London Tips for Bad Weather Visits

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rainy day London

Whilst the “rain in Spain falls mainly on the plane”, London is quite the opposite when it comes to tourists in the city. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or the depths of winter, you’ll most likely see a little temperamental weather plaguing at least one day of your trip. This can come as a disappointment, especially if you’ve been planning on some outdoor activities during your stay at the Park Grand London Hyde Park. London is, after all, technically a forest. With at least 20 per cent of the city covered in grass or trees, there are a surprising number of green spaces and forests to explore throughout the boroughs of London.

That being said, London is the perfect city for all-weather potentials, with outdoor and indoor activities to enjoy, there will always be a plan B for your sunny day out. Below are just some of the activities, events and places you can visit that will enrich your London stay without getting drenched by storms, rain or hail. It’s no doubt that the UK capital is the perfect tourist city, come rain or shine.

Barbican Centre

Barbican art gallery

The Barbican Centre is one of the most important arts institutes in Europe and with its hall having one of the largest concert capacities in Europe (just under 2000 people) it’s become a must-visit for East London culture connoisseurs. With an eclectic annual programme spanning dance, classical, pop music, theatre and art exhibitions, the variety of venues within the Barbican Centre’s labyrinthian brutalist structure bring in some of the best international creatives in the world.

BFI

The British Film Insitute is the perfect antidote to a rainy day on the South Bank. With a varied programme of new films, hidden gems and international favourites, the BFI promises a range of exciting films, festivals and talks that celebrates international cinema in all its guises. Furthermore, if bad weather interrupts your walk along the South Bank, you can seek refuge in the glitzy BFI bar or indeed the BFI Archives, where visitors can enjoy and explore thousands of movies and short films for free.

National Theatre

National Gallery

With two different theatres, matinee performances and a buzzing theatre bar called the Understudy, guests at the Park Grand London Hotel who are visiting the South Bank can enjoy a variety of plays and even a cafe inside the famous National Theatre. This striking concrete structure even has an exhibition space on its top floor, where you can explore and learn about the many costumes and sets that are designed for the National Theatre’s often visually striking performances.

Museum Row

Close to the Kensington Park Grand branch of book now pay later hotels, Museum Row is the informal name given to the three historic museums in South Kensington. Comprising of the Victoria and Albert Museum of Design, Science Museum and Natural History Museum, the trio comprises of three expansive institutions with permanent exhibitions that are completely free to visit. Learn about long-extinct animals, the human body and ancient artworks, all while the rain pours on the streets outside.

London Galleries

The London Galleries across the city provide a range of historic works from many different artists. From the Tate Modern to the National Gallery, the mix of modern, contemporary and classical are well worth a visit on a rainy day. With many of the best art galleries in London being free to visit, there’s more than enough to fill a rainy day in London.

Sky Garden

sky garden

Based at Number 20 Fenchurch Street, or as it’s informally known, the Walkie Talkie building, the Sky Garden is the perfect way to get some fresh air without facing the chilly winds of London. Open to the public all week at designated times in the afternoon, the Sky Garden provides 3 floors of beautiful botanic gardens and cafes, all with a tremendous view over the London cityscape from the heights of its London Bridge locale.

Indoor Markets of London

Whilst markets such as Portobello Road and Camden provide the best of both worlds, there are still plenty of areas where you can purchase souvenirs and goodies without getting rained on. With the sheltered Borough Market having its own roof and Spitalfields being one of the most historic indoor markets, you’ll be able to enjoy street food, arts and crafts stalls and much more from within the heart of the city.

Afternoon Tea

chocolate afternoon tea

Pair refreshing British traditions with some shelter from the storm, and book a table for the Park Grand Paddington Court afternoon tea deals. With a fine selection of teas, snacks and historic hotel interiors to enjoy, pick your afternoon tea menu and watch the clouds part from our cosy tea rooms.

Bounce

With venues in Shoreditch and Farringdon, Bounce is an indoor bar and nightclub that pairs Friday night fun with ping pong tables. With such a simple cocktail, you’re bound to have fun in this vivid and cheerful bar. With round-robin table games and competitions, this is a sociable way to enjoy your favourite tabletop sport, all with a fine selection of craft beers and cocktails.

Plonk

Another sporting gem with venues across West and East London, Plonk is an indoor crazy golf park that yet again provides a sport usually played outside but from within the confines of an atmospheric labyrinth of blacklight and neon. The perfect rainy-day solution to stag or hen dos, Plonk is available in both Camden and Shoreditch.

Flight Club

Finishing the novelty bar and sports trio, Flight Club is a sociable darts-based bar with venues in Victoria, Shoreditch and Bloomsbury. With a variety of group games to play, Flight Club’s stylish and often grand interiors are backed up by a team of flight attendants who help your night out to run as smoothly as possible.

London Dungeons

The London Dungeons have recently relocated to the South Bank, and provide a spine-chilling solution to rainy day education. With interactive exhibits exploring the more grisly side of London’s history, you’ll be led through rides, riddles and real-life actors on your journey through London’s dark past.

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