britain’s 17th-century gunpowder plot. Inside the Torture Chamber, you’ll scream in horror at The Pear of Anguish and the Chappy Chopper contraption while learning about crime and punishment in the 1600s.

For a fun-filled family day out, head to Clip & Climb London, an all-weather playground that features over 20 individual and multi-climber wall challenges of differing designs and difficulties. No climbing experience is necessary here because full training is provided.

Parents can chill out in the on-site Gallery Café while the kids run amok, scaling the mammoth multi-coloured walls. Clip & Climb also features a trio of hair-raising attractions including the Stairway to Heaven, the Leap of Faith and the ever-popular Drop Slide.

London’s West End is a glamorous, world-famous theatre district that’s jam-packed with show-stopping musicals, award-winning plays and eclectic international cuisine. On its neon-lit streets, you’ll find an array of iconic theatres including the London Palladium, the Apollo Theatre, the Lyceum and Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Couples can head to the West End on date night to catch long-running shows like Les Misérables, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera or The Book of Mormon. Alternatively, take the whole family for a night on the town to see Wicked, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Stranger Things or Frozen.