Amazing Indoor Activities in London For Friends and Families

London is packed with fantastic indoor activities, whether you’re dodging the rain or just looking for something different. From world-class museums and historic landmarks to thrilling escape rooms, immersive arcades, and even go-karting. There’s something for everyone. 

We’ve put together this guide, ranging from world-famous to hidden gems, with options perfect for the whole family or for groups of friends. Whether you live in London or are visiting for the day there’s a wealth of fantastic experiences awaiting you.

Check Out a Museum

Whether you’re uncovering ancient treasures, exploring the wonders of the natural world, or diving into the city’s transport history, there’s something for everyone in London’s renowned museums. Even better, many of them are free to enter. Here are our picks for the best museums in London:

• British Museum (Free): Home to a vast collection of artefacts from around the world, including from ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. A must for history lovers.
• Victoria & Albert Museum (Free): The world’s leading museum of art, design, and fashion, featuring everything from medieval treasures to modern couture.
• Natural History Museum (Free): Famous for its stunning architecture, dinosaur skeletons, and interactive exhibits, the Natural History Museum is a top choice for families.
• Imperial War Museum. (Free): A gripping look at wartime history, from WWI to modern conflicts, with a range of tanks, planes, and uniforms on display.
• Science Museum (Free): Ideal for families, with hands-on exhibits, space exploration displays, and an interactive Wonderlab for kids. The Science Museum is also home to an Imax cinema playing a range of educational and entertainment films.
• London Transport Museum (Paid): Explore the history of London’s iconic transport system, from vintage buses to the earliest underground trains. They also offer Hidden London tours of disused tube stations.
• The Postal Museum (Paid): Discover the fascinating story of Britain’s postal system, including a ride on the underground Mail Rail.

Escape Rooms

If you’re looking for an exciting, interactive indoor activity in London, escape rooms are the perfect choice for both friends and families. They offer a unique blend of teamwork, problem-solving, and immersive storytelling, all while racing against time!

At Enigma Quests, we take escape rooms to the next level with highly detailed environments, creative puzzles, and gripping storylines. With two locations in Shoreditch and Holborn, we offer six thrilling experiences for groups of 2-5 players.

Shoreditch Escape Rooms:

• The Million Pound Heist: Your team of elite agents must crack a high-security vault and steal as much money as possible from a dangerous criminal gang. Only the best teams escape with the full million!
• Submarine: Mission WaveBreak: A rogue submarine threatens global security, and only your team can infiltrate the vessel and prevent disaster. Navigate the subs’ rooms and solve complex challenges in your desperate quest to save the world.
• The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Enter a magical world where you must prove your spell-casting skills, uncover hidden secrets, and complete your wizarding exams.

Holborn Escape Rooms (Opening Spring 2025):

• World of Witchcraft and Wizardry: A thrilling recruitment process awaits in this magical escape room. Solve puzzles, uncover clues, and follow the captivating story from inside a wizard’s study to the unknown beyond.
• The Billion Pound Heist: Art crime meets high-tech deception. Your mission? Infiltrate a swanky London gallery, outsmart a villainous crime syndicate, and take down their digital art forgery empire.
• Inventor’s Odyssey Through Time: A whimsical time-travel adventure inspired by classic sci-fi films. Jump through different eras, solve mind-bending puzzles, and uncover the secrets of a brilliant inventor.

Discover London’s Stunning Art Galleries

Whether you prefer classical masterpieces or cutting-edge contemporary works, London’s art galleries contain some of the most famous paintings in the world. Many of the best galleries are also free to enter. For a fantastic indoor experience in London, we recommend the following:

• The National Gallery (Free): A treasure trove of masterpieces, featuring works by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Turner, and more in the heart of Trafalgar Square.
• Tate Modern (Free): A must-visit for modern art lovers, showcasing bold and thought-provoking works inside a former power station. The Tate Modern also hosts stunning new sculptures within its massive Turbine Hall.
• National Portrait Gallery (Free): Recently reopened, this gallery celebrates famous figures from British history through stunning portraiture.
• Frameless (Paid): An immersive, digital art experience that brings famous paintings to life through stunning projections and soundscapes.

Escape Arcade™

If you love indoor games, competition, and fast-paced fun, then the brand-new Escape Arcade™ in Holborn is the perfect activity for you! Unlike traditional escape rooms, this unique experience features 30 different micro-challenges, each hidden behind identical doors, ready to test your teamwork, skill, and strategy.

