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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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.
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.
Gallery
London
The King's Gallery is located adjacent to Buckingham Palace, on the site of what was once a private chapel for Queen Victoria.
Golf Course
Brighton Marina Village, BRIGHTON
Globalls has it’s very own 12-hole indoor golf course, this is a unique games experience. Based on an aquatic, carnival or tropicana theme you can play amongst life size neon sculptures and wall art.
Castle / Fort
Dover
Discover 2000 years of history at Dover Castle! Step inside the Great Tower and immerse yourself in the medieval world and royal court of King Henry ll. Travel deep inside the White Cliffs and tour the Underground Hospital.
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.
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.
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!
Museum
Arundel
Arundel Museum is the south coast’s newest museum, revealing the story of the historic town of Arundel.
History and Heritage
CHICHESTER
A chance to see and hear the stories of heroes, in the air and on the ground, from World War 1 to the Cold War. Record breaking aircraft and others that have starred in films.
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.
Museum
Southsea, Portsmouth
See the flora and fauna of Portsmouth at Portsmouth Natural History Museum.
Brewery
Banbury
Hook Norton is one of only 32 family owned breweries and is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery in the country.
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…
Museum
New Forest
A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic 18th Century cottages, riverside walk, SS Persia Exhibition, St Mary's Chapel and optional river cruise.
Event Venue
Farnborough
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre is a must-visit attraction in Hampshire. The venue is host to some of the UK’s largest events and attractions, including the British Motor Show, Homebuilding & Renovating Show, RYA Dinghy &…
Theatre
Southampton
The largest Theatre in the south, The Mayflower offers spectacular touring musicals - many direct from the West End - plus opera, ballet and comedy.
Adventure Park / Playground
Hailsham
Exciting family rides
Amazing indoor & outdoor play
Zoo, Daily Owl Displays & much more!
Castle / Fort
Maidstone
Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle is the perfect backdrop to your day out. The historic castle, glorious gardens, attractions and programme of events awaits visitors.
Family Fun & Activities
Angmering , Littlehampton
Welcome to Out Of Bounds! Have fun and experience exciting indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
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