The 10 best free things to do indoors in London you need to experience at least once
With London’s unpredictable weather, getting caught in a sudden downpour with no umbrella on our way home is inevitable. And while we wait for the rain to pass, sometimes we wish there was something fun we could do.
On the bright side, the city is packed with incredible indoor activities that won’t cost you a penny. Whether you’re a history buff or a family of art lovers, there’s no shortage of fascinating places to explore while staying warm and dry.
So, seek shelter from the rain and check out our list of the best free indoor activities in London. You’ll want to experience each one at least once!
1. Explore the British Museum
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Website: https://www.britishmuseum.org/
Address: Bloomsbury, London
Contact details: +44 20 7323 8299
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM
- Friday – 10 AM – 8:30 PM
The British Museum is a must-visit, especially if you’re curious about global history, as it houses thousands of historical artifacts. From ancient Egyptian relics to Greek and Roman sculptures, each display tells a story spanning thousands of years.
Among its ancient Egyptian exhibits are the Egyptian Mummies and the Rosetta Stone. With such a vast and varied collection, history lovers could spend an entire day here for free!
Pro tip:
To enjoy a quieter experience, it’s best to arrive right at opening time (10:00 AM) or even a few minutes before. And be sure to visit the museum’s breathtaking Great Court, which makes for a perfect spot to pause and take it all in.
2. Discover masterpieces at The National Gallery
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Website: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/
Address: Trafalgar Square, London
Contact details: +44 20 7747 2885
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM
- Friday – 10 AM – 9 PM
The National Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers looking to explore masterpieces for free. Featuring iconic works by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt, it boasts some of London’s most remarkable art exhibitions.
The gallery also offers rotating exhibitions and free guided tours, making it an always refreshing experience.
Pro tip:
Download The National Gallery’s app for audio guides to help you dive deeper into the stories behind the masterpieces. Also, don’t miss the Turner and Van Gogh rooms, where you’ll find iconic works like Gogh’s Sunflowers and Turner’s stunning landscapes.
3. Experience contemporary art at the Tate Modern
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Website: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern
Address: Bankside, London
Contact details: +44 20 7887 8888
Operating hours: Everyday – 10 AM – 6 PM
London’s premier destination for modern and contemporary art, Tate Modern showcases works from renowned and emerging artists. Most exhibitions don’t require a fee to enter, so you can simply get lost inside on a rainy day, enjoying world-class art without the hassle of planning.
You can expect to see everything from abstract paintings to thought-provoking installations and immersive exhibits.
Pro tip:
For one of the best (and free) views of London, head to the Blavatnik Building’s top floor. Here, you’ll get to see a panoramic view of the Thames and London’s skyline—a perfect spot for a quick break between art appreciation.
4. Engage with innovation at the Science Museum
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Website: https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/
Address: South Kensington, London
Contact details: +44 330 058 0058
Operating hours: Everyday – 10 AM – 6 PM
The Science Museum is an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. It features interactive displays, historical inventions, and the IMAX cinema (which comes with an additional charge).
Whether you’re interested in space or physics, this museum brings science to life in a fun and engaging way.
We’re pretty sure your kids will love the Wonderlab. Here, they can interact with displays and dive into hands-on activities.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for free weekend events! Check their website regularly for the latest activities and schedules.
5. Uncover London’s history at the Museum of London
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Website: https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/docklands/
Address: Docklands, London
Contact details: +44 20 7001 9844
Operating hours: Everyday – 10 AM – 5 PM
Housed in a historic Canary Wharf warehouse, the Museum of London Docklands gives you a look at how the River Thames shaped the city. A standout attraction is Sailortown, a dimly lit, immersive recreation of a 19th-century dockside neighborhood.
The museum also tackles London’s darker past, with the Sugar & Slavery gallery. Meanwhile, the World War II and the Blitz exhibit shares gripping firsthand accounts of how the docks became a target during the war.
There’s something for kids, too—the interactive Mudlarks Gallery that features hands-on activities. Best of all, admission is completely free, making it an easy stop on any London rainy day itinerary.
Pro tip:
After your visit, take a stroll along West India Quay to explore the historic docks. You can also unwind with a meal or coffee while soaking in the maritime atmosphere at one of the waterfront restaurants.
6. Dive into science and medicine at The Wellcome Collection
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Website: https://wellcomecollection.org/
Address: Euston, London
Contact details: +44 20 7611 2222
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM – 8 PM
The Wellcome Collection explores everything from medical history to contemporary health issues through creative and quirky exhibits.
The Medicine Man gallery is particularly intriguing, as it features oddities like Napoleon’s toothbrush and ancient anatomical models. There’s also the Wellcome Library, which offers an extensive collection of medical and scientific literature.
Pro tip:
Visit the Reading Room for a quiet space to browse unique medical books and artifacts. With comfortable seating and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s an ideal hideaway from the crowd to pause and reflect.
7. Wander through the Barbican Conservatory
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Website: https://www.barbican.org.uk/
Address: Barbican, London
Contact details: +44 20 7870 2500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM – 11 PM
The Barbican Conservatory is home to over 1,500 species of exotic plants, trees, and even koi ponds. It’s a great place to take refuge on a rainy day, surrounded by greenery and a serene atmosphere.
By the end of your exploration, one thing’s for sure—you’re in for a refreshing mood boost amid the gloomy weather.
Pro tip:
Keep in mind that the conservatory is only open on select days. You can check the schedules in advance and book your free tickets here.
8. Step inside the Sir John Soane’s Museum
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Website: https://www.soane.org/
Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
Contact details: +44 20 7405 2107
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM
Once the home of the architect Sir John Soane, this museum preserves his eclectic collection of art, antiquities, and curiosities.
Two of the biggest showstoppers are the Egyptian sarcophagus and a collection of Hogarth paintings depicting 18th-century London life. You’ll experience them up close in an intimate, almost dreamlike setting.
Truly, the museum is one of the most unique museums in London. Best of all, it’s a free art museum, so it’s an easy, no-pressure way to step back in time and experience history as Soane intended.
Pro tip:
Arrive early! Due to its compact and uniquely designed space, the museum can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
9. Stroll through the Leadenhall Market
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Website: https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk/
Address: Gracechurch St, City of London
Contact details: +44 20 7606 3030
Operating hours: 24/7
Dating back to the 14th century, Leadenhall Market is a historic covered market in the heart of London.
Aside from its Victorian architectural beauty, the market is known for its specialty shops and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you might recognize it as a filming location—it was used as the entrance to Diagon Alley!
The best part? Visiting is completely free, so you can soak in the history and snap some great photos while enjoying the experience.
Pro tip:
It’s ideal for a quiet afternoon and is close to many other city landmarks, like the Tower of London and Sky Garden, so you can make a whole day of exploring!
10. Enjoy live music at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church
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Website: https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/
Address: Trafalgar Sq, London
Contact details: +44 20 7766 1100
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday – 9 AM – 5 PM
- Wednesday – 9 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM – 5 PM
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church is a historic church that stands at Trafalgar Square. Its beautiful Georgian architecture and peaceful ambiance make it a place where history, culture, and music come together.
The church is famous for its free lunchtime classical concerts, where talented musicians perform in an intimate and acoustically rich setting. So if you’re a music lover, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
But music isn’t the only reason to visit—step into the church’s Crypt Café, a unique underground space where you can enjoy a warm meal or a cup of coffee beneath historic stone arches. The crypt also doubles as a venue for jazz nights and special events.
Pro tip:
Check the church’s event schedule here to catch a concert or special performance during your visit. But even if there’s no event, this can also be your space to take a quiet break surrounded by art, music, and history.