Rainy day adventures in Basingstoke and Deane

When the clouds roll in and the rain comes down it’s tempting to stay home and wait it out. But in Basingstoke and Deane, a rainy day can be the perfect excuse to discover somewhere new, get creative, or simply enjoy a cosy indoor escape. Whether you’re a family looking for fun, a couple seeking inspiration, or on your own and craving a change of scene, here are some of the best ways to make the most of a drizzly day.

Indoor fun

Immerse yourself in the past at Milestones, Hampshire’s museum of living history. Explore the museum’s streets, shops and buildings to discover how people used to live, buy a ration of sweets from the 1940s sweet shop and view the unique collection of vintage vehicles. Throughout the year, there is a programme of fun, family-friendly events and exhibitions, and don’t forget your ticket lasts a year so even if you visited last time it rained you can go again!

If you have little ones, the new Pop Up Play Village at the Leisure Park offers a role play experience and then you can enjoy a snack at the cafe. 

If you are looking for something inside to do with family or friends then an escape room is a great option. We are lucky to have three in the town centre, take a look at Exciting Escapes, Trapped in Fiction and Escape Hunt; there is sure to be a room that you feel like escaping from!

The Dice Tower on Basingstoke's London Street is a welcoming board game café, the perfect place to gather your friends and family on a rainy day. They have a huge selection of games and their meny includes pizzas, nachos, hot dogs and more. You can book a table via their website. You can find a variety of games at the nearby The Post Box Sports Bar including darts, interactive darts, shuffleboard and pool. You’ll also find a simulator, perfect for bringing outside sports like golf and football indoors on a rainy day! For snooker or pool check out The Academy in Kenpshott and Buckskin. It has 31 pool tables and 12 snooker tables.

For something more relaxed, head to the cinema and take in a movie. This could be a great option for families, with a friend or with a partner. You’ll find the Vue cinema in Basingstoke town centre and Odeon at the Leisure Park.

Get active

For families, indoor soft play, bowling alleys, and trampoline parks offer guaranteed fun plus a chance for kids to burn some energy while parents stay comfortably dry. You’ll find soft plays at Basingstoke Sports Centre and Superbowl, both in Festival Place. For older kids trampoline parks Flip Out in the town centre or Atmosphere are perfect. For some friendly rivalry book a bowling lane at either Hollywood Bowl on the Leisure Park or Superbowl in the town centre. 

Looking for something a little more exhilarating? iFLY Indoor Skydiving lets you experience the thrill of freefall without stepping outside. It’s a brilliant way to turn a grey day into a memorable one.

You’ll need your coat for this one, but not because you’ll be getting wet! Join a public skating session at Planet Ice and glide across the glistening ice.

Get creative

Rainy days are ideal for slowing down and getting creative. Try pottery painting at Pots2Paint, Viables Craft Centre. They are open Thursdays and Fridays from 11am to 3pm and Saturdays 9am to 5pm, but make sure you book in advance. Then tag on a visit to the Parlour Tearoom and grab a cuppa and piece of cake, you won’t be disappointed! Little ones can also have a go at ceramics decorating at Pop Up Play Village, no need to book just pop in, choose your item and get decorating with the ceramic pens. 

Explore somewhere new

Learn about the traditions of silk weaving and how the delicate thread is made into fabulous cloth at Whitchurch Silk Mill. You can wander the inside of the mill, then head to the café and shop to continue staying dry! If you don’t mind getting a bit wet, stroll around the gardens and enjoy views of the River Test. You can explore the house at The Vyne, then the tea room and shop on a rainy day.

For the grown ups

Take a tour to learn how local gin is made at Bombay Sapphire Distillery. It’s a relaxed, grown‑up way to spend a rainy afternoon. Or maybe indulge in a sport of retail therapy – Festival Place and The Malls have plenty of shops to browse or treat yourself and then grab a coffee or a bite to eat. It’s an easy all-day indoor option!

Pamper yourself with a spa experience or wellness treatment. You’ll find packages at Beachdown, Hampshire Court Hotel and The Apollo Hotel. Our wellness experiences blog is sure to inspire you.

We love the idea of spending a rainy day enjoying a delicious afternoon tea! If you do too take a read of our afternoon tea blog and book yourself in!

Get wet!

You could pull on your wellies and puddle suits and head to a park for a bit of puddle jumping or, if you prefer to stay in and get wet, check out the Aquadrome, Basingstoke Sports Centre or Tadley swimming pool.

Rain doesn’t have to dampen your plans – instead make it the start of a new adventure!

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. While the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information. 

January 2026