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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
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
Trampolining
Where: Better Extreme
About: The Link Centre's Extreme Trampoline Park is home to a variety of exciting features designed to test your skills - so every time you visit there will be something new to try! You'll have tons of fun flying across the main jump arena, diving in to the foam pits, and competing with your friends to see who can land the smoothest dunk!
Address: Link Centre, Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DL
Telephone: 01793 877323
Have a Workout
Where: Oasis Leisure Centre
About: Whether you’re taking the first steps on your fitness journey or you’re looking to stay in shape, you’ll find everything you need in your local Oasis Leisure Centre. With a state-of-the-art gym and plenty of fitness classes to choose from, you can work up a sweat without the sunshine!
Address: North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1EP
Telephone: 01793 507110
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 the Dorcan Recreation Centre. They offer indoor space to go swimming, play squash, badminton, basketball 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!
Spa Retreat
Where: The Wiltshire
About: Not sure what to do when the weather isn't so great? Then, The Wiltshire is the perfect place for when the weather isn't quite on our side! The Wiltshire is not only a beautiful hotel and a fantastic golf course but also offers fabulously relaxing spa and beauty treatments.
Therefore, when the weather isn't bright blue skies why not enjoy a brilliant massage and enjoy a peaceful swim in their fantastic leisure suit.
Address: Vastern Wharf, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, SN4 7PB
Telephone: 01793 849999
Sensory & Soft Play Centre
Where: Rugrats & Halfpints
About: The 13,000 sq ft sensory and soft play area includes a wide range of sensory equipment, soft play activities, trampolines and go karts all under one roof giving you and your little ones something to do when the weather isn't so bright!
Plus, for you adults it has a newly refurbished cafe which offers delicious food and drinks to keep you and the kids fueled throughout your visit!
Address: Meadow Road, Cirencester, GL7 1YA
Telephone: 01285 885570
Archery, Crossbow & Air Rifles
Where: The Cotswold Range
About: It can be hard to think of things to do when it's raining. The swings at the park are soaking and it just seems like staying at home is the best idea. That's where The Cotswold Range can help, they provide lessons that teach you how to do archery and how to use crossbows and air rifles.
They have a sheltered venue in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park so whatever the weather you can always count on The Cotswold Range.
Address: Spine Road West, Somerford Keynes, Cotswold Water Park, Gloucestershire, GL7 6GY
Telephone: 01285 238101
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
Spa Day
Where: David Lloyd
About: One of Wiltshire's premier fitness clubs that has one of the best gyms as well as offering relaxing spa facilities such as; 2 steam rooms, Sauna, Indoor whirlpools, Heated rock beds, 25m heated outdoor pool and a 25m heated indoor pool. They focus on helping you relive stress, improve blood circulation and muscle tension whilst cleansing the skin - the perfect treat to cheer yourself up, when the weather's getting you down.
Address: Latham Road, Swindon, SN25 4TB
Telephone: 01793 746560
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 Avenue, Swindon, SN2 2EY
Telephone: 01793 466646
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, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 3PA
Telephone: 01793 465270
Play Area
Where: Kidz About
About: Dreadful rain, the kids are bored and you're not sure what you can do when the weather is so bad? Well, Kidz About can help! They are Swindon's premier play centre that features a 22,000 sq. ft premises with a play frame rising over 6 metres, and various exciting slides and activities for kids to experience a day of fun indoors.
Parents can enjoy a delicious Costa whilst catching up with friends and family, as your little ones run around in a safe and secure environment.
Address: The Spectrum Building, Mead Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 7UT
Telephone: 01793 524646
Fun Ranking: 4/5
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
Spa Trip
Where: Blunsdon House Hotel
About: Blunsdon House Hotel's Secrets Beauty Salon offers an extensive selection of beauty treatments to relax and revitalise your body.
Address: The Pavilion, Blunsdon House Hotel, The Ridge, Swindon, SN26 7AS
Telephone: 01793 720609
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: Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN
Telephone: 01793 524481
Greenbridge Cinema
Where: Empire Cinema
About: When the weather isn't so bright it's always hard to know what to do to keep yourself busy! But, the Empire Cinema is the perfect place! Located at Swindon's Greenbridge retail park, Empire is a multiplex cinema with 12 screens that has loads of fantastic new releases shown. Check out Empire Cinema's monthly movie picks of the week HERE!
Plus, they offer fantastic Junior Club Tickets! You can bring the whole family to the Empire Jnrs. With tickets at pocket money prices for some of the greatest classic family films and recent releases every Saturday and Sunday morning at Empire Cinemas nationwide, this truly is an offer that's too good to miss.
Address: Greenbridge Retail and Leisure Park, Drakes Way, Swindon, SN3 3SQ
Telephone: 08714 714714
Book tickets HERE!
Bowling
Where: Tenpin
About: Tenpin this is the place to be for affordable family fun! As well as 10 pin bowling, where you can show off your strike to your family and friends, the alley offers tasty American-style food, video games and a fully licensed bar.
Address: Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Swindon, SN5 7DN
Telephone: 0871 222 3675
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.
Cinema
Where: Cineworld, Regent Circus
About: It's an old 'un but it’s still a good’un! If you feel like you need to get out the house, there's simply no better form of entertainment than a trip to the cinema. Cineworld always has the latest blockbusters on offer, and at prices that won't break the bank!
Address: Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 1FA
Telephone: 0871 200 2000