What to do in Sussex when it's raining

If you’re stuck wondering what to do in Sussex when it’s raining, we’ve got a fantastic selection of sheltered attractions that will entertain both kids and adults and make rainy day boredom a thing of the past.

Discover amazing historic buildings

The majestic Arundel Castle will have you quickly forgetting about the wet weather as you wander the interiors of this beautiful medieval castle that dates from the 11th century. The castle boasts an excellent collection of tapestries, furniture and paintings and visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the River Arun and the South Downs from the keep. It’s worth bringing an umbrella with to explore the lovely castle gardens as well.

Equally amazing but very different from Arundel Castle, Brighton Pavilion is a remarkable pleasure palace that was completed in the early 19th century for the Prince Regent who was to become King George IV. The pavilion boasts a distinct oriental design and the amazing interior features a beautiful and fantastical Chinoiserie style in addition to superb pieces of French and English furniture – you will have plenty to marvel at as you explore the various palace rooms.

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Be captivated by world-class art

The picturesque Charleston House is perfect for exploring on a rainy day. The house was used as both a home and meeting place for the Bloomsbury group who were a collection of painters, intellectuals and writers during the first half of the 20th Century. The house contains a wonderful collection of artwork including paintings, ceramics, textiles and murals and the artwork extends into the garden as well which houses a number of sculptures.

The Towner Gallery in Eastbourne is a great attraction for anyone with an interest in modern art. The museum hosts both international and British contemporary art exhibitions as well as a series of talks, workshops and other events throughout the year. In addition, it also houses an artwork collection that spans various time periods.

Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is another must-see attraction for fans of contemporary art. This award-winning gallery has one of the best collections of British modern art in the country. The gallery also hosts a variety of exhibitions, talks and workshops annually.

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Meander through marvellous museums

The brilliant Booth Museum of Natural History is free to visit and is filled with a wealth of intriguing objects, exhibits and interactive displays that will entice visitors of all ages. The museum has an extensive and curious collection of taxidermied birds and animals, and there are more than 650 butterflies on display. There is also an excellent fossil and bone collection that will intrigue children and adults alike.

The Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre stretches over 36 acres within the South Downs National Park and offers a variety of intriguing attractions. Visitors can explore the site courtesy of a vintage bus and a narrow gauge railway and view the museum’s collections of vintage buses and narrow gauge railway trains. The museum boasts a variety of resident craftspeople that specialise in crafts such as woodturning, pottery and blacksmithing and there are also diverse exhibitions to discover that focus on the likes of electricity generation, telecommunications, printing and road construction to name a few, making the museum an excellent choice for anyone with an interest in the rich industrial past of the South East.

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Captivate the kids and chase away their rainy day blues

Smugglers Adventure provides a fun way for children to learn about the history of smuggling which has been recreated within St Clement’s Caves in Hastings. Kids will be amazed and delighted at every turn as they discover the history of smuggling on the Sussex coast during the 17th and 18th centuries courtesy of life-sized characters, sound and lighting effects and exciting games and activities.

Yesterday’s World located in Battle in East Sussex offers a treasure trove of delights to entice both older and younger family members. A host of attractions provide wonderful insight into life from the 18th century to the 1970s. There are many fantastic sights to be seen such as the old-fashioned sweet shop which will enchant anyone with a sweet tooth, while the World War II Evacuee Display helps present-day visitors understand what the evacuation period was like and the Victorian toy collection is sure to intrigue children.

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Something a little bit different

Though it is likely to have been built around 1750, High Salvington Windmill has stood the test of time thanks to extensive renovation work, following which it has been serving as a working mill since 1991. Members of the public can explore inside the mill but it is important to check the opening times when planning a visit.

When it’s raining there’s nothing quite like an out-of-this-world attraction to make you forget about the wet weather and the South Downs Planetarium is just such an attraction. A number of shows are offered throughout the year that focus on a variety of topics such as the Northern lights, planets and stars to name a few. The planetarium combines fun and education and the shows are sure to engross anyone who has ever been curious about the wonders of the universe.

Even when it’s raining, these attractions are sure to shine

No matter what your interests may be, these excellent attractions ensure there’s no excuse for downhearted sighs when it’s raining in Sussex. Whether you’re keen on history, science, art or are looking for something to amuse the kids, these attractions will keep spirits high whilst staying dry!