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.
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.
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…
Museum
Portsmouth
The D-Day Story is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the Allied Invasion in June 1944. It tells the unique personal stories behind this epic event. Also, home to the new fully restored only surviving D-Day Landing Craft LCT 7074, which is…
Museum
Gillingham
There is something for all the family. Zulu War items, Boer War, World Wars I and II, planes, trains, tanks, bridges, bombs, 25 galleries.
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.
Museum
Petersfield
Situated at the foot of the South Downs, Petersfield Museum tells the story of Petersfield and the surrounding villages through an exciting mix of archaeology, art, historic dress, literature, photography, poetry and social history.
Historic House / Palace
Brighton
The Royal Pavilion is an exotic palace in the centre of Brighton with a colourful history. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual style of India and China.
Castle / Fort
Windsor
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, the family home of 39 British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years, and is today one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen.
Open to visitors throughout the…
Farm
CHICHESTER
The Aldingbourne Country Centre is a ‘Great day out’ in West Sussex.
Visit their open farm, woodland walk, castle playground, maze, sand & water play area, ride on tractors, and indoor soft play. With their own onsite café, they also have a…
Museum
Greenwich, London
The world’s largest maritime museum, filled with inspirational stories of exploration and adventure at sea. Critically acclaimed temporary exhibitions (ticketed). General admission free.
Theatre
Farnham
Maltings offers a varied programme Including new and exciting theatre, comedy, workshops, festivals, cinema, music and even markets.
Gallery
Winchester
Located on the first floor of Winchester Discovery Centre, The Gallery is a stunning exhibition space designed to the highest environmental and security standards to allow the display of art and objects from the most important galleries, museums and…
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.
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.
Historic Site
Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a unique, award winning maritime heritage destination with a fantastic range of attractions, iconic buildings and historic ships to explore, PLUS a fabulous programme of touring exhibitions at No.1 Smithery.
Museum
GODALMING
Godalming Museum tells the story of Godalming and the surrounding area and includes a few surprising connections.
Museum
MAIDSTONE
Maidstone Carriage Musuem is home to a unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles & transport curiosities. More than 60 vehicles displayed, from grand carriages & ornate sleighs to antique sedan chairs & Victorian cabs, even an original ice
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.
Theatre
Aldershot
Aldershot's West End Centre is a friendly, intimate venue that hosts classes, workshops, art exhibitions, music performances and stand-up comedy, and also has an on-site, small scale theatre.
Distillery
Whitchurch
Located in rural Hampshire just 60 miles from London, Laverstoke Mill is a site steeped in natural beauty, sitting astride the crystal clear River Test and situated within a Conservation Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
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