In a city where rain clouds often threaten our outdoor plans, it’s time to unveil the hidden gems of indoor amusement that this vibrant metropolis has to offer. Brace yourself for a journey through our team’s list of top free indoor activities in London!
Marvel at the British Museum’s treasures
–Media from britishmuseum
Website: www.britishmuseum.org
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 7323 8299
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Picture this: you find yourself surrounded by ancient wonders, a treasure trove of artefacts that could rival even the most epic Marvel movie. That’s the British Museum in a nutshell.
Prepare to be whisked away on a whirlwind journey across continents and epochs, as you meander through the galleries. From the enigmatic Rosetta Stone to the magnificent Elgin Marbles, every step you take immerses you deeper into the annals of human civilization.
You’ll feel like an intrepid explorer, unearthing the stories of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and countless other cultures that have shaped our world.
| Pro tip: Set your alarm clock a tad earlier and arrive at the museum just as it opens its doors. Weekday mornings are often less crowded, allowing you to roam freely, uninterrupted by the hustle and bustle. |
Wander around the Covent Garden Market
–Media from lukestortillachips
Website: www.coventgarden.london.
Address: Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 7836 9136
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Covent Garden Market isn’t just your ordinary shopping hub. It’s a kaleidoscope of artistic expression, a hub of creativity, and a stage for London’s finest talents.
From street magicians who can make your jaw drop to talented musicians who can transport you to a different realm with a single note, every corner is brimming with entertainment that will leave you awestruck.
And let’s not forget the vibrant energy that permeates the air. It’s a hub of social interaction, a place where locals and tourists come together, their paths intertwining in a dance of serendipity.
| Pro tip: Covent Garden’s melodious secret lies in its street performers. Remember that in the spirit of appreciation, a tip or two to support their art won’t go amiss. |
Explore the labyrinthine books at the British Library
–Media from britishlibrary
Website: https://www.bl.uk/
Address: 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 7412 7000
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 9:30 AM to 8 PM
- Friday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
You’ll feel like a kid in a candy shop in this library, but instead of gobstoppers and lollipops, you’ll be surrounded by rare manuscripts, ancient scrolls, and original works by literary legends.
You can wander around the library, stumble upon an obscure book that catches your fancy, and suddenly find yourself diving headfirst into a captivating world you never knew existed.
Oh, and did I mention the glorious architecture? The British Library is housed in a building that could rival Hogwarts.
It’s a feast for the eyes, with its grandiose design and enough nooks and crannies to hide a mischievous imp or two.
| Pro tip: Before your visit, identify the specific books, manuscripts, or materials you are interested in exploring. Use the British Library’s online catalogue, called Explore, to search for titles, authors, subjects, or keywords. It’s easier than trying to search through 150 million books manually! |
Enjoy live music at the Southbank Centre’s free concerts
–Media from southbankcentre
Website: https://www.bl.uk/
Address: Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 3879 9555
Operating hours: Can vary depending on the events and performances
The Southbank Centre, with its buzzing atmosphere and musical delights, is like a lively carnival that goes both indoors and outdoors.
When you step into the Southbank Centre, you’ll find yourself in a sprawling complex with various venues and performance spaces.
These indoor areas are where the magic truly happens. The acoustically marvellous concert halls and theatres are like cosy cocoons of sound, ready to whisk you away to musical wonderlands.
| Pro tip: The centre often has free events – check here to see what they have going on. The Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room, and Royal Festival Hall in the centre are some of the venues that regularly host free concerts. |
Attend a free comedy show at the Angel Comedy Club
–Media from angelcomedy
Website: https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/
Address: The Bill Murray, 39 Queen’s Head Street, London N1 8NQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours: Can vary depending on the events and performances
The Angel Comedy Club, nestled in the heart of Islington, is like a cosy living room where laughter reigns supreme.
Picture yourself snuggled up in a dimly lit space, sipping on your pint of liquid courage, surrounded by fellow merrymakers who are ready to laugh till their sides ache.
It’s like a secret society of giggles, where all you need is a sense of humour and a willingness to let loose.
Plus, the talent on display is top-notch, my friend. From fresh-faced up-and-comers to seasoned comedy veterans, the Angel Comedy Club is a breeding ground for comedic brilliance.
| Pro tip: Try sticking around after the show! Yes, you heard me right. The fun doesn’t stop when the laughter subsides. The Angel Comedy Club has a buzzing social scene. It’s a chance to meet the comedic geniuses behind the mic, swap jokes, and bask in the shared joy of a night well spent. |
Embark on a historical journey at the Churchill War Rooms
-Media from mriam_m_a
Website: https://www.angelcomedy.co.uk/
Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 7416 5000
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
These underground chambers were the nerve centre of Britain’s wartime operations, where Winston Churchill and his merry band of stalwart folks plotted, planned, and puffed on cigars while Hitler was throwing his toys out of the pram.
As you venture deeper into the War Rooms, you can practically hear the echoes of Churchill’s booming voice reverberating through the walls.
Plus, The War Rooms offer a glimpse into the grit and determination of a nation at war. It’s a chance to witness firsthand the weight of history and the bravery of those who fought against the odds.
| Pro tip: Be sure to grab one of those audio guides. They’re like having your very own Churchill-loving tour guide in your pocket. |
Capture moments at The Photographers’ Gallery
–Media from thephotographersgallery
Website: https://thephotographersgallery.org.uk/
Address: 16-18 Ramillies Street, W1F 7LW London, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 7831 1772
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
The beauty of this place is that it’s not just about gazing at photographs as if you’re a nodding dog in the back of a taxi. The Photographers’ Gallery invites you to get up close and personal with the art.
And if you’re a budding photographer with dreams of making it big, this place is a haven for you. The gallery hosts workshops, talks, and exhibitions that will inspire you to push the boundaries of your creativity.
| Pro tip: Strike up a conversation with fellow photography enthusiasts, swap tips and tricks, and soak in the collective creative energy that fills the air. Who knows, you might just stumble upon a kindred spirit who shares your passion for freezing time and capturing those extraordinary slices of life. |
Step into the architectural world at Sir John Soane’s Museum
–Media from soanemuseum
Website: https://www.soane.org/
Address: 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Holborn, London WC2A 3LZ, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 7405 2107
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
Sir John Soane’s Museum is a treasure trove of architectural wonders that’ll make your jaw drop faster than a Londoner spotting an empty seat on the Underground.
The best part? It’s not just about the architecture. Sir John Soane’s collection of curiosities is as eclectic as a street market in Camden.
From ancient artefacts to whimsical sculptures, every nook and cranny is filled with eye-catching treasures that’ll transport you to a different era.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget the pièce de résistance – the Picture Room! Prepare to be visually assaulted in the best way possible as you feast your eyes upon a mind-boggling arrangement of paintings covering every inch of wall space. |
Explore the mind-bending Wellcome Collection
–Media from wellcomecollection
Website: https://wellcomecollection.org/
Address: 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 (0) 20 7611 2222
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
This place is a wild ride through the weird and wonderful realms of science, medicine, and human existence. It’s like stepping into a dimension where minds are blown, jaws drop, and eyebrows are raised higher than the Shard on a foggy morning.
Plus, the Wellcome Collection delves into the rich tapestry of human experience, from the fascinating history of medicine to the complexities of identity and society.
It’s a place where you can ponder the intricacies of life, question the status quo, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of our existence.
| Pro tip: Keep an open mind and allow yourself to be captivated by the unexpected twists and turns of knowledge. Explore the interactive exhibits, and lose yourself in the thought-provoking artworks, |
