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Theatre
Where: Wyvern Theatre
About: There's plenty of fun to be had at the Wyvern Theatre when the skies turn grey. The venue boasts an excellent programme of concerts, comedy, dance, drama, musical theatre and local amateur productions.
Address: Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN, United Kingdom
Telephone: 01793 524481
Website: https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/
Prices: Food and drink expensive but good. Tickets for specific events available at https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/wyvern-theatre-tickets-swindon/venue/443808. Pricing varies by event.
Dates: Open year-round. Event schedules and show times listed at https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB and https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/wyvern-theatre-tickets-swindon/venue/443808.
Bowling
Where: Hollywood Bowl
About: With 22 top-quality lanes ready for action, Hollywood Bowl Swindon is the perfect place for an unforgettable bowling experience!
With incredible deals on delicious food and refreshing drinks, along with top-quality bowling lanes, Hollywood Bowl Swindon offers the ultimate entertainment experience for all ages.
Address: Unit 15, Greenbridge Retail and Leisure Park, Swindon SN3 3SQ, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 844 826 3024
Website: https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/swindon
Prices: https://www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/swindon/offers (latest offers and prices; book online and in advance for best prices)
Dates: Opening hours: Mon 10:00 AM–11:00 PM; Tue 10:00 AM–11:00 PM; Wed 10:00 AM–11:00 PM; Thu 10:00 AM–11:00 PM; Fri 10:00 AM–12:00 AM; Sat 9:00 AM–12:00 AM; Sun 9:00 AM–11:00 PM
Ice Skating
Where: Link Centre
About: Who doesn't love some frozen fun? Whether you're aiming to become a top skating star or just fancy skating for fun, the Link Centre is one of the "coolest" places in Swindon. Penguin Skating Aids are available for little ones who need a little extra support.
Address: Whitehill Way, Swindon, SN5 7DN
Telephone: 01793 445566
Spa Retreat
Venues: De Vere Cotswold Water Park, Delta Hotel by Marriott, The Kings Head Hotel, David Lloyd & Gem's Beauty
About: Not sure what to do when the weather isn't so great? Then, a spa trip is the perfect place for when the weather isn't quite on our side! Swindon is home to many luxurious spas with a range of many different treatments and specialities.
Therefore, when the weather isn't bright blue skies why not enjoy a brilliant massage or settle in for a relaxing facial.
Visit a Farm
Venue: Roves Farm
About: Think a visit to Roves Farm isn't suitable for a rainy day? Think again! There's plenty to do at Roves whatever the weather. They have a heated Indoor Play Barn with giant slides, tunnels, climbing ropes, ball ponds, kids crafts, pedal tractors and more! Let the children run off steam while you enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake from the Woolly Sheep Cafe. You can also meet and feed the friendly farm animals in Pets Corner, rub noses with piglets of all ages in the Animal Barn and take part in extra daily animal activities all under cover.
Address: Sevenhampton, Near Highworth, Swindon SN6 7QG
Telephone: 01793 763939
Swimming
Where: Link Centre
About: The Link Centre's 25m deck level pool caters for a wide range of local swimmers and clubs. You can learn to swim for fitness, join their water workout class or swim school lessons which take place throughout the week and are available for all ages.
Address: Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DL
Telephone: 01793 877323
Where: Oasis Leisure Centre
About: Ok, so we know that the aim of this guide was to recommend activities that keep you dry, but are next option is always a real family favourite. Swimming at the Oasis is always a great way for families to have fun and keep fit. Expect a pool for toddlers with an elephant slide and interactive Pirate Ship, plus there's also a wave machine, a drenching water cannon, three hydro slides, the Lagoon Falls waterslide and the Domebusters!
Address: North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1EP
Telephone: 01793 507110
Gloucestershire
Cotswold Motoring Museum
Where: Gloucestershire
About: The Cotswold Motoring Museum may look small from the outside, but inside it’s packed with surprises! Explore over 60 vehicles across seven galleries, discover the country’s largest collection of enamel signs, and enjoy hundreds of pieces of motoring memorabilia spanning 1911 to 1985.
Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast or looking for a fun family day out in the Cotswolds, the museum offers a fascinating journey through motoring history that’s bigger and more impressive than it looks!
Telephone: 01451 822767
Address: Sherborne Street, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BY
Swindon
Indoor Leisure Activities
Swindon plays host to a number of fantastic centres that offer an enormous array of sports and activities as well as fantastic swimming facilities.
Our favourite leisure centre to visit when it's raining is David Lloyd Swindon. They offer indoor space to go swimming, play tennis, badminton and so much more.
