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: 135
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
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
Theatre
Chatham
Located in the heart of Chatham town centre, this beautiful 965-seat venue is already home to a myriad of memories and it’s waiting for you to come along and make more unforgettable memories of your own.
Historic Site
Winchester
Built by William the Conqueror, Winchester Castle was the seat of power of medieval monarchs. The Great Hall, one of the finest medieval halls in England, and the Westgate, which served as the castle’s primary defence, are now the sole survivors of…
Theatre
Windsor
The Theatre Royal Windsor is a beautiful Edwardian theatre nestling between Windsor Castle and the River Thames and is the only unsubsidised producing theatre to operate all year round in Britain.
Distillery
Whitchurch
Located in rural Hampshire just 60 miles from London, Laverstoke Mill is a site steeped in natural beauty, sitting astride the crystal clear River Test and situated within a Conservation Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Theatres & Cinemas
Chichester
Situated between the South Downs and the sea, Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the country’s most loved and lively theatres. Come and visit!
‘The jewel in the crown of regional theatres’
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Escape Room
Hove
Bewilder Box is a puzzle based adventure game in which you and your team race against the clock to complete challenges whilst taking part in a tantalisingly silly immersive story. For families, friends, stag/hen parties, & team building!
Gallery
Chichester
Pallant House Gallery is one of the UK’s most distinctive public galleries, exploring new perspectives on Modern art through critically acclaimed exhibitions, adventurous installations and engaging displays of its world-class collection.
Craft Centre
FARNHAM
Farnham Pottery lies just a short distance from the centre of Farnham, situated in the heart of the Surrey Hills. One-off workshops are great for visitors to the area, giving the chance to get your hands dirty and give it a go.
Museum
GREAT MISSENDEN
The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, in Great Missenden is where Roald Dahl (1916-1990) lived and wrote many of his well-loved books. This great little award-winning Museum, aimed at 6 to 12 year olds and their families, has fun galleries.
Gallery
Guildford
Watts Gallery - Artists' Village is a unique Arts & Crafts gem nestled in the Surrey Hills. Discover stunning Victorian paintings and sculpture in the historic Watts Gallery before treating yourself to lunch or a cream tea in the Tea Shop.
Brewery
Banbury
Hook Norton is one of only 32 family owned breweries and is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery in the country.
Leisure & Activity Centres
Basingstoke
Whether you are looking to spend the day or a quick time out, Basingstoke Leisure Park is packed with activities to enjoy leisure time on your own or with family and friends.
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Windsor
On the banks of the River Thames, under the shadow of Windsor Castle, this prestigious facility has been serving the local community for over 35 years. More than just a leisure centre, Windsor Leisure Centre is a place where the community comes…
Historic House / Palace
Faversham
A late 18thC country house designed by Samuel Wyatt, seat of the Harris family since 1801. Harris clock collection, mementos of connections with India. Gardens and pinetum.
Theatre
Worthing
The Art Deco Connaught Theatre, Cinema and Studio hosts a wide variety of plays ranging from musicals and thrillers to drama and children’s shows as well as 2D and 3D blockbuster films.
Museum
MAIDSTONE
Maidstone Carriage Musuem is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles & transport curiosities. More than 60 vehicles displayed, from grand carriages & ornate sleighs to antique sedan chairs & Victorian cabs, even an original ice
Museum
Arundel
Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.
Historic Site
Fareham
Fort Nelson is a superbly restored Victorian fort overlooking Portsmouth Harbour. It is home to the Royal Armouries national artillery collection with over 350 historic guns on display.
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