London Come Rain or Shine

Brook Mitchell • February 6, 2011

The more pessimistic, or perhaps realistic, amongst us will recommend warm clothes and an umbrella when planning a trip to the UK. In reality it rains no more in London than it does in Sydney but the climate is different, and when days of rain are accompanied by icy winds you’ll need to be prepared. These areas in London offer plenty to do, whatever the weather…

Kensington & South Kensington

South Ken’ as it’s fondly known by locals, is the ultimate rainy day location. A short walk from the Tube you’ll find three museums that are worth a day trip each – The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum and The V&A are all free to enter although special exhibitions will cost more.

If you’re between museums and have the weather for an al fresco picnic, the Holy Trinity Brompton Church Gardens is a hidden gem. The church is at Cottage Place, on the left just after the V&A Museum if you’re walking towards Brompton Road. Follow the path or walk through the car park to the back of the church and you’ll find the enclosed gardens. Bearing in mind the location (it’s a graveyard although not obviously so), visitors are asked to respect the peaceful setting and no ball games are allowed.

On a nice day, take a pleasant walk through Kensington Gardens to Kensington Palace where you’ll be able to stand in Queen Victoria’s bedroom. If it’s raining Kensington Palace is a short walk from High Street Kensington station on the District & Circle line from South Kensington.

Kensington Gardens covers over 100 hectares and joins up with Hyde Park across The Serpentine. If the good weather looks set to stay, keep on walking through Hyde Park to St James Park and Buckingham Palace.

dude1 London Come Rain or Shine

Chelsea & Battersea

It may be best to leave the credit card at home when heading for a stroll along Kings Road, Chelsea. High Street brands rub shoulders with one-off boutiques and top-end designers – a shopaholic’s idea of heaven, great for people watching if you’re less interested in the merchandise.

Bored of the shops? On a fine day grab some picnic supplies and a Frisbee and cross Chelsea Bridge to Battersea Park. Arguably one of London’s most beautiful parks, there’s a boating lake, plenty of space to throw a picnic rug, and bicycle hire is available.

If it turns cold, pop back across the river to The National Army Museum – it’s not all about guns and tanks (well, not quite…), there’s an impressive art collection on the top floor of the museum.

Covent Garden

No visit to London would be complete without a trip to Covent Garden. If the sun is shining, a walk around the piazza is ideal. Alternatively, find some space on a bench and enjoy the street artists.

If you need to get out of the rain or cold The London Transport Museum is in the south east corner of the piazza.

There are plenty of indoor and outdoor dining options in Covent Garden – the terrace at Chez Gerard overlooking the piazza is a favourite in the summer.

In colder months, the Strand, off Covent Garden, is a good place to pick up London’s unofficial tour bus, the Number 11; a good place to shelter from the elements. Head towards Aldwych to pass Fleet Street, St Paul’s Cathedral and Bank or towards Trafalgar Square for Parliament Square, Sloane Square and Chelsea.