Don’t let wet weather ruin your plans - South East England is packed full of rainy day ideas to keep your day fun, engaging and memorable. Whether you choose to visit one of the award-winning indoor attractions, spend some at one of the undercover shopping centres, or just choose to plan ahead and pack the waterproofs - rain doesn't stop play. Take a look below for some rainy-day inspiration, whether you're visiting for a holiday or planning a staycation - discover our guide to things to do on a rainy day across the region.
Rainy days present the perfect opportunity to explore one of the many museums, galleries, historic houses, or churches and cathedrals across the region, these attractions enrich your experience while giving you shelter and a unique perspective on local heritage and culture.
Pick up a last minute seat for a theatre show or join an immersive tour and dive into a different world of stories and just forget the rain outside. Many of these experiences also offer the chance to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner or a drink or two before the show, allowing you to spend longer indoors and away from the weather. We recommend trying Chichester Theatre Festival when its next raining.
Learn something new with a brewery tour or take a wander at one of the vibrant shopping centres that makes South East England stand out. Stay for a bite to eat or visit one of the many leisure entertainments venues within the centres, whether it's a visit to the cinema or ten-pin bowling, this makes it easy to forget what's going on outside. Try a visit to the Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading with its Vue cinema as well as stunning riverside dining options.
Looking for rainy day options locally? Find places to go when it's raining near you below by using the 'map view' to help plan your day out whatever the weather.
Number of results: 138
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Spa
West End
Escape away for a spa day at the Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl's eforea spa - a place like no other, offering the ultimate relaxation experience
Historic House / Palace
Broadstairs
The museum is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.
History and Heritage
CHICHESTER
A chance to see and hear the stories of heroes, in the air and on the ground, from World War 1 to the Cold War. Record breaking aircraft and others that have starred in films.
Trampolining
Guildford
Experience ultimate bouncing fun for all ages at AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park Guildford. The perfect spot for an indoor fun family day out in Surrey with lots of activities on and off the trampolines!
Historic House / Palace
Petworth
Explore this majestic mansion and beautiful landscaped deer park.
Historic House / Palace
ABINGDON
This lovely family home built in circa 1660 was remodelled in the early 1700’s for the Blandy family. With English and French furniture in the elegant panelled rooms the entrance hall is dominated by its handsome cantilevered staircase.
Museum
Winchester
Five splendid military museums on an historic site with Visitor Centre, café displays and activities to interest all the family.
Museums & Galleries
Aldershot
Housed in the only surviving brick-built barrack blocks left in Aldershot, Aldershot Military Museum tells the story of daily life for both soldier and civilian in the town since 1854.
Museum
Alton
Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, Hampshire is the picturesque country cottage where Jane Austen lived. It is the most treasured Austen site in the world. It was here that Jane’s genius flourished and where she wrote, revised and had published all her…
Historic House / Palace
Stansted Park is home to forest walks, afternoon teas and stunning weddings, plus some of the best events in the south! Visit the historic house for a real sense of a bygone era.
Museums & Galleries
Winchester
Located in the heart of the historic city of Winchester, City Museum tells the story of England's ancient capital, the seat of Alfred the Great. From its origins as an Iron Age trading centre to Anglo-Saxon glory, the last journey of Jane Austen to…
Event Venue
CRANLEIGH
Located in the beautiful village of Cranleigh, in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Cranleigh Arts is a community hub providing year round entertainment for the local community and visitors alike
Museum
Basingstoke
Discover Basingstoke and Deane’s past, from the rich archaeological heritage beneath our feet right up to the modern day.
Theatre
Tunbridge Wells
The Assembly Hall Theatre is a 1,000 seat receiving theatre offering an eclectic programme with everything from family shows to classical music, including West End touring musicals and drama, dance, comedy, opera and classical, ballet and more.
Arts Centre
Windsor
The Old Court Artspace & Firestation Bar is Windsor's community cultural hub, housed in a magnificent Edwardian building that has been at the heart of civic life since 1907. Originally home to Windsor's police station, magistrates' court and fire…
Gallery
Southampton
Explore Southampton City Art Gallery’s diverse collection of fine art, which can tell the story of European art from the Renaissance through to the present day. The gallery has regularly rotating displays feature works from the collection, national…
Observatory / Planetarium
London
Stand astride two hemispheres on the Prime Meridian Line and enjoy spectacular views over London at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
Theatre
Farnham
Maltings offers a varied programme Including new and exciting theatre, comedy, workshops, festivals, cinema, music and even markets.
Theatre
Southsea
The dignified and beautiful Kings Theatre is one of the most elegant Edwardian playhouses to be found in the British Isles the perfect setting to enjoy a full programme of shows including musicals, ballet, opera, dance, drama, music, comedy and film
Museum
WINCHESTER
Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
