Enjoy the South East of England what ever the weather has in store.  Discover a host of places to visit and things to do on a rainy day.

Rainy Day Activities

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Discover hundreds of places to go and things to do indoors across South East England.

Don't let the wet weather spoil your day out, staycation or holiday, find a rainy day activity near you on our interactive map or try our Places to Visit section for more ideas on a particular county, city or town.

Indoor Attractions

Whether you're looking for things to do on a rainy day for adults or kids, find a wide selection of museums, craft centres and galleries to visit, or why not indulge in a brewery tour or discover one of the fine shopping centres that grace the South East.

There are numerous options for things to do indoors including a visit to one of the many theatres, cinemas or bowling alleys across the destination, providing fun for the whole family.

Delve into the South East's history and heritage with a visit to the likes of Windsor Castle in Windsor, or Leeds Castle in Maidstone. You'll find many more great historic houses, castles and churches and cathedrals to explore across the South on those not so good weather days. The Queen’s House is a beautiful 17th-century royal villa was designed by Inigo Jones and is Britain’s first classical building. Marvel at the House’s pioneering architecture, including the iconic Tulip Stairs, and discover its internationally renowned art collection.  The Queen’s House is free to visit except for Special Exhibitions and guided tours.

Top 15 things to do on a rainy day

  • Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Hampshire  
    Amazing family fun at this interactive, hands on science and technology centre.
  • Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum, Hampshire
    Home of the iconic world famous National Motor Museum and World of Top Gear
  • Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
    VisitEngland's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, right in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Hampshire Cultural Trust, throughout Hampshire
    Twenty-three museums, arts centres, and galleries offering informative days out, workshops and events.   
  • Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, Hampshire
    The cathedral boasts centuries of English heritage, magnificent architecture, priceless treasures and works of art. 
  • Bodleian Libraries, Oxford, Oxfordshire
    Exhibitions and tours of this culturally significant building.
  • Dinosaur Isle, Sandown, Isle of Wight
    Step back in time to when these tremendous beats ruled the earth.
  • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, Hampshire
    The great value all explorer ticket gives 12-months of access to all 12 attractions. 
  • Odds Farm Park, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
     Along side the outdoor farm there is a massive adventure play area including the slides, tunnels, swinging ropes and more.  
  • The Powell-Cotton Museum, Nr Margate, Kent
    Bursting with natural history displays and fascinating exhibits from Aficia and Asia.
  • Basingstoke Leisure Park, Basingstoke, Hampshire
    Home to Milestones Museum, Basingstoke Aquadrome, the Odeon cinema, Planet Ice, Hollywood Bowl Basingstoke and iFly.
  • McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet Shopping, Ashford, Kent
    Discover over 100 of your favourite brands all with up to 60% off the RRP, along with 13 eateries and a children's playground
  • Dover Castle, Dover, Kent
    Discover 2000 years of history including the secret underground tunnels, Operation Dynamo and the Great Tower.
  • Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Winchester, Hampshire
    Explore the distillery and understand the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire
  • Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire
    For a truely memorable day out, home to Royal Ascot, firework nights, themed and family race days.

Indoor things to do near me

Whether you live nearby or are travelling to the South East for a day trip or longer holiday, find places to go when it's raining near you below. Use the 'map view' function to narrow your search to a particular area or try our Places to Visit section for more ideas on a particular county, city or town.

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Number of results: 144

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Dickens House Museum

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    Type:

    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.

  2. New Forest Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Lyndhurst

    Find out what makes the Forest so special at the New Forest Centre. The Museum is great for families and there's a Gallery, Library, Visitor Information Centre and Gift Shop too!

  3. St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museums & Galleries

    Lymington

    St. Barbe Museum explores the unique history of Lymington and the New Forest Coast. Take a journey and discover the people, places and events that have made the New Forest coast unique with our up-to-date interactive museum displays. Experience some…

  4. Brooklands Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Weybridge

    Brooklands Museum is on the site of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit and houses collections of cars, motorcycles and bicycles, particular from the heyday of the track until it closed in 1939.

  5. Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

    Type

    Type:

    Science Centre

    Morn Hill, Winchester

    Winchester Science Centre is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life! Situated in the stunning South Downs National Park, this exciting family destination…

  6. Booth Museum of Natural History

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Brighton

    This fascinating museum houses exhibits that include hundreds of British birds displayed in recreated natural settings, insects from butterflies to beetles, a killer whale skeleton and dinosaur bones

  7. Buckler's Hard

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    New Forest

    A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic 18th Century cottages, riverside walk, SS Persia Exhibition, St Mary's Chapel and optional river cruise.

  8. Jane Austen’s House

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  9. Arundel Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Arundel

    Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.

  10. Curtis Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Alton

    One of the finest local history collections in Hampshire, exploring 100 million years of history Displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery reconstruction, Saxon burials, the Battle of Alton 1643, the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams and…

  11. The Old Court

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    Event Venue

    Windsor

    The Old Court is a vibrant arts centre with an event programme that features an eclectic mix of live music, drama, comedy and film, and a bar run by Windsor & Eton Brewery.

  12. Windsor Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Windsor

    Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, the family home of 39 British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years, and is today one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen.

    Open to visitors throughout the…

  13. Hastings Castle & 1066 Story

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Hastings

    Fragmentary remains of Norman Castle built on West Hill after William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings. 1066 Story interpretation centre in siege tent.

  14. Winchester City Museum

    Type

    Type:

    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…

  15. Cumberland House Natural History Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Southsea, Portsmouth

    See the flora and fauna of Portsmouth at Cumberland House - the Natural History Museum.

  16. Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Beaulieu

    Beaulieu featuring the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House home of the Montagu family and Abbey Ruins containing an exhibition of monastic life.

  17. Old Royal Naval College

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    LONDON

    Marvel at VisitEngland's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, right in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Explore the peaceful riverside location and Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic architecture. The stunning buildings…

  18. Down House - The Home of Charles Darwin

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Orpington

    Visit Down House, the family home of Charles Darwin. Explore the atmospheric family rooms where he lived and worked and learn about his fascinating life and groundbreaking theories with our exhibition “Uncovering Origins” .

  19. Kingston Bagpuize House & Garden

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  20. Amberley Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Arundel

    Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre is a 36 acre open-air site dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage of the south east.