Wondering what to do on a Rainy Day in Broadstairs, Margate or Ramsgate? We've got you covered!

The Fascinating Local Museums

Ditch the preconceived notions of dusty artefacts. Dickens House Museum – Powell-Cotton Museum – RAF Manston History Museum – Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum – This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete – The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies are perfect places to start your indoor adventure.

Modern museums are designed to be dynamic and interactive—look for cool features like virtual reality exhibits, hands-on displays, or immersive simulations of local history. You'll be too busy discovering tales of sunken treasures or forgotten industries to even notice the weather. As an added bonus, off-season museum visits mean fewer crowds, giving you the time and space to truly absorb the town's rich local lore.

Artistic Escapes

For a more tranquil, reflective mood, nothing beats an art gallery; Thanet has lots of them! The quiet, ambient lighting of a grey sky actually does wonders for artwork, making the colours and textures of a piece truly pop. Spend a reflective hour taking in the collections at Turner Contemporary. It's a peaceful way to see Thanet through the eyes of local creators, and the world through an international creative lens. Don’t forget to check out the gift shops for unique souvenirs!

Why not go to a play, comedy or performance? Catch classics or the latest blockbuster, checkout the theatres and community, local and historic cinemas.

Historical Houses & Architecture

Want history served up with a touch of grandeur? Take a look at the beautifully preserved Quex House. A good guide will fill the magnificent rooms with stories, giving you an intimate, dry glimpse into the drama and daily life of Thanet’s most notable residents.

Thanet has historic, quirky and interesting indoor attractions, and great shopping, try Drapers Windmill – Dreamland – Margate Caves – Old Kent Market – Quex House and Gardens – Quex Park – Ramsgate Tunnels – Shell Grotto – Thanet Visitor Information Centre – Westwood Cross Shopping Centre.

The Perfect Brew and Bake

The sound of rain against the window only enhances the cosy ambiance of a great café. Seek out a spot that feels like a true local secret. We recommend finding a window seat at Alison's Sea View Cafe – Bandstand Cafe – Bayside Cafe – Big Shot – The Bus Cafe – Chiappinis Coffee Shop – Coco Latino – Felicity's Café – Forts Café – Harbour Cafe Bar – Havisham & Cratchit – HOFFS – Jet Ski World Cafe – Jetty Broadstairs – Joss Bay Cafe – The Lookout Cafe – Louie on Sea – Louisa Bay Cafe – Marina Cafe – Morelli's Gelato – Namaka – Njord – Olympia Cafe – The Oval Cafe – Palm Bay Café – The Pavilion Youth and Community Cafe – Ramsgate Boating Pool – Seabird – Ship Shape – Sorbetto – The St Mildred's Bay – Staple – Viking Bay Cafe – The Viking Ship Cafe – West Bay Café – The Windshack. Whether you're pulling out a good book or just people-watching, this is where you can truly slow down and savour the moment.

Literary Hideaways

For those who view a day indoors as a chance to escape into a story, a bookstore or library is essential. The smell of old paper and the quiet rhythm of browsing make these spaces ideal sanctuaries. Spend an hour or two getting delightfully lost in the aisles of The Margate Bookshop or Chapel Bar and Bookshop. Pick up a novel set in the region or a charming local guidebook for the ultimate cosy escape. Alternatively, sit and get inspiration by the sea under Nayland Rock Shelter, where TS Eliot composed part of his work, or visit Bleak House, with links to Charles Dickens.

Treat Yourself to an Indoor Picnic

If the local farmer’s market or food trucks are usually your thing, try Quex Barn Shop & Cafe. Find an indoor food court or covered market where you can sample diverse local treats without being exposed to the elements. This is a fantastic way to grab a few artisan items—from cheeses and pastries to fresh, hot soup—and create your own warm, dry, indoor feast.

Puzzle and Thrills

Nothing ramps up the energy faster than a race against the clock. Head to CTRL ALT ESC - Escape Rooms or The Escapement Margate and challenge your group to solve a series of tricky puzzles before time runs out. This is a brilliant team-building exercise and a great way to engage your brains!

Retro Gaming & Entertainment

For classic, low-stakes fun, visit Broadstairs Leisure – Dreamland Arcades – The Flamingo – Margate Amusements – Palace Amusements – Ramsgate Boulevard – Tivoli Amusements – Widget's World for vintage games. The bright lights, slot machines, grab cranes and coin pushers are instantly nostalgic and provide a vibrant, noisy contrast to the grey day outside. It's a perfect spot for travellers of all ages.

Indoor Sports & Activities

Ready for something more physical? Check out AirHop Adventure & Trampoline Park – Bugsy's Tenpin Bowling – Elev8 – Family Karate + – Grosvenor Casino – Hollywood Bowl – The Jungle – Lido Snooker & Pool Club – Mecca Bingo – The Odds – Quex Adventure Farm Park and Activity Centre – Ramsgate Leisure Centre – RC Roastery where you can try rock climbing, bowling, or indoor mini-golf. These centres are often large, lively, and provide hours of high-quality entertainment. It’s the ultimate way to get active and forget about the downpour completely.

Local Spirits and Wine Tasting

Thanet's towns have vibrant Kent cider and craft beverage scenes, and the production facilities are almost always indoors! Take a tour and sample local brews or spirits at GADDS', The Ramsgate Brewery – Northdown Brewery – Shivering Sands Brewery – Wantsum Brewery – Xylo Brewery. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the process, learn about the local ingredients, and, of course, enjoy a guided tasting flight in a warm, comfortable setting.

Indulge in Fine Dining

Use the miserable weather as a reason to splurge on that upscale dining experience you weren't sure about. Rainy evenings are made for long, leisurely dinners. Book a table at an atmospheric spot and enjoy a meal featuring local, seasonal ingredients. A La Turka – Albarino Tapas Restaurant Bar – Alexandria Cafe – Angela's – Aster Broadstairs – Bar Ingo – Bottega Caruso – Buoy and Oyster – Christies – Chuck and Blade Burgers – Dive – Dosa Palace – Faith in Strangers – Fifteen Square Metres – Finbar's – Flavours by Kumar – Flavours By Kumar – GB Pizza Co – The Good Egg – Hays Hot Sandwiches – Il Marechiaro – Il Tricolore – Kebbells – L'Olivo – Le Vintage – Lilie's – Little Havana – Marc-Pierre's Kitchen – Millie's Beach Bar – Noa Rooftop – Number Nine – Okie Poke – Olby's Soul Café – Palms Pizzeria – Pan Asian Cuisine – Partenopei – Paul's Bar & Bistro – The Pavilion – Pearly Cow – The Pickled Fox – The Pickled Herring – Pomus – Porto Reale – Quince – Sardinia – Sargasso – Sète – Smoke & Co – Smoke & Co – The St Mildred's Bay – The Tartar Frigate – Tuk Tuk Thai Kitchen – Twenty Seven Harbour Street – Willy's – Zeti will turn a washout day into the highlight of your culinary tour.