Days out in Eastbourne when it's raining?

[lowrib]

We've recently moved to Eastbourne and have friends coming for the weekend. We were planning trips to the beach, parks and the miniature steam railway.

But the weather says no!
Rain / showers forecast this weekend.

I'd really appreciate any tips for things to do in Eastbourne when it rains!

We've got one car, but can't fit us all in at once. We could go places where ferrying all of us in two trips isn't out of the question, or we could use public transport.

Our DCs are 20 months and 2.

TIA

Is the butterfly place still open on the seafront? (sorry, vague - haven't been for years but thought of it recently to take my dc to). Big rainforest type gardens (enclosed, naturally) with butterflies a plenty. Hot and steamy though!

Brilliant idea, perfect!

But I looked it up and it closed in 2001

Shameless bump

Oh

I had really fond memories of going there as a child, and wanted to take dd2 as she loved the butterfly bit at London Zoo.

Will try to rack my brains a bit more

Ds1 absolutely loved the fort museum even going outside on top in the rain! He was fascninated by the headless horseman story. But its no way close to a full day's activity!

Thanks mustrun, that looks a good one. Think DS is a little young for it, but I'll keep it in mind for when we have friends with older kids come stay.

We went to the soft-play at Treasure Island in the end. The DCs absolutely loved it. There's a toddler bit, but they can also go on the big kids bit if adults come with them (or at least on one objected ) They were in toddler heaven! We stayed about an hour or so, they burned off loads of energy, then fell asleep for their naps in time for us to have a calm pub lunch and visit a gallery, perfect!

Oops that should have said "no one objected"

Found this thread (during the rainy spell) recently. Yup, sadly the butterfly centre closed... over a decade ago, it doesnt seem that long!

We also had an outdoor day planned when family came over from abroad. Bowling isnt my thing, cant stand the cinema (too much sitting still) so we ended up doing lots of walking (beachy head) instead, after waiting out the rain having a meal and then visiting the 'museum of shops' which is pretty town central.

There are a few other museum type places weve yet to visit. Theres a full list of things to do in eastbourne when its raining at www.eastbourneguide.com - the link is at the top somewhere.