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: 136
, 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.
Historic House / Palace
London
The term ‘State Rooms’ is applied to those rooms that were designed and built as the public rooms of the Palace, in which monarchs receive, reward and entertain their subjects and visiting dignitaries.
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
Maidenhead
Fly a Spitfire simulator at this local museum which covers local history from the Romans to Racing Cars!
Arts Centre
Winchester
A vibrant and versatile gallery space hosting a changing programme of exhibits to celebrate the best of Winchester's thriving arts and heritage scene.
Museum
Stockbridge
The Museum of Army Flying is an award-winning British military aviation museum about the history of flying in the British Army.
Historic Site
Basing, Basingstoke
Discover the many stories of Basing House, a nationally important historical site. This magnificent attraction dates from the Norman period and was the site of the largest private house in Tudor England.
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.
Museum
Dover
Dover Museum, the district's largest and most varied museum, has a range of fascinating real objects, models and original pictures showing the history and archaeology of Dover, along with the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world's oldest known seagoing…
Museum
Winchester
Five splendid military museums on an historic site with Visitor Centre, café displays and activities to interest all the family.
Historic House / Palace
Lechlade
The summer home of William Morris, Kelmscott Manor is a Grade I listed farmhouse, built around 1600 adjacent to the River Thames.
Theatre
Reading
With much of the original structure retained, this 18th Century Flour Mill has been converted into a renowned Dinner Theatre. Patrons enjoy a fresh home-cooked meal - with not a microwave in sight! -before watching the performance in our theatre.
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.
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.
Museum
Sandown
In a spectacular pterosaur shaped building on Sandown’s blue flag beach walk back through fossilised time and meet life sized replica dinosaurs
Museum
WESTERHAM
Visit the museum to discover the inspiring stories of the people who served at Biggin Hill, Britain’s most famous fighter station, and the community who supported them. Interactive audio and film guide included in ticket price.
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…
Museum
Southampton
Based at the heart of Southampton, SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea. Visit SeaCity Museum and Southampton to discover how they bring maritime history…
History and Heritage
Arundel
Arundel captures the essence of heritage, urban chic and country pursuits, all within a stone’s throw of London. Experience our market town and you will discover more than you’d expect.
Museum
Farnham
An award-winning museum with displays interpreting the history of the Farnham area. Willmer House is an C18th town house with a delightful walled garden.
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
