Let's face it, we cannot rely on the British weather.

Even in the midst of summer, we have to prepare for a sudden downpour.

Thankfully, Hampshire is home to lots of great indoor venues providing fun and entertainment whatever the weather.

From museums and National Trust properties to restaurants, theatres and cinemas, there's something for all ages and interests.

And for the energetic there is bowling, skydiving (yes indoor) and swimming, plus plenty of soft play centres to wear out the little ones.

Below is a list of fun days out in Hampshire and just over the border, to help you make the most of that ghastly drizzle.

1. Totally Tots Play Café

Based at Yateley Cricket Club at Sean Devereux Park, this popular play café is suitable for babies to children aged up to five years old.

Youngsters can play on a range of ride-on vehicles, cook up a treat in the play kitchen or test their vehicle knowledge in the garage.

There's a play tent packed with books and toys galore.

There is a separate area for babies up to 18-months-old to allow them to explore away from the older ones.

A great menu offers lunches including sandwiches and jacket potatoes, plus lunches for kids too.

Free car parking and a loyalty scheme too for regulars.

Tickets: Tickets available in advance online from the Totally Tots Play Café website or on the door.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 9.30am-2.30pm; and Friday from 9.30am-2pm.

Address: Sean Devereux Park, Chandlers Lane, Yateley, GU46 7SZ.

2. Milestones Museum

Families can time travel into the past at this amazing museum, where young and old alike can walk the streets and be transported back to as far as the Victorian age.

Children will love the penny arcade, where you can transfer your modern day cash into old pennies and try your luck on a host of games, and buy your ration book and choose your favourite from the jar of sweets in the sweet shop.

Special events run throughout the year — check their website for more details.

The real bonus is that your entry ticket lasts for a year so you can return again and again and get real value for money.

Tickets: Tickets available in advance online from the Milestones Museum website or on the door.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am-4.45pm; Saturday to Sunday 11am-4.45pm (closed Monday).

Address: Basingstoke Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke RG22 6PG.

3. Jakes Playworld

Let your little ones burn off their energy at this soft play centre as they climb and jump and explore the huge climbing frame, complete with a big slide and mini football pitch.

There's a separate area for babies too, with an enchanting sensory area, toys and climbing areas.

If the weather clears, there's a mini petting farm outside with sheep, pigs, alpacas, pigs and ponies, plus fishing lakes to enjoy a walk around.

It may technically be located in Berkshire but it's on Yateley's doorstep.

Tickets: Tickets available in advance online from the Jakes Playworld website, by calling 01252 871007 or on the door.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9.30am-6.30pm (closes at 6pm Friday and Saturday)

Address: Yateley Road, Sandhurst, GU47 8JQ.

4. Rosie and Beans

The play area here contains a bouncy castle, Little Tikes cars, Brio trains, home corner, tricycles and more.

The adjoining café serves tea and coffee, plus homemade cakes and sandwiches.

There is free parking and WiFi, and it is located next to Calthorpe Park for you to run around if the weather does decide to cheer up.

Tickets: There is no need to book but it does get busy so you can send a message through Rosie and Beans' Facebook page to reserve a table.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am-3pm.

Address: Calthorpe Park, The Cricket Pavilion, Fleet, GU51 4HR.

Don't let a rainy day dampen your fun

5. iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Thrillseekers can soar like a bird in the 14ft super-smooth, super-fast and super-cool wind tunnel. 

The indoor skydiving centre not only gives visitors an opportunity to experience the thrill of skydiving, but they can also have a go on a Freedom Climber climbing wall and learn or improve snow-sport skills at the other facilities on site.

There is wheelchair access, and flyers of all abilities are welcome.

Tickets: To book call 0845 331 6549 or visit the iFLY website.

Opening hours: Daily from 8am-11pm.

Address: Basingstoke Leisure Park, Euskirchen Way, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG.

6. Museum of Army Flying

This is a world of wonder for aviation enthusiasts with the carefully thought out museum which tells the story of British Army flying.

Children and adults alike will be amazed by the aircraft on display and learn plenty too about army aviation.

Visitors can grab a snack in the Apache Café and watch the active airfield while they eat.

Tickets:To book call 01264 781086 or visit the Army Flying wesbite.

Opening hours: Daily 10am-4.30pm.

Address: Stockbridge, SO20 8FB.

7. Run About

This soft play children's activity centre is located next to Cody Sports and Social Club.

It is aimed at children aged under 10 and there is a height restriction of 140cms.

The centre can be hired out for birthday parties and there are three different rooms available: Castle Room, Jungle Room and Fish Tank.

Food and drink is available to buy and there is an adult and children's menu available featuring hot meals, healthy snacks, sandwiches, puddings and homemade treats.

