We regularly hope for good weather when we've got a day off or a bank holiday weekend coming up, but unfortunately it doesn't always happen.

Our dreams of sitting in a beer garden, tucking into a barbecue with friends and family or heading to a park are thrown out of the window.

However, when the heavens do open there's still plenty of things to do in and around west London.

Here are some fun activities for you to enjoy when the weather is miserable.

For some alternative ideas, check out our list of things to do in London that cost less than £5.

1. Chelsea FC and Museum Tour, Fulham

Chelsea FC stadium

If you're a Blues fans why not take a tour Stamford Bridge?

The guided hour-long tour will take you behind the scenes at the football club, giving you access to various stands in the stadium, the press room, home and away dressing rooms and the tunnel.

All tours include entry to the Museum, giving you the chance to see how Chelsea has evolved on and off the pitch over the years.

Address: Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, Fulham , SW6 1HS.

2. Kensington Palace, Kensington

Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens.

Visitors can choose four different routes throughout the lavish palace, taking in the antique furniture, gowns and memorabillia of notable residents of the palace.

Diana: Her Fashion Story launched at Kensington Palace in February 2017

At the moment, a major dress exhibition of Diana is on display, to trace the evolution of her style.

The exhibition is called 'Diana: Her Fashion Story' and runs until February next year.

Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX.

3. Kidzania, Shepherd's Bush

Kidzania

Have your kids ever dreamt of becoming a firefighter, a surgeon or the next Hollywood star?

KidZania is the UK’s first educational entertainment experience where children can learn real-life skills in a fun and safe environment.

Everything to do in west London and beyond

Inside the 75,000sq-ft life-like city, kids can learn over 60 unique and exciting professions.

Watch the excitement on their faces as they become a radio DJ, dentist, policeman, tour guide and many more.

Address: Westfield London, Westfield London Shopping Centre, Ariel Way, Shepherd's Bush , London W12 7GA.

4. Westway Climbing, North Kensington

Sprint legend Colin Jackson takes on the famous climbing walls at Westway Sports and Fitness Centre to celebrate the partnership between the charity and leisure operator Everyone Active

West Londoners can scale impressive walls reaching 13.5 metres at the Westway Climbing Centre.

With 350 climbing routes on 110 roped lines, training rooms and bouldering walls for experienced climbers and novices to explore.

Address: Westway Sports and Fitness Centre, 1 Crowthorne Rd, London W10 6RP.

5. Madame Tussauds, Marylebone

Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is a major tourist attraction just outside of west London.

Tussauds features waxwork historical and royal figures, film stars, sports stars and famous murderers.

Address: Marylebone Rd, Marylebone, London NW1 5LR.

6. TeamSport Indoor Karting, Acton

Go karts in action... and soon to be in Acton
Go karts in action

Adults and kids can race around in speedy electric Karts at TeamSport Indoor Karting in Acton.

Children from 8 years old can experience the electric kartin with Ecovold Cadet Karts, taking in sweeping turns to be crowned champion.

Address: 20, Allied Way, London W3 0RQ.

7. Bramleys Big Adventure, North Kensington

Children can become explorers at Bramleys Big Adventure.

The indoor area features a giant play frame, swings and slides.

They will be physically and mentally challenged as they negotiate themselves around a maze.

Address: 136 Bramley Rd, London W10 6SR.

8. Museums

The Natural History Museum


There are plenty of amazing museums in west London, including the world-famous Natural History Museum and Science Museum, both in South Kensington .

Address: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington , SW7 5BD.

9. Westminster Abbey, Westminster

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster.

Explore a treasure house of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles and other artefacts.

Address: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA.

10. Make your own pizza at home

There's something very satisfying about tucking into a pizza you have made yourself. Root around the kitchen cupboard and inside the fridge for some interesting toppings.

11. Pottery Cafe, Fulham

Why not try out the ultimate pottery café painting experience?
Why not try out the ultimate pottery café painting experience?

Why not try a pottery experience at the Pottery Cafe in Fulham ?

Members of staff are also trained baristas and will be able to offer expertly made coffee and tea, as well as a range of homemade cakes and cookies.

All studios cater to families as well as adults with baby changing facilities alongside plenty of space for prams and highchairs.

Address: 735 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5UL.

12. Tenpin, Acton

Whether cosmic bowling is your thing, or playing pool, you'll find it all at Tenpin Acton.

With plenty of bowling lanes, tasty food and plenty of refreshing drinks from 'The Lanes' Food and Drink Menu, you'll want to come back to hear the familiar sound of a strike, again and again.

Address: Royale Leisure Park, Western Avenue, Park Royal, Acton, London, W3 0PA.

13. Gambado, Chelsea

Gambado is an indoor play space for children with added fairground ride fun.

There are three levels of soft play provide acres of space for children to enjoy.

Youngster can race down the slides, climb the cargo nets and launch themselves through giant rollers.

Address: 7 Station Court, Townmead Road, Chelsea, Greater London, SW6 2PY.

14. Fun and Flumes at Fountain Leisure Centre, Brentford

Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre

Take the kids for a swim at Fountain Leisure Centre in Brentford.

There are dozens of fitness activities to take part in, from badminton to flumes.

Address: 658 Chiswick High Road, Brentford, TW8 0HJ.

15. Partyman World, Wembley

The Partyman World in Wembley has impressive play structures, slides, bouncy castles and pedal go-karts.

Address: 66 Watford Road, Wembley, HA0 3ES.

16. Oxygen Freejumping, Aton

Children play dodgeball in the sports area

The centre is 27,000sq-ft and offers hour-long freejumping sessions with access to dodgeball courts, air bags, 'walk the wall trampolines' and an obstacle course.

Oxygen also offers family bounce sessions, fitness classes, a professional trampolining academy for aspiring gymnasts, parkour classes, and Teen Takeovers which include two hours of strobe-lit bouncing with a live DJ.

Address: Oxygen Freejumping, Unit 15, Vision Industrial Park, Kendal Avenue, Acton , W3 0AF.

17. Westfield, Shepherd's Bush

Westfield Centre, Shepherd's Bush
Westfield Centre, Shepherd's Bush

If you are in need of a little retail therapy, look no further than Westfield.

With a retail floor area the size of around 30 football pitches, there is a whole host of high street and designer stores to explore.

Address: Ariel Way, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7GF.

18. Bush Theatre, Shepherd's Bush

Why not watch a play at the newly revamped Bush Theatre ?

The theatre re-opened after a year long £4.3 million revamp with new acts ready to kick start its launch.

The 20th century old library has been turned round by architects Haworth Tompkins with a brand new entrance and outdoor design.

Its modern look is coupled with a new studio space and attic rehearsal room.

Address: 7 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherd's Bush, W12 8LJ.


19. From Selfie to Self-Expression at The Saatchi Gallery, Chelsea

The Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery

Explore the history of the selfie at the Saatchi Gallery.


The 'From Selfie to Self-Expression' show highlights the emerging role of the mobile phone as an artistic medium for self-expression.

Address: Duke of York's HQ, King's Rd, Chelsea, SW3 4RY.

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