In this article, you'll learn the following:
We all know how unpredictable the British weather can be, so no matter the season, it’s always a good idea to have some indoor activity ideas in the bank for those rainy weekends. From bowling alleys and art and craft activities to escape rooms and cinemas, there are plenty of fun indoor activities in the South West to keep the whole family and friends entertained.
Whether you’re planning for a half term activity or weekend day trip, read on to find out more about the best rainy day activities in London and the South West.
Best indoor activities in London
England’s capital is jam-packed full of fun indoor activities for both kids and adults, so it’s a great destination for a day out or weekend getaway no matter the weather.
QUEENS London, Queensway
For the ultimate day of entertainment, head to QUEENS London. Begin your day by whizzing around the centre’s indoor ice rink before challenging your group to a game of ten-pin bowling. Continue the fun at the retro arcades, which feature two-pence machines, basketball hoops and all the much-loved classics. All that fun is bound to make you peckish, and with the on-site café and bar, you’re in the right place for a tasty bite to eat and a refreshing drink.
To get to QUEENS London, catch the train to London Waterloo before switching to the tube. Catch the Jubilee towards Stanmore to Bond Street, then hop on the Central line towards Ealing Broadway, getting off at Queensway.
‘No Escape’ Room, Oxford Street
If you’re a fan of escape rooms, then London is the place to be. The ‘No Escape’ Rooms are known to be some of the best escape rooms in London and have great public transport links. There are a number of ‘No Escape’ Rooms on Oxford Street for you to take your pick from, including one with a spooky Sweeney Todd theme—so this activity is better for adults and older children.
To get there, catch the train to London Waterloo, before hopping on a nine-minute tube to Tottenham Court Road on the Northern towards High Barnet line.
Pottery Café
Unleash your creative side and head to the Pottery Café in Battersea for the ultimate crafty family day out. Choose from a selection of handmade pottery, before selecting your paints and sponges—then all that’s left is to get stuck in! If you’re feeling peckish, there are a range of snacks including cakes and cookies on offer, and you can decorate your pottery to your heart’s content while sipping on delicious artisan coffee and tea.
To get there, catch the train to Clapham Junction, before riding for eight minutes on the number 319 bus.
Backyard Cinema
A trip to the cinema is exciting in itself, but Backyard’s immersive cinemas really take things to the next level! Backyard Cinemas take venues all around London—from churches to courtyards—and transform them into an interactive cinema experience that’s not to be missed. Located in Wandsworth’s iconic Capital Studios, Backyard's first permanent site is a converted TV-studio, consisting of two themed movie theatres for you to choose between, as well as an on-site studio bar and café.
The nearest station to Backyard Cinema is Wandsworth Town. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk along Old York Road.
Best indoor activities in the South West
Whether you’re planning a family day out or romantic getaway, you can find plenty of fun indoor activities for people of all ages in the south west, all easily accessible by public transport.
Tenpin, Exeter
Nothing beats a competitive game of bowling, and Tenpin in Exeter has the whole package! With 22 lanes, retro arcade machines and even pool tables for you to enjoy, you could easily spend a whole afternoon and evening here! This bowling alley is also perfect for beginning your night on the town. With a cool Cosmic Bowling option where you bowl in the dark with neon lights, and a beer pong table for an extra dose of competition, there’s plenty to do during your evening at Tenpin.
To get there, catch the train to Exeter Central, before switching to the Green bus towards High Street and riding for 13 minutes.
Centre VR, Bournemouth
For a day out with a difference, head to Centre VR in Bournemouth. As the largest virtual reality centre in the UK, Centre VR has over 100 different games for you and your group to check out—and for a real team experience, you can even work together on a multiplayer game. From laser quest-style games to a Christmas-themed adventure story, there’s a game for every member of your group.
You can get half price entry when you buy your train tickets direct with us thanks to SWR Rewards! Get to Centre VR by catching the train to Bournemouth, before walking for 18 minutes towards the centre.
RockReef Ultimate Adventure
Located at the end of Bournemouth Pier, RockReef is a year-round, all-weather indoor attraction featuring 28 Clip ’n Climb themed climbing walls suitable for all ages and abilities. Enjoy thrilling activities like the Vertical Slide drop, Leap of Faith jump, Highline aerial ropes course, and the 65-meter Pier Cave. RockReef promises excitement for everyone, making it the ultimate destination for indoor adventure.. And with SWR Rewards you get 20% of your RockReef Ultimate Adventure.
Bournemouth station is 1.5 miles away from Bournemouth Pier.
Red House Mysteries, Exeter
For an escape room with a difference, head to Red House Mysteries in Exeter. With three thrilling challenges described as ‘popular and devilish’ to choose between, these aren’t for the faint-hearted! Become immersed in the realistic storylines as you and your group work to find the clues and solve the puzzles—will you manage to escape in under an hour?
You can get 10% off your escape room tickets when you buy train tickets direct thanks to SWR Rewards. The nearest station to Red House Mysteries is Exeter Central. From here, it’s just an eight-minute journey on the H1 bus.
Lighthouse, Poole
If you’re looking for some added culture on your next cinema trip, pay a visit to the Lighthouse in Poole. Recently refurbished, the Lighthouse is a performing arts centre, as well as being the home of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. You can check out one of the contemporary, independent or classic films on show at the cinema, or watch one of the live theatre shows which include celebrity stand-up comedy performances, musical Christmas numbers and more.
The Lighthouse is just a seven-minute walk from Poole station.
Travel with SWR
From immersive VR centres to fun-filled bowling alleys, there are so many entertaining indoor activities across the South West. Book your train tickets in advance to secure the best prices, and explore a range of ticket types to suit your needs.
Our GroupSave tickets are perfect for outings with family and friends, and our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets give you extra flexibility if plans change on the day. For additional savings, check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts.
While you’re here, sign up for our newsletter to get more travel recommendations, offers, news and exclusive competitions sent straight to your inbox.
