Rainy Day in Bury St Edmunds
_While Bury St Edmunds is famous for its beautiful gardens and outdoor activities, the unpredictable British weather can sometimes hinder your plans.
Thankfully, the town offers a variety of indoor activities to enjoy, even on rainy evenings or gloomy weekends. From cosy cafes and inviting pubs to museums and art galleries, there are plenty of places to explore. For more excitement, you can try mini golf, virtual reality experiences, or catch a movie at the cinema. With a mix of free and paid options, Bury St Edmunds has something enjoyable for everyone, regardless of the weather.
The Evidence Room
The Evidence Room offers three escape rooms; each is designed to test teamwork, logic and patience. The rooms include The Future Room, which is an intense immersion in an 80s vision of years to come. The Gedding Room, which is home to a 1960s gangster, and the Aztec Room, where you must await sacrifice with your tribe… unless you can find a way to appease the gods.
Moyses Hall Museum
Moyses Hall Museum offers a captivating view of the past. Its collections document the foundation of the early town, from the creation and dissolution of the Abbey to prison paraphernalia and artefacts that offer an insight into superstition and witchcraft. The museum is also home to changing exhibitions in the Great Hall, including children’s book readings and Sci-Fi, Viking, Crime, and Art Exhibits.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
St Edmundsbury Cathedral, near Abbey Gardens and the historic ruins, offers an immersive experience for visitors. A guided tour, lasting about an hour, takes you through the cathedral’s rich history, from its deep ties to the Abbey to its contemporary additions. Alongside the tours, the cathedral hosts a free art exhibition by the Suffolk Art Society, where members display their creative works. Visitors can also enjoy lunchtime recitals every Friday from 1:10 pm to 2:00 pm, featuring a range of talented performers, including Matt Crowe, a Culford student, Anthony Fritten on the organ, and Kiyomi Seed on percussion.
The Apex
The Apex Gallery, housed within the striking architecture of the Apex venue, is a dynamic contemporary art space showcasing a blend of work from both emerging and established artists and local community groups. Visitors can enjoy drinks from the Coffee House in the foyer while exploring the gallery, many of which pieces are available for purchase. Throughout the year, the gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions,
including the current King’s Ely Art and Design Exhibition, which highlights impressive textile, fine art, photography, and fashion design from a local school.
Theatre Royal
Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, a 200-year-old gem, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time with guided tours of the last remaining working Regency playhouse in the UK. Led by passionate tour guides, these tours provide a journey through the theatre’s history, from its elegant front of the house to the behind-the-scenes workings of the venue. You’ll even have the chance to stand on the same stage graced by legends like Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench, and Sir Peter Hall. National Trust members can also enjoy a discounted rate for this experience.
Cinemas
Abbeygate Cinema
Abbeygate Cinema offers a refined, theatre-like experience. It showcases a diverse selection of films, from big-screen musicals and recent blockbusters to arthouse and independent films. Alongside its regular screenings, the cinema features an enriched Screen Arts programme, including performances from the Bolshoi, Royal Opera House, National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, and the Metropolitan Opera. Visitors can also enjoy food deals at No. 4, the cinema’s joint restaurant.
Everyman Cinema
Everyman Cinema offers an innovative experience where you can swap your soft drink for a glass of red wine and enjoy freshly made pizza delivered right to your seat. Whether you’re in the mood for the latest blockbusters, independent films, or classic favourites, Everyman caters to all tastes with a diverse range of screenings and live satellite broadcasts. The venue is perfect for special events or simply for enjoying a cosy movie day with family.
Cineworld
Cineworld offers a classic cinema experience with a wide selection of films and showtimes to suit every schedule. From the latest blockbusters to family-friendly favourites, there’s always something playing for every movie fan. With multiple daily screenings, catching your favourite films at a time that suits you is easy and ideal for a spontaneous movie outing on a rainy day.
Little Woodworms
Little Woodworms is the perfect destination for parents and their little ones to enjoy on weekdays when it is miserable outside. This vibrant space encourages imaginative, creative, and messy play, complemented by a dedicated sensory area designed to
stimulate young minds. Parents can relax with a hot drink, cakes, and snacks, knowing their children are having fun in a safe environment. Additionally, the venue offers SEN sessions and other themed activities scattered throughout the month, which can be easily found online.
Sneaky Links
For adults seeking a fun escape on a rainy weekend or a dreary evening, Sneaky Links offers a lively atmosphere perfect for some lighthearted competition. Experience crazy golf while enjoying a wide selection of drinks, both soft and alcoholic. The venue hosts various offers and special events throughout the year, making it a fantastic choice for a rainy day in Bury St Edmunds.
VR Sphere
Immerse yourself in virtual reality experiences at VR Sphere. Each timeslot provides a full hour of exhilarating gameplay, allowing you to dive into thrilling VR escape rooms and arcade games. With an extensive library of virtual reality adventures, VR Sphere guarantees an unforgettable experience. Most of their games accommodate 1 to 4 players, while some can host groups of up to 8, making it a fantastic option for friend and family days out in the rain.
No matter the weather, Bury St Edmunds is a fantastic destination for spending quality time with family and friends or even enjoying a solo outing. With loads of activities and delicious dining options to keep you full, there’s always something to do.
After all the exploring, maybe it’s time to grab a bite or a drink to warm you up, so make sure to check out our lovely independent cafes and restaurants in our Food & Drink directory.