Enjoy the South East of England what ever the weather has in store.  Discover a host of places to visit and things to do on a rainy day.

Rainy Day Activities

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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.

Why visit indoor attractions on rainy days?

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.

Top Ideas for a rainy day in South East England

  • Eden Shopping Centre, Buckinghamshire 
    Discover Eden Shopping Centre, the vibrant retail and leisure destination in the heart of High Wycombe.
  • Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium, Hampshire
    Amazing family fun at this interactive, hands on science and technology centre just of the outskirts of Winchester.
  • Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum, Hampshire
    Multi-award winning family day out with something for everyone, with both indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.
  • Hampshire Cultural Trust, throughout Hampshire
    From museums to galleries to arts centres, the trust runs a huge variety of workshops, classes, events and projects for both young and old.
  • Dickens House Museum, Broadstairs, Kent
    Celebrates Charles Dickens’ long connection with Broadstairs from 1837 to 1851, through personal items and letters. Guided tours available
  • Bodleian Libraries, Oxford, Oxfordshire
    Exhibitions and tours of this culturally significant building.
  • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, Hampshire
    The UK’s premier destination for exploring 500 years of naval history. 
  • 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.
  • Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Winchester, Hampshire 
    Explore the distillery and understand the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire - Plus look out for special film screenings during a Cinema Night.
  • Norden Farn Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, Berkshire
    A theatre and entertainment venue with gigs, theatre, exhibitions, comedy, classical concerts and family shows.

Tips to prepare for a rainy day out

  • Combine a visit to an indoor attraction with time in a city or town.  We recommend trying Southampton with its large uncover shopping centre and host of visitor attractions all within walking distance
  • Consider somewhere that offers both indoor and outdoor space as part of your visit,  for example The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent includes both immersive exhibition galleries, three historic ships and the Commissioner's Garden in its attraction ticket.
  • Rain doesn't have to stop play, layered clothing & waterproofs will enable you to get between venues.  Prepare in advance before you head out or pop a small rain mack in the bottom of your bag for those suprise showers.
  • Transport planning - choose sites that are only a short walk away from the public transport hub, such as in Portsmouth.  You'll find Gunwharf Quays just a couple of minutes walk from Portsmouth Harbour train station that has covered walkways, shops, resturants and entertainment for you to enjoy.
  • If you know rain is coming, pre-book tickets - popular indoor venues can get busy when the weather is inclement.

Indoor things to do near me

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. 

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Number of results: 138

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  1. Winchester City Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museums & Galleries

    Winchester

    Located in the heart of the historic city of Winchester, City Museum tells the story of England's ancient capital, the seat of Alfred the Great. From its origins as an Iron Age trading centre to Anglo-Saxon glory, the last journey of Jane Austen to…

  2. Amberley Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Arundel

    Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre is a 36 acre open-air site dedicated to preserving the industrial heritage of the south east.

  3. The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Birchington

    The Powell-Cotton Museum offers an exciting, fun and interactive day out for all. There are incredible natural history displays, featuring animals from the African and Asian continents in world-famous dioramas as well as fascinating displays of…

  4. AirHop Guildford

    Type

    Type:

    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!

  5. Brooklands Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Weybridge

    Brooklands Museum is on the site of the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit and houses collections of cars, motorcycles and bicycles, particular from the heyday of the track until it closed in 1939.

  6. Tudor House and Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Historic Site

    Southampton

    Uncover over 800 years of history in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town. Tudor House and Garden gives visitors an insight in to the lives and times of its residents with informative displays and hands on interactive experiences.

  7. The Orchard Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatres & Cinemas

    Dartford

    The Orchard Theatre was officially opened on the 14th April 1983 by His Royal Highness The
    Duke of Kent and quickly gained a reputation as one of the country's premier venues presenting
    a remarkable range of entertainment.

  8. Congress Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Conference / Exhibition Centre

    Eastbourne

    The Congress Theatre is Grade II* listed. Purpose built, the theatre and conference venue has a seating capacity of 1655, and is one of the largest theatres on the south coast.

  9. Maidenhead Heritage Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Maidenhead

    Fly a Spitfire simulator at this local museum which covers local history from the Romans to Racing Cars!

  10. Sandwich Guildhall

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  11. The Arc

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  12. Southampton Stories

    Type

    Type:

    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. 

  13. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  14. Basingstoke Leisure Park

    Type

    Type:

    Leisure & Activity Centres

    Basingstoke

    Whether you are looking to spend the day or a quick time out, Basingstoke Leisure Park is packed with activities to enjoy leisure time on your own or with family and friends. 

  15. Hampshire Cultural Trust

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    WINCHESTER

    Hampshire Cultural Trust was established as an independent charity in 2014 to promote Hampshire as a county that offers outstanding cultural experiences to both its residents and visitors.

  16. Assembly Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Worthing

    The largest of the town’s entertainment venues, hosting live bands; Worthing Symphony Orchestra and the Wurlitzer Organ, ideal for music, comedy and events.

  17. Parham House & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Pulborough

    Set in the heart of an ancient deer park, Parham House and Gardens is situated below the South Downs. The house and gardens have been lovingly restored by the Pearson family who bought Parham in 1922.

  18. Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    GREAT MISSENDEN

    The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, in Great Missenden is where Roald Dahl (1916-1990) lived and wrote many of his well-loved books. This great little award-winning Museum, aimed at 6 to 12 year olds and their families, has fun galleries.

  19. Portsmouth Natural History Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Southsea, Portsmouth

    See the flora and fauna of Portsmouth at Portsmouth Natural History Museum.