Tickets: Available at the door.

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.15am-5.30pm; Tuesday 9.15am-2.30pm; and Saturday to Sunday 10am-5.30pm.

Address: Armstrong Way, Farnborough, GU14 0LP.

8. Aquadrome

This leisure centre offers lots of activities under one roof including swimming, flumes, rapids and splash pools.

For adults there are workout studios for yoga and pilates, a gym, a spa and a café. There is also a crèche on site.

You do not need to be a member to use the Aquadrome.

Activities are available on a pay-as-you-go basis as well as membership packages.

There is a large car park available which is free of charge to all customers of the Aquadrome.

Tickets: To book call 01256 361130.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 6am-10pm; Friday 6am-9pm; and Saturday to Sunday 8am-8pm.

Address: Worting Road, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG.

9. Farnborough Leisure Centre

Like the Aquadrome, Farnborough Leisure Centre offers plenty of indoor sports and activities all under one roof.

There is a swimming pool, gym, health suite, sports classes and a soft play area. Adventure Reef soft play is for children up to the age of 12.

There is no need to book for this, parents can just turn up with their children, pay and play. Parents need to accompany their children during their session.

An on site café serves a variety of sandwiches, savoury pastries and freshly toasted paninis, plus sandwich meal deals to accompany your cappuccino or latte and you can indulge yourself with a variety of handmade muffins, oat bars and cakes.

For younger visitors there is a Children’s Meal Bag available.

The leisure centre is also home to Farnborough Bowl which has its own café and bar.

Tickets: Just turn up or call the centre on 01252 370411. For bowling it is always advised to book a lane to avoid disappointment. This can be done by calling 01252 554046.

Opening hours: Leisure centre - Monday to Friday 6am-10pm; and Saturday to Sunday 8am-8pm. Bowling - Sunday to Monday 10am-11.30pm; and Saturday 11.30am-11.30pm.

Address: Westmead, Farnborough, GU14 7LD.

Farnborough Leisure Centre

10. Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum

This museum is dedicated to Farnborough's aviation heritage and contribution to air science and research.

It offers an important educational resource as well as a stimulating day out for anyone interested in aviation history and scientific progress.

On display you will see aircraft, or parts of aircraft, nose sections and cockpits of historical and scientific interest, displays of original RAE research and development, photographs spanning the history of Farnborough's aviation site and artifacts illustrating landmarks in technical achievement.

There is a fully working demonstration wind tunnel, scale models and a full size replica of the Cody Flyer biplane — which made the first recognised powered and sustained flight 1908 having been built by Samuel Cody a year earlier. There is also a flight simulation.

For younger visitors there is a Kids Corner with activity sheets to study and colour in.

There is a free car park for visitors.

Tickets: Admission is free but donations are welcome.

Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10am-4pm.

Address: Trenchard House, Farnborough Road, Farnborough, GU14 6TF.

11. Army Medical Services Museum

This museum tells the story of army medicine and healthcare, human and animal, from the English Civil War to the current day.

Most visitors spend between one to two hours visiting the museum with quizzes and trails for children available to keep visitors entertained.

Located in Keogh Barracks, there is free parking, toilets, baby changing facilities and an audio tour.

Tickets: Free entry.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am-3.30pm

Address: Keogh Barracks, Aldershot, GU12 5RQ.

12. Vue Cinema

All tickets to watch the latest blockbuster at Vue Farnborough cost less than a fiver, meaning you'll have extra cash to spend on drinks and popcorn.

The cinema opened in Kingsmead Shopping Centre in 2015 and is always popular with film fans. Getting to the cinema is easy too.

There is a large multi-storey car park on site and it is within walking distance to the bus and train station.

Film buffs can upgrade their ticket to a VIP for just £2 extra and enjoy super spacious seats with extra leg room to stretch out, plus optimum viewing.

Tickets: To book visit the Vue website.

Opening hours: Daily.

Address: Kingsmead Shopping Centre, GU14 7SR.

Vue cinema

13. White Lion Antiques tearoom

Hidden at the back of a village antiques shop is a lovely tearoom every cake lover needs to experience.

White Lion Antique features a charming spot at the back of it that serves the most delectable Victoria sponge, coffee and walnut cake and a fantastic range of afternoon teas including a G and Tea.

The tearoom is fully licensed and offers a wide range of craft gins, beers, wines and spirits, as well as barista coffee, tea and soft drinks.

It is a lovely place to pop into before or after exploring the second hand gems in the antiques shop.

There is a free car park on site.

Tickets: Just turn up.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm; Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm; Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am-5pm.

Address: Hartford Bridge, Hartley Wintney, RG27 8AE.

Cream tea at White Lion Antiques tearoom

14. The Greenhouse

Fish fingers, burger and chips, pizza. It's all on the menu at The Greenhouse but not as you know it; the independent café is 100% vegetarian.

