Top Indoor Attractions In Kent, Sussex & London
Looking for a fun day out for the whole family, regardless of what the weather is doing? Here are some great places to head on a cold or rainy day to ensure you get the most out of your family time.
Image Photo by Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
British Museum, London
There are two million years of human history and culture waiting to be explored at The British Museum in London, so there will definitely be something for everyone on a trip to this city attraction – and what's even better is, it's free to enter. As the museum is so popular it is advised you book a time slot to enter in advance, and given it's size check out the handy map on the website to see what the key displays are that you all want to see, so you know where you are heading. Also check out the exhibitions and events going on at the time of your visit, as while tickets to the permanent exhibitioon are free, some special exhibitions do need to be paid for.
• Visit https://www.britishmuseum.org
Hastings Aquarium, Hastings
Located right by the beach, surrounded by fishing boats is Hastings Aquarium, where you can see up close the amazing creatures that you would find both in our waters and in oceans far away. As you wander through the aquarium not only will you see archerfish, octopus and seahorses, but get the chance to enjoy an immersive experience as you walk through the underwater tunnel and get up close to sharks, rays and more. You can also visit the Jungle Room with its incredible reptiles including snakes and lizards and at times be offered the chance to touch some of the creatures. There are also daily talks and feeds. Once you have explored all of the exhibits, head to the cafe for some refreshments or the gift shop with lots of fun toys and treats to take home.
• Visit https://hastingsaquarium.co.uk
Playopolis! Board Game Cafe Bar, Rochester
This independently-owned board game cafe and bar in the heart of Rochester, Kent has over 600 games for all ages. With new games added every week and hundreds of great classics they say you’ll have no trouble finding a new game to love when visiting Playopolis. Food to enjoy while you’re there includes beef burgers, vegan burgers, hot dogs, fully loaded nachos, garlic bread, warm chocolate brownies and more and they also offer a wide selection of drinks, from hot chocolate to cocktails!
• Visit https://www.playopoliscafe.co.uk
HMS Belfast, London
Step aborad this floating city, which makes a striking landmark on the River Thames in the centre of London. There are nine decks for you to explore as you go up and down ladders to discover the ship's globetrotting history throughout the rooms of this iconic museum. Take part in the fun interactive displays, and at weekends and during school holidays there are family activities to be enjoyed. There is also the chance to listen to expert guides who can tell the stories of sailors, marines and airmen who have been abroard HMS Belfast.
• Visit https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast
South Downs Planetarium, Chichester
Experience the magic of the night sky in comfort, together with expert live commentary by a professional astronomer at South Downs Planetarium. Their full dome shows feature stunning immersive video and breathtaking images. See nearly 4,500 stars and other celestial objects projected onto the dome above your head. With colourful displays, the Planetarium has something for all the family from the age of six.
• Visit https://www.southdowns.org.uk
Canterbury Cathedral
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury Cathedral’s history spans over 1,400 years, telling the stories that have shaped England. Why not book yourself in for a Cathedral Tour – The Inside Story: “Discover the history of Canterbury Cathedral, from the re-establishment of Christianity in England in 597, to the murder of Thomas Becket, which made Canterbury one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the medieval world.” Take in the wonderful architecture, effigies of Henry IV and the Black Prince, and explore the beauty of the medieval stained glass on this tour which takes 75 minutes and is mostly inside.
• Visit https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org
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Chislehurst Caves
A labyrinth of man-made tunnels up to 30 metres below the homes and woodlands above, exploring Chislehurst Caves (which form a maze covering over six hectares) will be exciting for all the family. The caves can only be explored on a lamp-lit guided tour which lasts around 45-50 minutes. Carved out over hundreds of years, the caves were dug for chalk used in lime burning and brick making for the building of London, as well as for flints to fire the tinderboxes and flintlock guns of years ago. The caves are now open as a tourist attraction and education centre with a gift shop and café.
• Visit https://chislehurst-caves.co.uk
True Crime Museum, Hastings
Open seven days a week, The True Crime Museum is a “shocking attraction for everyone fascinated by the dark world of crime!”. Find out about serial killers, forensics, gangsters, prisoners, poisoners and much more. Exhibits include love letters from a serial killer, the Hastings Ripper suspect and even a genuine lethal injection death bed!
• Visit https://www.truecrimemuseum.co.uk
The Tower of London, London
A trip to this iconic castle is a must, rich in history having been a secure fortress, infamous prison, as well as a royal palace of course. At this World Heritage Site, you get get close to the Crown Jewels, of which there are over 23,000 gemstones, meet the Yeoman Warders and ravens and discover why they are known as the guardians of the tower. You will also have the chance to see the White Tower and St John's Chapel. There are also tours and talks for you to enjoy.
• Visit https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
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Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend
All are welcome to come through the door at this Sikh Temple – “a place of learning for the humanity as well as Sikhs... with the expectation that the rules and principles of how to be are adhered to”. The unique building has five elaborate domes and design inspired by the Golden Temple at Amritsa. The building features hand crafted marble and stonework and colourful interior tiling and stained glass windows. For the novice there are guided tours normally undertaken over the weekends. These are helpful in developing understanding of the Sikh code of conduct and ethos of Sikh philosophy.
• Visit https://www.gurunanakdarbar.org
English Martyrs Catholic Church, Worthing
Welcoming thousands of visitors each year, one of the attractions of English Martyrs Catholic Church is for those who wish to view their Sistine Chapel Ceiling – the only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in the world. While you are there you can also see the stained glass windows and other art work. Open each year from Easter to October, the ceiling is home to a 2/3 scale of the original – which was started by Gary Bevans, a sign writer parishioner, who is a natural artist with no formal training, early in 1987 after a parish pilgrimage trip to Rome.
• Visit https://english-martyrs.co.uk
Fishbourne Roman Palace, Chichester
The largest Roman home in Britain, Fishbourne Roman Palace is a lavish Roman residence which has an unusually early date of 75 CE. While there you can enjoy the largest collection of mosaics in situ in the UK, many of which were laid at the time of the construction around AD75-80 – which makes them some of the oldest mosaics in the country. The original Palace had approximately 100 rooms most of which had mosaic floors. Of these, just over a quarter survive to some degree, ranging from small, isolated patches to almost complete floors. In addition to the mosaics, significant masonry remains have survived and many are visible to the visitor.
• Visit https://sussexpast.co.uk/properties-to-discover/fishbourne-roman-palace
Escape Kent, Canterbury
Looking for excitement while giving your brain a workout? On a visit to Escape Kent in Canterbury you and your team will have just one hour to complete an exciting mission, with clues to search for and puzzles to solve. These escape games are an interactive adventure for groups or teams who must work together against the clock, solving puzzles, finding clues and cracking codes to complete challenges in a themed room, from The Asylum and The Haunting to Pirates of the Stormy Seas, Raider of the Lost Tomb and more!
• Visit https://www.escapekent.com
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