Experiences
The 6 Best Indoor Activities in London
Museums, mini golf, ping pong and an aquarium: the best things to do in London when it rains.
In short: our top picks are Natural History Museum, Puttshack and Swingers West End. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London does rain often enough that knowing the best indoor activities is a genuine life skill. The great free museums are the obvious move, but the city also does competitive socialising better than anywhere, from tech-enhanced mini golf to social ping pong and shuffleboard. Add an aquarium and a few galleries and a washout becomes a good day out. Book the busier venues ahead, since everyone has the same idea when the forecast turns.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Natural History Museum | South Kensington |
| Puttshack | Bank |
| Swingers West End | West End |
| Bounce | Holborn |
| Electric Shuffle | London Bridge |
| Sea Life London Aquarium | South Bank |
-
Editor’s choice
Natural History Museum
Why we pick itDinosaurs and the blue whale under one grand roof, the best free indoor day in the city.
free museum
-
Puttshack
Why we pick itHigh-tech indoor mini golf with tracked balls and cocktails, made for a rainy afternoon.
tech mini golf
-
Swingers West End
Why we pick itTwo indoor crazy-golf courses with street food and cocktails, a reliable escape from the weather.
indoor crazy golf
-
Bounce
Why we pick itPing pong, pizza and prosecco in a lively Holborn hall, all under cover.
social ping pong
-
Electric Shuffle
Why we pick itInteractive shuffleboard with pizza and cocktails, great for when the skies open.
shuffleboard
-
Sea Life London Aquarium
Why we pick itSharks, rays and a walk-through tunnel on the South Bank, a classic wet-weather day out.
aquarium
Before you book
The free museums are walk-in but get busy on wet weekends, so go early. The activity bars, mini golf, ping pong and shuffleboard, take bookings and fill fast when it rains, so reserve ahead. Most of these are central and Tube-connected, so you can hop between them without going back outside for long.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Natural History Museum is our editor's choice: Dinosaurs and the blue whale under one grand roof, the best free indoor day in the city. Natural History Museum, Puttshack and Swingers West End lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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