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 41 to 60.
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.
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.
Hotel Spa
Fareham
Experience the ultimate wine-tasting journey with our advanced Enomatic and Podbar wine-tasting machines.
At every Quob Park location, our wine-tasting machines provide access to a universe of exquisite wines, with over 150 varietals available to…
Adventure Park / Playground
Littlehampton
At Harbour Park we have a fantastic soft play, which provides endless fun for children up to 9 years of age. With a variety of experiences including separate role playrooms, light tunnels, huge interactive gaming screen and so much more!
No need to…
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.
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’
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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” .
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…
Adventure Park / Playground
Hailsham
Exciting family rides
Amazing indoor & outdoor play
Zoo, Daily Owl Displays & much more!
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
Brighton
Located in four Victorian cellars under Brighton Railway Station, the Brighton Toy and Model Museum will invoke many childhood memories and dreams.
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.
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…
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…
Leisure / Swimming Pool
Portsmouth
The Mountbatten Leisure Centre is set in an attractive park adjacent to Portsmouth's northern shore. The centre is the city's premier sports facility and has a long reputation for hosting a wide variety of national and international sporting events.
Gallery
Southampton
Explore Southampton City Art Gallery’s diverse collection of fine art, which can tell the story of European art from the Renaissance through to the present day. The gallery has regularly rotating displays feature works from the collection, national…
Museum
Southampton
The museum is uniquely concerned with the development of the aviation and aircraft manufacturing companies in the Solent area over the past century and also houses the Air Training Corps National Museum. The collection includes the Gnat, Sandringham…
Theatre
Southsea
The dignified and beautiful Kings Theatre is one of the most elegant Edwardian playhouses to be found in the British Isles the perfect setting to enjoy a full programme of shows including musicals, ballet, opera, dance, drama, music, comedy and film
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…
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.