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Instagrammable rainy-day spots in London

12 July 2019

Beat the rainy-day blues by checking out these eight photogenic spots in the city. Featuring vintage bowling alleys, picture-perfect biscuit boutiques and indoor botanical gardens

Instagrammable rainy-day spots in London

Spring might be behind us, but rainy days in London are – alas – definitely not. The next time you see ‘chance of rain’ in the weather forecast needn’t be a cause for despair though. Our guide to the city’s top eight rainy-day spots should give you more than enough to do during rainstorms (and might even get you to actually look forward to them too…).

  1. The Croc Bowling Alley at Ham Yard Hotel

    Ham Yard Hotel - The Croc Bowling Alley
    Ham Yard Hotel is iconic for its fabulous interiors and picture-perfect High Tea, but did you know that they also have a secret 1950's bowling alley? The Croc Bowling Alley was imported from Texas and features sleek interiors and retro vintage details, making it the perfect spot for having fun in style. (Image credit: Simon Brown).
  2. An Enquiring Mind: Manolo Blahnik at the Wallace Collection

    Manolo Blahnik at the Wallace Collection
    London’s most lavish art museum is offering visitors the unprecedented opportunity to journey through the creative process of fashion icon Manolo Blahnik with An Enquiring Mind. The exhibition features breathtaking shoe designs from Blahnik’s private archives set among the Wallace’s stunning masterpieces, and is a powerful symbol of the harmony between the contemporary and its inspirations. (Image credit: the Wallace Collection).
  3. Lowry and Baker

    Lowry and Baker
    Foodie hotspot Lowry and Baker presents its unique brunch meals on some of the most beautiful porcelain to be found in any café in London. Situated in trendy Notting Hill, getting to this spot will be almost as much a photogenic journey as dining there.
  4. Biscuiteers

    Biscuiteers London
    This brilliant biscuit boutique has gone viral on social media for its incredibly creative biscuits and afternoon tea, and their Icing Classes are especially perfect for escaping the outdoor drizzle and getting your creative hat on. Do try to ensure you don’t eat all the biscuits before you finish icing them though.
  5. Barbican Conservatory

    Barbican Conservatory
    There are 2000 species of plants and trees housed inside this quiet oasis, which is the second biggest conservatory in the city. Foodie horticulturalists will love the fact that their afternoon tea features cakes and savouries each inspired by the flowers, fruits and herbs grown there. (Image credit: Max Colson).
  6. Electric Cinema

    Electric Cinema
    There isn’t really any need for justifying a visit to Electric Cinema on a rainy day – the pictures speak for themselves. You’ll forget the pouring rain outside as soon as you slouch into one of their super cosy armchairs and settle in for some much-welcome movie watching.
  7. Marchesi 1824

    Marchesi 1824
    You’ll find all kinds of delectable creations in this Milanese pastry shop, which is owned by renowned fashion brand Prada. The torta della nonna, sacher, cannoncini and panettone are all equally heavenly so do bring a big appetite along with you when you visit.
  8. Present & Correct

    Present & Correct
    Rainy days (and, let’s be fair, even sunny ones) are the perfect excuses for getting lost pencil-shopping, and where better to do so than London’s most Instagrammable stationary shop? You will want to snap (and buy) everything at this quirky Clerkenwell-based gem.