It's the perfect place to take your little ones when the weather isn't so great and calls for some indoor fun! They are bound to have a splashtastic day!
Sustain Farm Shop
Where: Sustain Farm Shop
About: When the weather turns grey, head to Sustain Farm Shop & Café in Royal Wootton Bassett for a cosy coffee and bite to eat. This charming spot offers a delightful mix of indoor comfort and countryside charm, making it a perfect destination for a rainy day.
Enjoy hearty breakfasts, lunches, and freshly brewed coffee, all crafted using home-reared beef and seasonal ingredients sourced from their own farm. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting soup or a delicious sandwich, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Address: Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 8DT
Telephone: 01793 230175
Adventure Point
Where: Shaw Ridge
About: When the weather isn't playing ball head on over to Adventure Point, the one-stop, multi-activity destination at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park.
Why not gear up for an adrenaline-pumping mission, within the state-of-the-art Laser Quest arena? Or for the puzzle-solvers and detectives among us you can find four intriguing team-building scenarios brought to you by Clue HQ – The Live Escape Game.
For those in search of friendly competition, you can head to Jungle Rocks Crazy Golf course, featuring unique and creatively designed holes with challenging obstacles – can you move the golf ball up the vertical maze?
Address: Shaw Ridge, Whitehill Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 7DN
Telephone: 01793 758 758
Indoor Soft Play Area
Where: Link Centre
About: Better Swindon's Soft Play Centre has multi-layered climbing frames, colourful ball pits and elaborate mazes.
Their soft play areas are certain to keep babies, toddlers and kids active and entertained, whatever the weather. Better Swindon's Soft Play Centre is suitable for a variety of ages.
Address: Link Centre, West Swindon District Centre, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 7DL
Telephone: 01793 445566
Museum Trip
Where: STEAM, Kelmscott Manor & Lydiard House Museum
KELMSCOTT MANOR
Kelmscott Manor was the inspirational country home of William Morris; poet, designer, craftsman, socialist and founding father of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Address: Kelmscott, Lechlade, GL7 3HJ
Telephone: 01367 252486
STEAM MUSEUM
If you're looking for a first class day out, look no further! Packed with fascinating exhibitions and displays, a day at STEAM is guaranteed to excite parents and children alike. Journey around the Museum and follow the story of the men and women that helped to build and operate the GWR.
Address: Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2EY, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1793 466646
Website: http://www.steam-museum.org.uk/
Email: [email protected]
Prices: Adult: £13.10 (as per Days Out Guide) or around $18.63 (as per STEAM’s site)
Dates: Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm, Sunday: 11am-4pm (check https://www.steam-museum.org.uk/visit/opening-times/ for holiday variations)
LYDIARD HOUSE MUSEUM
You don't have to worry about the weather when it comes to Lydiard House Museum. They have a museum full of interesting facts that will keep you occupied when the weather isn't so nice.
You can explore the elegant State Rooms, where ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings are on display alongside portraits and photographs of the St John family, who lived here from Elizabethan times.
Address: Lydiard House Museum, Lydiard Park, Swindon SN5 3PA, England
Telephone: 01793 465270
MUSEUM ART SWINDON
Step inside Swindon’s colourful past at Museum & Art Swindon, where entry is always free! Kids can explore everything from dinosaur fossils and Roman artefacts to amazing modern art and bright ceramics. There are always fun things to do during the school holidays like craft activities, museum trails, and drop-in workshops—perfect for keeping little hands busy. It’s fully indoors too, so ideal whatever the weather. A brilliant Wiltshire day out for families that won’t cost a thing!
Address: Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 2JH
Telephone: 01793 466556
Co-Decode Live Escape Room
About: When the weather keeps you indoors, challenge your mind and teamwork skills at Co-Decode Live Escape Games in Swindon. Located at 29-30 Morley Street, this award-winning venue offers immersive, hand-crafted escape room experiences that are perfect for groups, families, or friends seeking a thrilling indoor activity.
Address: Co-Decode Live Escape Games, 29-30 Morley Street, Swindon, SN1 1SG
Telephone: 07759185264
Outdoor Play
Where: Croft Sports Centre, Haydon Centre, David Lloyd & Delta Tennis
About: Sometimes it's good to get the kids away from their devices and outside in the fresh air! We know this can be a difficult task trying to entice them to play outside, but with Better's outdoor facilities your kids can have so much fun joining in on array of outdoor activities, such as: tennis, squash and football. Plus, if the weather isn't playing ball, then they can keep off their devices and play some basketball and badminton indoors.