What to do and see in South West England, England: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day

Step back in time when you board Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Discover the true stories behind the ship that changed the world. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on board for Victorian passengers and crew. Descend under water below the glass ‘sea’ to touch the world’s first great ocean liner.

Climb the spiral staircase to walk in the footsteps of Cathedral masons with behind-the-scenes tours of Wells Cathedral’s High Parts; the most memorable thing to do in Wells! Discover hidden spaces and chambers, explore the south transept roof space and marvel at the nave from a very different perspective! Tours run regularly throughout the week; book via the website. Terms and Conditions apply.

Kidz R Us is an extraordinary youth theatre group, working with around 100 young people a year, aged seven and up. A not-for-profit arts charity, we aim to encourage the participation of young people in the performing arts and behind-the-scenes crafts, both for their own personal development and the benefit of the wider community. Production standards are high and since being formed in 1994, we have produced over 70 shows and won numerous awards. Kidz R Us was a finalist in the Best Arts Project category of the 2010 National Lottery Awards and is a recipient of the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. Our Artistic Director, Phil Barnett, was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2012, and we are honoured to have Sir Tim Rice as our Patron.

Home to our Victuallers shop, award winning Gin School, Distillery & Bar, Salcombe Distilling Co. is nestled amongst traditional boat builders on Island Street Salcombe. As one of the world's only distilleries directly accessible by boat, SDCo continues Salcombe's legacy of producing outstanding handcrafted products made with an unrivalled passion, care and attention to detail.

The Roman Baths is one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. Hidden beneath the present city of Bath lies the stone remains of one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world.

This scenic 20-mile rail tour from the Quantock Hills to the Bristol Channel coast recaptures the romantic era of steam rail travel.

The Swanage Railway provides an ideal way to get to the beach without the need to park in Swanage. Simply leave your car at Purbeck Park, next to Norden station, which is conveniently located just off the A351 north of Corfe Castle, and start your holiday early!

Prepare to be amazed by one of the finest cathedrals in the UK, home to Britain’s tallest spire and largest cathedral close and cloisters. Our original 1215 Magna Carta is the best-preserved copy in existence and our 14th century clock is the oldest working mechanical clock in the world. We suggest 1.5 – 3 hours for your visit, but you can see most highlights in 45 minutes if you are pressed for time. You can enjoy delicious snacks and meals prepared freshly on-site in our Refectory Restaurant and browse our unique range of souvenirs in our Gift Shop. 10-minute walk from Salisbury Train Station | 20-minute drive from Stonehenge| 1.5 hours from London. Tickets must be booked online. There is no charge, but please support our work by giving a donation.

The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare is the largest dedicated Rotorcraft Collection in the world, with over 80 helicopters displayed inside the museum's iconic hangar! Favourites include two of the Queen’s Royal Flight helicopters, the world speed record holder G-LYNX (400 km per hour!), the Vietnam Veteran Huey and the Hind Russian Gun Ship. Explore the old airfield's restored Pilots Block where you will find the ‘Weston Aviation Exhibition’ telling the story of Weston-super-Mare’s famous aviation past. Outside on the old taxiway visitors will be wowed by the 30 foot ‘Bristol Bloodhound’ Missile - the rockets of which were made just down the road in Banwell shortly after WW2. You don’t have to be an aviation buff to enjoy the museum and there’s plenty for kids to do - interactive zone, film theatre and ‘Play Copter’ are all family favourites! Regular open cockpit days give you a chance to climb aboard, have the controls explained to you by an expert and pose for a photo!