Things to do in Kent when it's raining

Days out, Family, Activity

Posted by Content Team on 17th May 2021

Things to do in Kent when it's raining

Rain is a fact of life in England. But as a nation, we take a rainy day in our stride, and a bout of wet weather won’t dampen our determination to have a good time on holiday. Kent has a good number of places to head to when the skies cloud over and the rain begins to fall, so we have compiled a guide to help you out. 

Kent’s all-weather attractions, indoor activities and places of historic interest to go to in the rain that offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you are travelling with children, or you have come to the county for a romantic break Kent has lots of ideas for indoor days. There are so many things to do in Kent for everybody. If you would like to get to know Kent even better, then visit our Discover Kent guide. We have a more general blog featuring things to do in the rain around the UK for you to enjoy too.  If you are hoping to stay for a while, why not book one of our self-catering holiday cottages, so that you have a cosy base to enjoy if the wet weather gets the better of you? 

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The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury

The Canterbury Tales, Canterbury

Head to this award-winning indoor attraction, The Canterbury Tales, which brings Chaucer’s tales to life in a fun and exciting manner. Go back in time with not only the sights and sounds of years gone by but also the smells (which children will love) as guides in costume show you around – there is also an audio guide to accompany you on your ‘journey’ from The Tabard Inn in London to Canterbury Cathedral. There is a commentary for little ones to explain what is happening and a chance to dress up in medieval costume. This fun attraction is in the centre of Canterbury so you can then head to have something to eat in one of the city’s many eateries and finish off with a spot of shopping.

How wet will I get? Not at all as it’s all indoor. You will just need a brolly when you go out to eat.

Weather report: Perfect for heavy rain.


Hever Castle, Edenbridge

Hever Castle, Edenbridge

Hever Castle is the former family seat of the Boleyn family, built in the 13th century. Anne Boleyn, the second queen consort of Henry VIII lived there when she was a youth. Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves also lived there. Located in the village of Hever, it is now a popular visitor attraction. Between rainy spells, you can walk around the wonderful landscaped gardens, but it makes for a superb all-weather attraction as you can stroll around many of the halls and bed chambers of Hever Castle to your heart's content.

How wet will I get? You won't.

Weather report: Perfect for a showery day as the gardens are unmissable.


Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst

Chislehurst Caves, Chislehurst

The spooky Chislehurst Caves aren't for the fainthearted, however, you will stay dry on a day trip - you won't see daylight either. The caves are a network of man-made tunnels carved out several hundreds of years ago. Their origins are a mystery although there are many theories about why the 45-hectare site was created. In some parts, the tunnels reach 30 metres below the surface, and every bend in the tunnels has its own ghost story or interesting historical story. Lamplit tours are available lasting up to an hour. 

How wet will I get? You won't.

Weather report: Take a coat even during the summer as it gets very cold below ground.


White Oak Leisure Centre and Treasure Island, Swanley


White Oak Leisure Centre and Treasure Island, Swanley

Though this experience will not be a dry one, at least it’s indoor! Full of brilliant rides such as the 94-metre Dolphin Glide, the amazing Shark Shocker and the Whale Whirler, kids will have so much fun at the White Oak Leisure Centre. There is a diving area for the braver children although it does start at 1 metre so no need to worry too much. Under 12s can head to Treasure Island where they can play on the slides and ball pools and tiny tots can enjoy the safe soft play area. There is also the possibility to try out other sports on-site and a health food café so the only time you will need to venture out is to get back to the car.

How wet will I get? Very.

Weather report: It’s the ultimate all-weather entertainment for those that like to get wet in a controlled environment.


Espression Interactive Art Studio Café, Canterbury

Espression Interactive Art Studio Café, Canterbury

There’s nothing creatives love more than using their imagination and this studio café, Espression, has an amazing array of unfired mugs, plates and picture frames for them to paint and take home, perhaps as a gift. It’s not only pottery but also decopatch activities and glassware for older children or ambitious younger ones! The lovely staff will give children a hand and are full of ideas if they run out of inspiration. Once you have finished, your masterpiece will be glazed and fired ready for you to collect to take home with you.

