Rainy Day Activities in Southampton and Bournemouth: Indoor Fun Near Your Apartment

Grey skies don't have to spoil your holiday!

From interactive museums to buzzing theatres, Southampton and Bournemouth offer enough rainy day activities to fill an entire itinerary, all a short ride from your Smart Apartment.

Museums, History, and Art Galleries

• Dip into local heritage at an Elizabethan manor house where you can watch staff grind wheat the traditional way.

• The Tank Museum and aviation exhibits at Solent Sky let older kids and history buffs easily spend a whole day exploring.

• Contemporary art galleries in the Cultural Quarter showcase rotating exhibitions, workshops, and free community events, perfect for a quiet afternoon.

Indoor Adventure and Soft Play Parks

Families with younger children will love Rock Reef on Bournemouth Pier, which packs crazy golf, climbing walls, and high-line obstacle courses under one roof.

Your younger kids can run wild in brightly padded soft play areas like Oasis Fun, giving parents a welcome coffee break.

Escape Rooms, Bowling Alleys, and Gaming Centres

Gather the whole family or a group of friends for puzzle-packed escape rooms or neon-lit bowling alleys.

Many centres offer combo deals, making them a great place to stay busy on stormy afternoons. Book online in advance to secure a start time that fits your schedule.

Theatre Performances and Odeon Cinema

When showers sweep across the New Forest coast, step inside a classic playhouse for live drama, comedy, or a children’s matinee.

Prefer the big screen? An Odeon cinema sits only minutes from our Southampton site, screening blockbusters in Dolby surround sound with plenty of nearby cafés for post-film chat.

Shopping, Tea Rooms, and Food Halls

Bournemouth’s covered shopping arcades keep you dry while you browse local boutiques, surf shops, and bookstores. Break for lunch at a vintage tea room or one of the town’s lively international food halls.

You can sample artisan pastries, sushi, or vegan bowls without ever reaching for an umbrella.

Day Trips Just Beyond the City

If you fancy a short drive, head to the New Forest where kids can meet amazing animals at the reptile centre or explore hands-on science stalls at the Beaulieu motor museum.

These indoor attractions turn a drizzly day trip into an engaging adventure for visitors of all ages.

With Smart Apartments as your base, every indoor thing to do is within easy reach.

Reserve your stay and enjoy comfort, convenience, and endless options for fun, whatever the weather brings.