Rainy weather doesn’t have to ruin a day in Greenwich.
In fact, this historic corner of London is surprisingly well suited to wet-weather exploring, thanks to its museums, historic buildings, and covered market.
If it’s forecast to rain, you can simply adjust your itinerary and spend more time indoors. In this guide I’ll explain just how to do that.
Table of contents
The best things to do in Greenwich when it rains
National Maritime Museum
If you’re looking for somewhere to escape the rain for a few hours, the National Maritime Museum is an obvious place to start.
The museum is surprisingly large. It’s definitely not a quick stop. You can easily spend several hours there on a wet afternoon.
It has many different themed galleries.
You’ll learn about Britain’s long and complex relationship with the sea. The exhibitions cover exploration, naval history, maritime life and some of the people and events that shaped Britain’s history.
There are also interactive galleries and activities that make the museum particularly appealing for families.
I found this museum fascinating. I also found it huge and confusing at first. My best tip is to ask staff for directions if you’re lost. There’s also a map showing the different floors when you enter.
Tickets: Free
Queen’s House
Just next to the National Maritime Museum, you’ll find the elegant Queen’s House, another great place to visit when you want to stay out of the rain.
It’s considerably smaller than the Maritime Museum, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to see.
The historic building houses an impressive collection of art, including the famous Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I.
The architecture is beautiful and you can spend quite a bit of time taking photos of the interiors.
The highlights for architecture buffs are the striking Tulip Staircase and the Great Hall.
Tickets: Free
The Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall
The Old Royal Naval College is one of the places you shouldn’t skip just because it’s raining.
Enter through the visitor centre and continue from there. You can walk between the buildings with an umbrella, take shelter under the colonnades, and then spend more time inside if the rain gets heavier.
The main downside is that the architecture is hard to photograph from outside the building when it rains.
Still, there are quite a few things to see inside. In fact, the most interesting things to see are inside.
The main highlight is the spectacular Painted Hall, nicknamed “Britain’s Sistine Chapel.”
It’s a dramatic interior with gorgeous Baroque paintings. When you look up you’ll spot many different painted figures, telling Britain’s version of history.
It was one of my favourite experiences in Greenwich. Read my full review of the Painted Hall.
Tickets: Book online
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is a great option when it rains because it’s covered.
You can browse independent stalls, look for arts and crafts, and pick up unusual gifts.
There are many places to have lunch or take a coffee break in and around the market
It’s also a good place to take a break between the larger attractions. The location is very central in historic Greenwich.
Cutty Sark
Yes, you can still visit Cutty Sark when it rains.
The historic tea clipper is one of Greenwich’s most recognisable sights, and much of the experience takes place indoors or underneath the ship.
You can explore the vessel, discover what life was like for its crew and learn about its history as a famous tea clipper.
There is also the main deck, where you can enjoy views across Greenwich and the Thames and learn more about how life at sea used to be.
It’s an important part of the attraction, but if the rain isn’t too heavy, I suggest you simply bring an umbrella.
For anyone interested in ships, history or unusual London attractions, it’s still well worth considering even when the weather isn’t ideal.
Tickets: Book online. Included in the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass at a discount if you visit both the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark on the same day.
An easy rainy-day Greenwich itinerary
If you’re wondering how to organise your day, here’s an easy itinerary that you can follow on a rainy day in Greenwich:
Morning: Start at the National Maritime Museum and allow a couple of hours to explore.
Late morning: Walk over to the Queen’s House next door (you’ll only be spending a couple of minutes outside) to enjoy its art and architecture.
Lunch: Head to the covered Greenwich Market for food and a wander around the stalls. It’s less than 10 minutes away from Queen’s House.
Afternoon: Visit the Old Royal Naval College and spend time inside the Painted Hall. It’s only a couple of minutes away.
Add Cutty Sark to the itinerary if the rain isn’t too heavy. It’s right next to the Old Royal Naval College.
Places I’d avoid on a rainy day in Greenwich
Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is one of the main reasons people visit Greenwich.
It’s enormous and I’ve spent many hours just wandering around it, but only in fine weather.
While the park is still beautiful when it rains, I wouldn’t recommend visiting it when it rains.
Climbing up the hill to the R is one of the highlights when you visit Greenwich, but the panoramic views of London from the hilltop are a lot less appealing when it rains.
Go on a sunny day and great amazing photos from the viewing point.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich
The Royal Observatory is one of the biggest attractions in Greenwich.
You can visit it on a rainy day, because it has plenty to see indoors.
However, I think it makes more sense to visit the Royal Observatory on a clear day when you can also enjoy the viewing point, instead of climbing that hill twice.
If you don’t mind missing the panoramic views, then do visit the Observatory even if it rains.
Tickets: Book online. Included in the Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass at a discount if you visit both the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark on the same day.
Greenwich in the rain: Is it still worth visiting?
Yes, Greenwich is worth visiting even when it rains.
- Some of the best attractions are indoors
- Some of them are free to enter
- They are within a short walking distance from each other
The main things you’ll miss are the park, hilltop views, and some of the architecture.
Still, it’s easy to put together a full day visit with indoor attractions, which also happen to be some of the most impressive ones in Greenwich.
Take an umbrella and a rain jacket and plan your day around those indoor attractions.
Browse more London and Greenwich guides
- Greenwich self-guided walk
- Top things to do in Greenwich
- Greenwich top attractions and hidden gems
- Visit the beautiful Eltham Palace
- Greenwich essential travel tips
- What to do in London when it rains
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