Rainy Day Activities

Discover hundreds of places to go and things to do indoors across South East England.

Don't let the wet weather spoil your day out, staycation or holiday, find a rainy day activity near you on our interactive map or try our Places to Visit section for more ideas on a particular county, city or town.

Indoor Attractions

Whether you're looking for things to do on a rainy day for adults or kids, find a wide selection of museums, craft centres and galleries to visit, or why not indulge in a brewery tour or discover one of the fine shopping centres that grace the South East.

There are numerous options for things to do indoors including a visit to one of the many theatres, cinemas or bowling alleys across the destination, providing fun for the whole family.

Delve into the South East's history and heritage with a visit to the likes of Windsor Castle in Windsor, or Leeds Castle in Maidstone. You'll find many more great historic houses, castles and churches and cathedrals to explore across the South on those not so good weather days. The Queen’s House is a beautiful 17th-century royal villa was designed by Inigo Jones and is Britain’s first classical building. Marvel at the House’s pioneering architecture, including the iconic Tulip Stairs, and discover its internationally renowned art collection.  The Queen’s House is free to visit except for Special Exhibitions and guided tours.

Top 15 things to do on a rainy day

• Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Hampshire  
  Amazing family fun at this interactive, hands on science and technology centre.
• Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum, Hampshire
  Home of the iconic world famous National Motor Museum and World of Top Gear
• Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
  VisitEngland's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, right in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Hampshire Cultural Trust, throughout Hampshire
  Twenty-three museums, arts centres, and galleries offering informative days out, workshops and events.   
• Salisbury Catherdral, Sailsbury, Wiltshire
  A place of worship, welcome and hospitality for over 800 years
• Bodleian Libraries, Oxford, Oxfordshire
  Exhibitions and tours of this culturally significant building.
• Dinosaur Isle, Sandown, Isle of Wight
  Step back in time to when these tremendous beats ruled the earth.
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, Hampshire
  The great value all explorer ticket gives 12-months of access to all 12 attractions. 
• Odds Farm Park, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
   Along side the outdoor farm there is a massive adventure play area including the slides, tunnels, swinging ropes and more.  
• 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.
• McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet Shopping, Ashford, Kent
  Discover over 100 of your favourite brands all with up to 60% off the RRP, along with 13 eateries and a children's playground
• Dover Castle, Dover, Kent
  Discover 2000 years of history including the secret underground tunnels, Operation Dynamo and the Great Tower.
• Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Winchester, Hampshire
  Explore the distillery and understand the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire
• Ascot Racecourse, Ascot, Berkshire
  For a truely memorable day out, home to Royal Ascot, firework nights, themed and family race days.

Indoor things to do near me

Whether you live nearby or are travelling to the South East for a day trip or longer holiday, find places to go when it's raining near you below. Use the 'map view' function to narrow your search to a particular area or try our Places to Visit section for more ideas on a particular county, city or town.