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: 138
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Spa
West End
Escape away for a spa day at the Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl's eforea spa - a place like no other, offering the ultimate relaxation experience
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.
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…
Museum
Oxford
History of the city of Oxford and university. Discover the cities earliest residents, medieval crafts, civil war stories, famous literary connections and the growth of a modern city.
Gallery
Alton
Tichborne celebrities. Large ceramic display and delightful small garden. Temporary exhibition programme.
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
Bexhill-on-Sea
It’s curious, it’s quirky, it’s packed to the rafters with diverse objects with a surprise in every cabinet and around every corner.
Historic Site
Oxford
Christ Church is one of more than thirty colleges that make up the University of Oxford. Its college chapel is unique as it is also Oxford’s cathedral.
Gallery
Gosport
The gallery is currently closed for building works. Whilst the works are taking place, we have relocated to 124 the High Street where we have created One of a Kind, a pop-up shop showcasing the talent of local makers. The shop also provides a…
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.
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.
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
Trampolining
Sandown Industrial Park, Esher
Experience ultimate bouncing fun for all ages at Jump In Adventure & Trampoline Park Esher. The perfect spot for an indoor fun family day out in Surrey with lots of activities on and off the trampolines!
Jump In Adventure Park Esher is packed…
Heritage / Visitor Centre
Oxford
For the first time in 1000 years, the secrets of Oxford Castle have been uncovered, revealing life behind bars, episodes of violence, executions, great escapes, betrayal and even romance. Visit Oxford Castle and uncover the secrets for yourself.
Historic House / Palace
Woodstock
Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace, one of the finest baroque houses in England, is set in over 2,000 acres of landscaped gardens
Museum
Brighton
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Royal Pavilion garden, at the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.
Workshop
Step-by-step painting workshops in pubs and bars across the south east. Even if you haven’t painted since school you will be able to create your very own work of art at a pub with The Paint Club.
Steam Railway
Ryde
Inspiring, Surprising and Award-Winning … Equally appealing to adults and families, your visit to The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will charm, engage and captivate, leaving you with some lasting memories of a special day out.
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!
Animal Collection / Zoo
Carterton
Come and join us on a great day out in Oxfordshire with photo opportunities, feeding displays, crocodile talks and much more at the UK's only Crocodile Zoo - Crocodiles of the World
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