Top 10 Rainy Days Out in Hampshire

Don’t let the weather stop your fun in Hampshire! Even if it’s raining, there are still lots of exciting things to do under cover in Hampshire from visiting some of our museums to discovering what lies under the sea. 

Take a look at our top ten rainy day ideas in Hampshire:

The Mary Rose Museum - Portsmouth
 

This state-of-the-art museum sees Henry VIII's flagship airlocked giving you a glimpse into Tudor times. Learn about its fascinating history and discover many of the 'never been seen before' artefacts which were discovered with the wreck. In 2023, a new 4D theatre experience “1982 – Dive the Mary Rose!” was added to the museum as well. 

The Mary Rose Museum sits within Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Here, you can also step aboard the HMS Warrior and HMS Victory and explore the other museum and dockyard spaces, many of which are indoors.

Find out more about The Mary Rose Museum

Find out more about Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Army Flying Museum - Test Valley
 

Tucked away in Northwest Hampshire, the Army Flying Museum sits next to the busy Army Air Corps Airfield at Middle Wallop, near Stockbridge. The two large hangars house the journey of British soldiers in the air. 

Younger visitors will love some of the interactive exhibits and the chance to sit in the model helicopters. 

From the museum’s Hanger Café, you can watch the comings and goings of the active airfield. 

Find out more about Army Flying Museum

Winchester Cathedral - Winchester
 

One of the finest medieval cathedrals in Europe. Nestled at the heart of historic Winchester, once the seat of Anglo-Saxon and Norman royal power, this magnificent Cathedral is the resting place of Saxon royalty, bishops and Jane Austen, the much-loved English novelist.

Take a guided tour or self-guide yourself around the Cathedral and discover over 1,000 years of history. 

Find out more about Winchester Cathedral
 

iFly Indoor Sky Diving - Basingstoke

Experience the amazing sensation of flying with iFly Indoor Skydiving! Soar like a bird in the 14ft (4.3m) diameter, super-fast wind tunnel. In addition to super-smooth, super-fast wind tunnel, you can also enjoy two Ski slopes in the Ski Zone.

It’s easy to combine a visit to iFly with some of the other activities that form the Basingstoke Leisure Park including ice skating, bowling and swimming. 

Find out more about iFly Indoor Skydiving

Find out more about Basingstoke Leisure Park

Beaulieu National Motor Museum - New Forest
 

Although there are many outdoor features to a day out at this award-winning attraction, the main museum and its exhibits are housed indoors. From James Bond's fast cars to the World of Top Gear experience with some of the show’s iconic vehicles, everyone will love a day out at Beaulieu! 

Find out more about Beaulieu National Motor Museum

Milestones Living History Museum - Basingstoke

Take a trip back in time at Milestones, with its Victorian and 1930s streets, including a pub and sweet shop. Kids can chat to historic characters, dress up in costumes and enjoy interactive games. Milestones regularly hosts events for families throughout the Hampshire school holidays as well.

Find out more about Milestones Museum

Royal Navy Submarine Museum - Gosport
 

Photographs, artifacts and plenty of submarines are on display at this fascinating museum, where you can take a tour of HMS Alliance and listen to talks from real submariners.

Explore the Science and Submarines Gallery to find out the science behind how submarines work. 

Find out more about the Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Blue Reef Aquarium - Portsmouth

Embark on the ultimate undersea safari at the Blue Reef Aquarium in Portsmouth. Discover 40 displays of tropical fish such as stingrays and sharks. There is even an exhibition area dedicated to species that you can find off the Hampshire coast!

Find out more about Blue Reef Aquarium

SeaCity Museum - Southampton
 

Discover the history of RMS Titanic with a visit to SeaCity. Enjoy fun, interactive activities and special exhibitions throughout the year.

SeaCity Museum sits in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter. Close by you will find The Southampton City Art Gallery, John Hansard Gallery and the Mayflower Theatre as well as several coffee shops and restaurants. 

Find out more about SeaCity Museum

Winchester Science Centre - Winchester
 

Winchester Science Centre is an interactive hands-on Science Centre with 100 hands-on science exhibits plus also the UK's largest stand-alone digital planetarium. A great place for kids to not only burn off energy, but to learn all about science in the process. 

Look out for the live science shows which usually take place in the school holidays too! 

Find out more about Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium

Find out other indoor places to visit including art galleries, museums and stately homes here in Hampshire.