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
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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.
Cathedral / Minister
Guildford
Guildford Cathedral is a modern Cathedral with a beautiful interior and an amazing story.
Live Music Venue
Brighton Marina Village, BRIGHTON
An intimate cocktail bar just a stone's throw from the incredible UV mini golf and games experience, GLOBALLS, The Great GLOBALLS cocktail bar offers a luxurious treat. Already a firm favourite with Brightonians, this recently opened hidden gem…
Museum
Maidenhead
Fly a Spitfire simulator at this local museum which covers local history from the Romans to Racing Cars!
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.
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.
Gallery
Winchester
Located on the first floor of Winchester Discovery Centre, The Gallery is a stunning exhibition space designed to the highest environmental and security standards to allow the display of art and objects from the most important galleries, museums and…
Museum
Oxford
History of the city and university. Discover the cities earliest residents, medieval crafts, civil war stories, famous literary connections and the growth of a modern city.
Museums & Galleries
Andover
Housed in a Georgian town house built in the 1750s, Andover Museum tells the story of the town and its surrounding area from prehistoric times to the present day.
Theatre
Farnham
Maltings offers a varied programme Including new and exciting theatre, comedy, workshops, festivals, cinema, music and even markets.
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…
Museum
Southampton
Southampton Stories is an exhibition inside SeaCity Museum, that tells the stories of the city's rich maritime history, its local history, its people, archaeology, and the events and activities that have impacted the city through time.
Water Mill
WHITCHURCH
A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a 19th century water mill that weaves English silk fabrics using 19th century machinery. The Mill is open to the public and is one of Hampshire's hidden gems.
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.
Theatre
Portsmouth
The New Theatre Royal in the heart of Portsmouth is an iconic Victorian building and one of the remaining few Phipps / Matcham theatres in the world.
Museum
Sandwich
Museum telling the story of Sandwich from early medieval times. There are many illustrative panels relating to the town’s history with artefacts dating back to the early 13th century.
Theatre
Aldershot
Aldershot's West End Centre is a friendly, intimate venue that hosts classes, workshops, art exhibitions, music performances and stand-up comedy, and also has an on-site, small scale theatre.
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.
Farm
CHICHESTER
The Aldingbourne Country Centre is a ‘Great day out’ in West Sussex.
Visit their open farm, woodland walk, castle playground, maze, sand & water play area, ride on tractors, and indoor soft play. With their own onsite café, they also have a…
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.
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