So, it’s raining cats and dogs in London. And while that might write off any plans you had to take a long ambling weekend walk, it doesn’t mean you have to cancel your journey into the city altogether.
From bustling markets and discounted movies to adult-sized ball pits and Salsa Bars, here are the very best recommendations of how to make the most of your wet autumn days in central London
Have a good old mooch round Old Spitalfields Market
This beloved seven-day-a-week East London destination is a great place to keep yourself entertained for the afternoon when the heavens decide to open. Shielded by a glass canopy, the market's 100+ stalls are kept nice and dry whatever the weather.
Here you can browse anything from contemporary and vintage fashion, art, vinyl collections, home interiors and of course, lip-smackingly good food and drink. Settle in for a sit-down meal at a family-friendly restaurant or grab some grub-on-the-go from one of the many gourmet street food trucks.
Channel your inner child in an epic adult-sized ball pit
For those of you that aren’t familiar with Ballie Ballerson, this nostalgia-inducing ball-pit-come-cocktail bar is the ultimate adult’s playground. Originally opening as a
monthly pop-up, the permanent venue now houses two giant rooms filled with over a million plastic balls. It’s a place where adults can frolic with friends, channel their inner care-free child and also enjoy a delicious retro cocktail or two.
97-113 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3BS
Enjoy an luxury afternoon tea with this amazing SWR Reward
What could be more comforting on a cold, damp day than a steaming cup of tea and a delectable spread of sandwiches, scones and pastries? Claim your SWR Reward and you can redeem 22% off a Luxury Afternoon Tea for two across a variety of locations. From tea on the Thames to the opulent surroundings of Hilton Park Lane, there is an Afternoon Tea perfect for you. Take the traditional route with a finger food and champagne spread at Marylebone’s Reform Social & Grill, or mix things up with Marco Pierre White’s Gin & Tonic Afternoon Tea at Mr Whites.
Admire exquisite paintings at The Wallace Collection
Located in a 16th-17th century house just a few minutes walk from Oxford Street, The Wallace Collection building is an attraction in itself. The 28 room showcase of decorative art is made even more magnificent with elaborate gilding and beautiful wall silks. Enter the museum’s permanent collection for free and get lost in a breathtaking collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, arms and armour and porcelain.
You just can’t beat getting cosy with an armful of your favourite snacks for a big-screen viewing - it’s the ultimate rainy day activity. Helping you get your movie fix, Vue cinema offers great deals on tickets, starting at just £4.99. And with multiple locations across central London, you can drop in for spontaneous viewing no matter what your schedule.
Hit up Happy Hour at Bar Salsa
Everyone loves a Happy Hour. But when taking shelter from the rain, sometimes an hour just won’t cut it. Luckily SOHO’s Bar Salsa run their Happy Hour deal daily from 5pm-8pm, giving you ample time to soak up the Latin party vibes and sink some half price cocktails. And who knows… it might just get you in the mood to drop into one of their salsa dance classes, running seven days a week.
96 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0JG
Wes and Sandy’s pick of the week
South Western Railway’s winged friends, Sandy and Wes are always on hand to provide their top London recommendations. Sandy is a culture vulture with a love for the arts, theatre and lunching with the girls, while Wes loves clubs, pubs and going to gigs with his mates. But one thing they can both agree on is their love of pizza. And Pizza Union’s super-affordable menu offers a variety of irresistible fire-baked pizzas, all for under £10. It’s a top London spot for low-budget wining and dining.
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