If you’ve planned a trip to London, you should prepare yourself for the fact that at some point during your stay, you will inevitably experience rain. Don’t let the weather keep you from seeing and experiencing all that London has to offer. These four activities are ideal for London travel when the weather is gloomy and uncooperative.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is an ideal choice for a rainy day outing. The museum is located right off of the tube, so you won’t have to spend much time walking around outside in the rain. There’s a full-day’s worth of activity for children and adults alike, including (my favorites) the dinosaur exhibit, a hands-on bug exploration room, and a large cafeteria to eat a meal. The museum can be crowded, so arrive early and don’t be surprised if there’s a bit of a line to get in. However, once you’re in, there’s usually plenty of room to walk about and explore all that the museum has to offer.
Tate Modern
Located along the river in London, Tate Modern is an art museum specializing in modern and contemporary art. Admission to the museum is free, and it offers a ton for children and adults to see and do. Often, the museum offers hands-on art experiences called “Open Session” for children and their parents. Visit the Interactive Zone for a more up-close and personal look at the museum, or simply walk through the collections and displays for a taste of some modern art.
Kensington Palace
For many travelers, a trip to Kensington Palace tops their list, no matter the weather. Luckily, much of this Royal Palace can be explored rain or shine, making it an ideal destination for a rainy London day. Unfortunately, construction and renovations are currently underway at Kensington Palace until March 2012. However, a modified tour of the palace is still available for visitors, allowing you access to the “Enchanted Palace” in the state apartments. Kensington Palace can be reached via train, bus, or car, which gives travelers options when planning their journey.
Westminster Abbey
Like much of Kensington Palace, you don’t need a sunny day to explore Westminster Abbey. The abbey is open to tourists during the week and on Saturday, not to interfere with Sunday worship. Visit this historic site, where royalty is laid to rest, coronations occur, and most recently, where Prince William (future King of England) was wed to Kate Middleton. No visit to London would be complete without a trip to Westminster Abbey, regardless of the weather.
Don’t let the weather keep you in your hotel room. In fact, many of London’s best sites are feasible in rain or shine.