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: 133
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Museum
Rochester
Discover the history of Medway from pre-historic times to the present day at the Guildhall Museum in Rochester.
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.
Theatre
Tunbridge Wells
The Assembly Hall Theatre is a 1,000 seat receiving theatre offering an eclectic programme with everything from family shows to classical music, including West End touring musicals and drama, dance, comedy, opera and classical, ballet and more.
Museum
Southampton
Southampton Stories is an exhibition inside SeaCity Museum, that tells the stories of the city's rich maritime history, its local history, its people, archaeology, and the events and activities that have impacted the city through time.
Theatre
Worthing
The Art Deco Connaught Theatre, Cinema and Studio hosts a wide variety of plays ranging from musicals and thrillers to drama and children’s shows as well as 2D and 3D blockbuster films.
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
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…
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.
Science Centre
Morn Hill, Winchester
Winchester Science Centre is more than a day out. It’s a chance to spark your children’s curiosity in science which could lead them on an exciting journey for life! Situated in the stunning South Downs National Park, this exciting family destination…
Historic House / Palace
Aylesbury
This National Trust property houses the Rothschild Collection of art treasures and wine cellars. It also features spectacular grounds with an aviary, parterre and woodland playground, licensed restaurants, gift and wine shops.
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.
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 House / Palace
Sandwich
Take a tour of Sandwich Guildhall. Built in the reign of Elizabeth I the Guildhall has been enlarged and modified in more recent times.
Theatre
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’
DAILY TELEGRAPH
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.
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.
Venue Provider
WINCHESTER
The brand-new place to experience live performance, library and community services, art, classes and talks, all together, under one roof in the heart of Winchester.
Event Venue
Windsor
The Old Court is a vibrant arts centre with an event programme that features an eclectic mix of live music, drama, comedy and film, and a bar run by Windsor & Eton Brewery.
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” .
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.
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