Things to do on a rainy day in Southampton
Rainy weather doesn’t need to put a damper on your plans. In Southampton, there’s a wide variety of indoor attractions and experiences that ensure your day remains enjoyable—no matter what the forecast has in store. From museums and art galleries to soft play centres and shopping escapes, the city offers plenty to do when the skies turn grey.
Whether you're visiting with family, planning a date, or simply looking for ways to stay dry while exploring Southampton, this guide will help you make the most of your time indoors.
Explore Southampton’s museums
Southampton is home to several excellent museums, making it an ideal city for rainy day discoveries.
Start with the SeaCity Museum, located in the heart of the city. This modern and engaging attraction tells the story of Southampton’s maritime history, including its powerful connection to the Titanic. Exhibits are interactive and family-friendly, featuring touchscreens, model ships, sound recordings, and even a courtroom re-creation that keeps young visitors entertained while offering deeper insight for adults.
Just a short walk away is the Tudor House and Garden. Housed in a restored 15th-century building, the museum offers a fascinating look at over 800 years of history. Multimedia displays, costumed guides, and a café make this a great spot to explore while staying warm and dry. Don’t miss the period kitchen or the small cinema room for a relaxing break in your visit.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Solent Sky Museum provides an impressive display of historic aircraft, including the iconic Spitfire. Children can climb into cockpits, learn about aircraft design, and discover the city’s contribution to aviation innovation—all under one roof.
Visit art galleries and cultural spaces
If you enjoy a slower pace and creative inspiration, Southampton’s art and culture scene offers a perfect retreat from the rain.
The Southampton City Art Gallery is a calm, spacious venue that features over 5,000 works of art ranging from traditional oil paintings to cutting-edge contemporary pieces. Admission is free, and the gallery often hosts family trails, workshops, and rotating exhibitions that appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.
Nearby, the John Hansard Gallery showcases modern and experimental works by international and emerging artists. It’s a place where thought-provoking art meets dynamic programming, including talks, film screenings, and installations. A great choice if you're seeking something intellectually engaging yet relaxing.
These venues are centrally located, making them convenient to visit during sudden downpours—and they offer the perfect excuse to linger indoors with a coffee afterwards.
Enjoy indoor family fun
When you're travelling with children, rainy days can be a challenge—but Southampton rises to the occasion with a variety of fun, indoor family attractions.
Flip Out Southampton, located in Chandlers Ford, is a large indoor adventure park with trampolines, ninja obstacle courses, foam pits, and interactive games. It's high-energy, safe, and suitable for toddlers through to teens. Sessions are structured by age, and the onsite café makes it easy for parents to take a break while the kids play.
For something a little calmer, head to Board in the City, a board game café near the city centre. It’s a great option for all ages, offering hundreds of games to choose from, alongside hot drinks, snacks and comfortable seating. Whether you’re solving a mystery, building a strategy, or playing a classic family game, it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon indoors.
If cinema is more your style, Showcase Cinema de Lux at Westquay and Odeon Luxe Eastleigh both provide an excellent rainy day option. With comfy seating and family-friendly screenings, it's a good way to relax and enjoy the latest releases in a warm, dry space.
Try indoor sports and leisure activities
Just because it's raining doesn’t mean you can’t stay active. Southampton boasts several indoor sports and leisure centres that cater to both casual visitors and committed fitness fans.
The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex offers lane swimming, diving sessions and family splash times in its Olympic-standard facilities. It’s a great spot for those who want to keep moving, regardless of the weather outside.
For a variety of options under one roof, Hollywood Bowl is a popular choice. It features bowling, table tennis, arcade games, and even escape rooms—all ideal for group outings or family days.
If you're looking for something quieter, many local gyms and yoga studios offer day passes or drop-in classes. Whether it’s a yoga flow, Pilates session, or group spin class, indoor fitness can be a satisfying and mood-boosting way to make the most of a rainy day.
Shop and dine in style
Rainy days are the perfect excuse for a bit of retail therapy or a long lunch in one of Southampton’s top dining spots.
Westquay Shopping Centre is Southampton’s largest and most popular retail destination. Spread across multiple levels, it houses over 100 stores, from fashion and beauty to electronics and lifestyle brands. Covered walkways and a glass roof ensure that you can shop in comfort, whatever the weather.
The adjacent Westquay South is home to an array of restaurants and cafes, including well-known names like Bill’s, Franco Manca, and Wahaca. Many offer views over the city or Solent—so you can enjoy a meal with a view, even if it’s raining outside.
For a more local, independent experience, explore the indoor arcades and shops in Bedford Place and East Street. There, you’ll find bookshops, vintage fashion, artisan coffee houses and tucked-away eateries that reward those willing to wander.
Relax and recharge
Finally, a rainy day can be the perfect excuse to slow down and indulge in a bit of pampering. HarSPA at Southampton Harbour Hotel offers luxurious treatments, thermal experiences and tranquil views over Ocean Village Marina. Booking a massage, facial or spa day pass is a wonderful way to turn a grey day into something restorative.
Several other hotels and wellness centres across Southampton offer similar packages, including Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa and The Club at Chilworth Manor—each providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere and full spa facilities.
Make the most of a rainy day
Rain may change your plans, but in Southampton, it never stops the fun. The city’s blend of cultural, recreational, and family-friendly indoor venues ensures there’s always something to enjoy. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, education or entertainment, a rainy day here becomes just another way to explore all that Southampton has to offer.
