Nothing spoils a good day like getting soaked in a downpour, and British weather can be quite unpredictable! If your little ones are going stir-crazy cooped up inside when the weather prevents outdoor activities, there is no need to shelter. Whether you’re local or travelling from further afield, there are plenty of fun rainy day activities to enjoy in Southampton! Join CrossCountry as we explore the best indoor things to do around Southampton.
If you don’t mind getting a bit damp, why not play ? Print off our tick sheet and get spotting!
Solent Sky Museum
Even when it’s raining cats and dogs, enjoy a nice dry day packed full of educational fun for kids and adults alike. The is a historical learning site dedicated to aviation and aircraft, paying homage to Southampton’s mechanical history, making it one of our favourite things to do indoors in Southampton. Families can go on an organised guided tour of the enormous Sandringham flying boat and learn about the history of the aviation industry in Southampton. The most exciting exhibition for most visitors is the Spitfire – a must-see piece of military history.
The museum is well-equipped for disabled access, and there are plenty of toilets located throughout as well as an onsite café.
Getting to Solent Sky Museum by train:
Solent Sky Museum is located just over a mile away from Southampton Central station, from which you can hop on board a 20-minute bus ride or take a leisurely walk.
Mayflower Theatre
Perfect for a day of imaginative fun sheltered from the rain, the is a staple of Southampton city culture! The theatre is beloved by locals, and has been for many years, owing to their excellent programme of musicals, plays, and live shows. For kids and families, you can enjoy classic family musicals like the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, festive pantomimes, shows based on kids TV favourites, and seasonal daytime workshops.
When you book tickets online, you can choose where to sit, making it ideal for families. The Mayflower Restaurant is a great place to grab a bite to eat before the show.
Getting to the Mayflower Theatre by train:
Located in the centre of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, the Mayflower Theatre is only a four-minute walk away from Southampton Central station. Grab an umbrella, and you’ll be there in no time!
SeaCity Museum
This is one of Southampton’s best attractions on any day, but especially for escaping the rain! The is dedicated to the maritime history of Southampton, including its famous connection to the Titanic. Interactive displays are great for entertaining kids of all ages, whilst fascinating exhibitions are perfect teaching grown-ups something new. There are hands-on education rooms, and the museum often organises fun family workshops.
Getting to the SeaCity Museum by train:
SeaCity Museum is in the heart of Southampton, located less than a mile away from Southampton Central station. This means it takes less than ten minutes to walk to the museum!
Steamship Shieldhall
If your kids can’t get enough of boats, or love a bit of history, then a trip to the is a great way to get away from the rain. The fascinating big ships in the Western Docks are sure to captivate little ones, whilst the tour of the Steamship Shieldhall is a unique educational experience. It is the largest working steamship in the UK and represents an impressive tribute to the city’s maritime heritage.
Getting to the Steamship Shieldhall by train:
Of course, the Steamship Shieldhall is found in the Western docks of the Port of Southampton, which is a 20-minute bus ride away from Southampton Central station.
Westquay Shopping Centre
What could be a better way to get out of the rain than a bit of retail therapy? For keen shoppers, the is packed full with high-street favourite shops and delightful restaurants and cafes. The indoor shopping centre offers a wide choice of stores and brands, as well as plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and take a break.
Kids will love the Showcase Cinema de Lux, with customisable reclining chairs and multi-dimensional sound effects to take the cinematic experience to the next level! If your little ones have extra energy to burn off, why not go bowling, play arcade games, and play pool at Hollywood Bowl?
Getting to Westquay Shopping Centre by train:
Westquay Shopping Centre is very close to Southampton Central station, so you can walk there in less than ten minutes.
Houdini’s Escape Room
For a thrilling rainy day activity, kids, teens, and families can enjoy a challenging escape room at . With a range of escape room options, including Creepy Carnival and Escape from Alcatraz, kids aged 8+ can enjoy a bit of frightening fun to get them out of the rain. Make sure to check age restrictions in advance, as some escape room themes are recommended for older kids and teens. When all you want to do is escape your house and do something fun, heading to an escape room is one of our favourite indoor activities in Southampton.
Getting to Houdini’s Escape Room by train:
Right in the centre of the city, Houdini’s Escape Room is easy to walk to from Southampton Central station, taking around fifteen minutes.
If you’re planning a day out in Southampton, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Seb