How wet will I get? You won’t.

Weather report: Perfect for heavy rain.


Cranbrook Windmill, Cranbrook

Cranbrook Windmill, Cranbrook

This working windmill which majestically looks down on the town of Cranbrook is a wonderful experience for little ones who can not only see the mill but find out how it works. They can even mill their own flour – they are given a handful of grain as they go in, they then watch how the milling process works and finally take it away as flour in a little bag to show your friends back home. Children are given a certificate and badge to take away so they will really feel that they have achieved something special. Afterwards, head to one of the cafés which are only seconds away from the windmill and serve scrumptious milkshakes and cakes, then head home via some of the other beautiful windmills in the area, stopping to take photographs for the children's holiday journals.

How wet will I get? You won’t.

Weather report: Perfect for rainy days with light showers.


Dungeness A & B, Dungeness

Dungeness A & B, Dungeness

Ever fancied seeing a nuclear reactor up close? Well, at Dungeness A & B you can see the only reactor that is visible to the public (all the others are submerged in water where they cannot be seen). Book a free tour in advance at the power station for a full and fascinating tour of the south’s largest nuclear power stations. Afterwards, drive a short distance to The Pilot for a slap-up lunch of fish and chips by the sea - it's legendary. A full tour of the power station takes about 2 hours and must be booked at least a month in advance for mandatory security checks.

How wet will I get? A short part of the tour takes place outdoors, so you may get slightly rained on.

Weather report: It’s a good pick for a mild rainy day.


St Leonard’s Church Ossuary, Hythe

St Leonard’s Church Ossuary, Hythe

If you’ve ever been to The Catacombs in Paris, then you will know what to expect, but for those that haven’t The Ossuary at St Leonard’s is something a little bit unexpected and olde-worlde. Inside this unassuming church is the UK’s best-preserved and largest collection of human skulls and bones. It’s estimated that the mortal remains of 4,000 people are in the stack that dates back centuries, it’s thought even as far back as Saxon times. There is no accurate record of their origins but estimates range from the 12th to 15th century. For fans of the mystical and peculiar, The Ossuary should be at the top of your all-weather list of places of historic interest to visit.

How wet will I get? You won’t.

Weather report: The Ossuary is only small, so it’s best to save your visit for a patchy day.


The Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle, Dover

The Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle, Dover

Discover your inner historian on the White Cliffs of Dover where wartime comes alive for all ages. The tunnels under the castle were used as protection from invaders and have served a strategic military role for centuries. You can trace the history of these tunnels with interactive games, original wartime film footage and stories and images; the history is wartime but the effects are really modern! Make sure you go to the Underground Hospital which is very moving – bear in mind age appropriateness here and go with what your children feel comfortable with. Teenagers who have already studied this period at school will find it fascinating and smaller ones will enjoy exploring the winding tunnels below the castle.

How wet will I get? You won’t, as the tunnels are of course underground. However, if you want to visit the castle too it may be best to take a brolly just in case.

Weather report: Perfect for rain with light showers.


Bewl Reservoir, Lamberhurst

Bewl Reservoir, Lamberhurst

Now bear with us on this. You may wonder why when it’s raining, we want to send you out to lots more water. But we are an island with island weather and rain is something that we are very much used to! Children are great in that they love to splash around in puddles and get wet so why not just go for it and let the children have fun? If you know it’s going to be wet and you are prepared, rainy days out can be a great adventure.  Bewl Water  is unbeatable for wet and wild outdoor activities. You can sail and windsurf or even take a trip across the lake on the Bewl Belle ferry if you don't fancy getting into the action. Hire a bike or walk one of the woodland trails if you don't mind a rainy walk in your waterproofs.  There is also a great cafe where you can enjoy a light lunch and stay warm until the weather improves.

How wet will I get? We won't lie. If you are hoping to enjoy some of the activities and sports, you won't stay very dry.

Weather report: Perfect for rainy days with sunny spells.


Map of rainy days out in Kent

Use our handy map to find the places listed in this Kent guide.

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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.