Perfect for groups of friends or families, Escape Arcade™ offers a mix of physical, mental, and skill-based challenges that take just a few minutes each – meaning you can try a huge variety of games in a single session. Whether you’re solving puzzles, testing your reflexes, or working together under pressure, you’ll be racking up points and climbing the leaderboard using a high-tech scoring system.

With a fully stocked bar on-site, you can celebrate your wins (or plot your next attempt) over a signature cocktail (or mocktail) after your session. Whether you’re here for casual fun or serious competition, Escape Arcade™ is a brand-new, must-try experience in London. Book your ticket today.

Visit an Indoor Market

If you’re looking for a mix of shopping, street food, and culture, London’s covered markets are a fantastic indoor activity – perfect for exploring on a rainy day. From artisan stalls to vintage finds and gourmet bites, there’s something for everyone:

• Greenwich Market: A historic market packed with independent traders selling handmade crafts, antiques, and street food from around the world. Located near the Cutty Sark, it’s a great spot for a wander.
• Old Spitalfields Market: A trendy East London market featuring designer fashion, vintage stalls, and a fantastic selection of global street food, all housed in a beautifully restored Victorian market hall.
• Covent Garden Market: One of London’s most famous markets, offering high-end boutiques, craft stalls, and street performances under its iconic glass-roofed Piazza.

Explore a Historic Building

London is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking historic buildings, many of which are open to the public. Whether you’re interested in royal history, politics, or stunning architecture, these landmarks offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. While some areas are free to visit, full access usually requires a ticket.

• St Paul’s Cathedral: Climb to the Whispering Gallery for incredible acoustics, explore the crypt where famous figures are buried, and take in stunning panoramic views from the dome.
• Houses of Parliament: Step inside the heart of British democracy with a guided tour of the Commons and Lords chambers, or watch debates for free when Parliament is in session.
• Westminster Abbey: A must-visit for royal fans, this historic church has hosted coronations and royal weddings for centuries. See the tombs of monarchs and famous figures like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton.

Head Underwater at London Aquarium

If the weather’s keeping you indoors, why not hide from the rain – underwater? SEA LIFE London Aquarium lets you explore 14 interactive zones, featuring everything from sharks and sea turtles to the UK’s largest coral reef display. Walk through the Ocean Tunnel, get up close with majestic rays, and even meet the adorable penguins of Polar Adventure. 

With over 500 species to discover, it’s a fantastic day out for families and enthusiasts alike. Located on the South Bank, it’s the perfect indoor escape when London’s skies turn grey!

Catch a Classic Film

Sometimes, the best way to escape the rain or cold is by sinking into a comfy cinema seat and getting lost in a classic film. London is home to some incredible independent cinemas that screen everything from timeless masterpieces to cult favourites.

• BFI Southbank: The British Film Institute’s flagship cinema is a must-visit for movie lovers. From Hitchcock thrillers to international cinema, there’s always something special on the big screen.
• Prince Charles Cinema: A legendary spot in the West End, known for its quirky lineup of cult classics, sing-along screenings, and retro double bills. They also show a range of fantastic family films during the day.

Race For The Prize in Go-Karts

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed indoor activity in London, go-karting is the way to go! Whether you’re racing against friends, family, or colleagues, nothing beats the thrill of speeding around a track and perfecting your turns.

K1 Speed offers high-speed thrills from Canary Wharf, featuring high-performance electric karts that hit speeds of up to 45 mph across a 46,000-square-foot racing space. The course is also suitable for children aged 8 and up.

Catch a Show

While London is world famous for its theatres, it has a justified reputation for cost. However, there are a few tips to help bring prices down. From blockbuster musicals to intimate plays, there are plenty of ways to experience world-class performances on a budget. Matinees and weeknight shows often come at a lower price, and last-minute tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square can offer decent discounts. For something different, fringe theatres showcase exciting new talent at a fraction of West End prices.

Harry Potter Tour

For families and Harry Potter fans of all ages, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is an unmissable experience. Explore the original sets, props, and costumes from the films, including Diagon Alley, the Great Hall, and Platform 9¾. See how the magic was brought to life with behind-the-scenes secrets and special effects. Whether you’re a lifelong Potterhead or introducing a new generation to the wizarding world, this immersive tour is a dream come true. 

Your Fantastic Day in London

Whatever you’re looking for, there will be a wealth of amazing opportunities in London. From delicious food to unforgettable shows, there’s something for everyone. You can find more exciting things to do in London through Kayak’s London Travel Guide.

Explore our amazing escape rooms and our brand new Escape Arcade™ today!