Situated opposite Ancells Children's Playground and close to a nature reserve, it's an ideal place to shelter if the weather turns for the worse.

By day, The Greenhouse is a relaxed café brewing organically roasted coffee and serving freshly made sandwiches, paninis, soup, salads, cakes and croissants, as well as a hot lunch menu featuring pizzas and a children's menu.

By night, it turns into a cosy restaurant, serving meat-less burgers, sweet potato katsu curry, seitan steak and a tofu poke bowl, among a range of alcoholic drinks including cocktails.

There is a free car park on site.

Tickets: Just turn up.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7.30am–10pm; Saturday 8am-10.30pm.

Address: Falkners Close, Fleet, GU51 2XF.

15. The Oat Sheaf

Located opposite Calthorpe Park, The Oat Sheaf has recently been turned into a winter hideaway.

Boasting two 180 degree fireplaces and lit by dozens of candles, the pub is a must-visit for cosy drinks on a wet day.

Wherever you sit in the restaurant or stand at the bar you'll be able to feel the warmth of the burning logs displayed in magnificent glass boxes.

The pub has three separate dining areas off the bar strip offering customers intimate corners for snuggling, and there are comfy sofas to fall into right next to the fire for the extra chilly ones among us.

As well as homely features, the menu includes dozens of comfort foods to satisfy rumbling tummies including chicken and leek pie with mashed potato, maple pork belly and pig cheek, and a luxurious apple, plum and damson crumble for dessert.

It is family friendly and there is a car park on site.

Tickets: For a table reservation call the pub on 01252 819508.

Opening hours: Food served -  Monday to Thursday 12pm-10pm; Friday and Saturday 12pm-10.30pm; Sunday 12pm-9pm.

Address: Crookham Road, Fleet, GU51 5DR.

Video Loading

16. 360 Play

360 Play is located above Sainsbury's supermarket and features soft play, fairground rides and role play shops.

'The street' has a supermarket, pizza parlour, vet surgery, fire station and garage for children to enjoy.

There is also a special party zone and dedicated toddlers area, along with a café.

It is suitable for children aged up to 12 and special seasonal events are held throughout the year.

Tickets: To book visit the 360 Play website.

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 9.30am-5.30pm; Friday to Saturday 9.30am-6pm.

Address: The Meads, Farnborough, GU14 7GL.

Ball pit joy!

17. Festival Place

The huge indoor shopping precinct is home to more than 150 stores, plenty of places to eat and drinks and a multi screen cinema.

You'll find all of your high street favourite brands including H&M, New Look, Clarks, Fat Face, Jack Wills, M&S, Moss Bross, Next, Pandora and River Island.

It is also home to a large Debenhams store.

For food there is everything from cafés for a quick bite to eat to restaurants serving all day food.

Eateries include Ask Italian, Café Giardino, Coal Grill and Bar, Burger King, Costa, Cosy Club, Cote Brasserie, Greggs, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Las Iguanas, Pizza Express, Nando's, Kokoro and Pret.

The large cinema is a Vue.

There is a large multi-storey car park on site.

Tickets: Just turn up.

Opening hours: Daily until late.

Address: Basingstoke, RG21 7BA.

18. Flip Out

Flip Out is a huge trampoline and adventure park located within Festival Place.

With various packages available including one and two hour sessions, visitors can enjoy endless fun in foam pits, on battle beams and stunt boxes and up climbing walls, plus there is a state of the art Ninja Assault Course that uses Radio Frequency Identification so you can compete with friends, family or try to beat your own best time.

There is even a life size Lamborghini stunt box in the stunt free running area.

Tickets: To book visit the Flip Out website.

Opening hours: Daily.

Address: Festival Place, Church Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7QU.

Children can bounce on 60 trampolines
Children can bounce on 60 trampolines

19. The Vyne

While you might want to explore the 1,500 acres of gardens for a brighter day, the former Tudor powerhouse turned 17th-century family home is a great place to visit when the weather is grizzly.

Inside the National Trust property, visitors of all ages can learn about William Wiggett Chute and his family who lived at The Vyne in the mid-19th Century.

The mansion is celebrated for its historic gems including a pre-Reformation chapel, Tudor oak gallery with 16th-century wood carvings and neo-classical staircase hall.

Families can immerse themselves in the Victorian chapter of The Vyne’s past by dressing up like Victorians in the Housekeeper’s Room.

With indoor and outdoor seating, the cosy Brewhouse tearoom serves light refreshments and hot and cold beverages.

Tickets: To book visit the National Trust website.

Opening hours: Daily.

Address: Vyne Road, Sherborne St John, Basingstoke, RG24 9HL.