How to spend a rainy weekend in London

Don’t let wet weather stop you from playing in the capital

It’s raining. It’s cold. And it’s generally miserable. London is not the world’s sunniest city, so if you’re looking to buy or rent here, it’s best to learn how you can make the most of those wet weekends. From comfort food to curling up with a book, here’s our pick of how to enjoy rainy days in the city

Books For Cooks – Notting Hill (W11)

One of life’s pleasures when it’s miserable is tucking into a hearty homemade feast. Thing is, we can’t all be natural born Nigellas or Jamies so sometimes our plans for cooking end up with a slightly charred reality… Well, if you head along to Books For Cooks in Notting Hill, not only will you be able to pick out a few cookbooks on how to make the best hot chocolate or soup, but you can join in their cooking classes and learn a new recipe you can whip together when you get home before relaxing in front of some bad TV. Educational AND satisfying. Oh and they have a great cafe too.

Chocodeli – Pimlico (SW1)

While we’re on the topic of comfort, how about a nice cup of hot chocolate. In fact, how about one of the nicest cups of hot chocolates in London, inside a sweet shop, while the rain pours down on the windows? Yes, re-enact your very own hot chocolate commercial at Chocodeli, where you’ll find more than 300 different types of sweets, a lush red interior and a toy train that rides around the ceiling. Here you can drink in your own mug of chocolatey goodness, while staring out into the poring rain and sparing a thought for that man fighting through the grisly weather.

National Art Library – South Kensington (SW7)

Escape from the clouds with a good book. When reading at home it can be hard to concentrate and lose yourself in what you’re reading: too many distractions. So we recommend heading down to the library where there’s nothing but books all around and you can easily escape into the literary world of your choice. If it’s Saturday, why not sit down in one of the world’s most beautiful libraries: the National Art Library. Not only is the reading room filled with green leather desks, chandeliers and wooden bookcases, but there’s a real peaceful atmosphere. Plus if you do want a change of pace, you can wander out into the V&A’s world-class exhibits. Just one thing: you will need to register in advance, but this can be easily done online beforehand and is completely free.

The 606 Club – Fulham (SW10)

Jazz is the kind of music that fits the rain. It’s soft, it’s slow and it’s easy to lose yourself in while the sky storms. So if it’s getting dark and you’re feeling restless but in need of fresh air and a change of scene, head over to the 606 Club and relax listening to some of London’s best musicians. It’s recommended to book if you’re going on Saturday, but Sunday evenings are usually not too busy.

Canal walk – St John’s Wood (NW8)

As a wise man once said, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. So stick on your best mac and go singing in the rain! While it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, walking around London’s canals while it’s pouring down is a very special experience. It’s kind of beautiful to be standing, rain ringing in your ears, the smell of wet concrete and grass and watching the canal splashing and sloshing about. Get off at St John’s Wood tube, go a little south and you can walk along a lovely wet stretch past London Zoo, some very fancy houses and into the heart of Camden Lock. Just don’t forget your wellies. And to have soup ready and waiting at home!