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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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.

Why visit indoor attractions on rainy days?

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.

Top Ideas for a rainy day in South East England

  • Eden Shopping Centre, Buckinghamshire 
    Discover Eden Shopping Centre, the vibrant retail and leisure destination in the heart of High Wycombe.
  • Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Hampshire
    Amazing family fun at this interactive, hands on science and technology centre just of the outskirts of Winchester.
  • Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum, Hampshire
    Multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone, with both indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.
  • Hampshire Cultural Trust, throughout Hampshire
    From museums to galleries to arts centres, the trust runs a huge variety of workshops, classes, events and projects for both young and old.
  • Dickens House Museum, Broadstairs, Kent
    Celebrates Charles Dickens’ long connection with Broadstairs from 1837 to 1851, through personal items and letters. Guided tours available
  • Bodleian Libraries, Oxford, Oxfordshire
    Exhibitions and tours of this culturally significant building.
  • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, Hampshire
    The UK’s premier destination for exploring 500 years of naval history. 
  • 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.
  • Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Winchester, Hampshire 
    Explore the distillery and understand the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire - Plus look out for special film screenings during a Cinema Night.
  • Norden Farn Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, Berkshire
    A theatre and entertainment venue with gigs, theatre, exhibitions, comedy, classical concerts and family shows.

Tips to prepare for a rainy day out

  • Combine a visit to an indoor attraction with time in a city or town.  We recommend trying Southampton with its large uncover shopping centre and host of visitor attractions all within walking distance
  • Consider somewhere that offers both indoor and outdoor space as part of your visit,  for example The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent includes both immersive exhibition galleries, three historic ships and the Commissioner's Garden in its attraction ticket.
  • Rain doesn't have to stop play, layered clothing & waterproofs will enable you to get between venues.  Prepare in advance before you head out or pop a small rain mack in the bottom of your bag for those suprise showers.
  • Transport planning - choose sites that are only a short walk away from the public transport hub, such as in Portsmouth.  You'll find Gunwharf Quays just a couple of minutes walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station that has covered walkways, shops, resturants and entertainment for you to enjoy.
  • If you know rain is coming, pre-book tickets - popular indoor venues can get busy when the weather is inclement.

Indoor things to do near me

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. 

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Number of results: 136

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Bodleian Libraries

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Oxford

    See one of the oldest libraries at the heart of Oxford's historic University. Discover the Divinity School, a masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, or choose one of the guided tours, including a visit to Duke Humfrey's library.

  2. The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    London

    The Royal Mews is an important branch of the Lord Chamberlain's Office and provides road transport for The Queen and members of the Royal Family by both horse-drawn carriage and motor car.

  3. Belmont House and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. Curtis Museum

    Type

    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…

  5. City Space at The Arc

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  6. Stansted Park

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Stansted Park is home to stunning weddings, forest walks, afternoon teas and some of the best events in the south! Visit the Mansion for a real sense of a bygone era.

  7. 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…

  8. Knockhatch Adventure Park

    Type

    Type:

    Adventure Park / Playground

    Hailsham

    Exciting family rides
    Amazing indoor & outdoor play
    Zoo, Daily Owl Displays & much more!

  9. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Brighton

    Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.

  10. Deal Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Castle / Fort

    Deal

    Deal Castle is one of the finest artillery works in England; this fortress once carried 119 guns. Now in the care of English Heritage, this castle offers exciting battlements, dark passages and a huge basement to explore.

  11. Oxford Castle & Prison

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage / Visitor Centre

    Oxford

    For the first time in 1000 years, the secrets of Oxford Castle have been ' unlocked', revealing episodes of violence, executions, great escapes, betrayal and even romance. Visit Oxford Castle and uncover the secrets for yourself.

  12. Brighton Toy and Model Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Brighton

    Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.

  13. Godalming Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    GODALMING

    Godalming Museum tells the story of Godalming and the surrounding area and includes a few surprising connections.

  14. Chichester Festival Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    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

  15. AirHop Guildford

    Type

    Type:

    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!

  16. 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.

  17. Farnham Maltings

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Farnham

    Maltings offers a varied programme Including new and exciting theatre, comedy, workshops, festivals, cinema, music and even markets.

  18. Atelier Beside the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Arts Centre

    Brighton & Hove

    Atelier Beside the Sea is an art gallery, shop and makers workshop situated on Brighton Beach and was established by Jon Tutton and Sarah Young, organisers of the much loved MADE London and MADE Brighton Design and Crafts fairs as well as Brighton…

  19. Museum of Oxford

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  20. Basingstoke Leisure Park

    Type

    Type:

    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.