Escape from the Rain

Let's face it - South West London is probably the sunniest part of London, but when it rains it shouldn't stop you having a great time. These are just some of our suggestions for sheltering from the rain - you'll find more ideas in the other sections too.

Galleries are great places to go whatever the weather and many of them are housed in superb buildings and beautiful locations. Many are also free. See Orleans House Gallery in Richmond, the small but perfectly formed Pump House Gallery in Battersea or the galleries at Kingston Museum.

Find out more about local history and beyond at one of the many local history museums - Wandsworth Museum, Wimbledon Museum, the Merton Heritage Centre, Crystal Palace Museum or Honeywood Heritage Centre

Take cover in the huge glasshouses at the Botanical Gardens at Kew - although when the water hoses are turned on you sometimes risk a quick misting of warm water!

Do it in style - escape the weather in one of our local palaces, Hampton Court Palace, Ham House or perhaps Marble Hill House

Recreate the feeling of what summer is supposed to feel like with a visit to Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

Take shelter in an animal shelter - with a visit to Battersea Dogs Home which welcomes visitors regardless of whether they want to adopt a dog or cat.

Shelter from the rain as you learn more about it - at the Ecology Centre in Sutton

It might get expensive - but the shops always often excellent shelter from the rain. Perhaps you could try a shopping centre you don't normally go to, or one of the indoor malls such as the St. Nicholas Centre in Sutton, Centre Court in Wimbledon or Bentall Centre in Kingston

Sutton Library is one of the few enterprising libraries to open on a Sunday, when it sometimes also has live music for an even cosier feel!

Dash across Wimbledon Common into the Wimbledon Windmill Museum