A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near Smart's Hill

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Smart's Hill, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Smart's Hill

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Flirting (35mm)3

Flirting (35mm)

at David Lean Cinema

FLIRTING (35mm) 1991 | Dir John Duigan | Australia | 95 min Stars: Noah Taylor, Nicole Kidman, Thandie Newton The second autobiographical film by Duigan after The Year My Voice Broke. Taylor again plays Danny, now at a rural boarding school, where he meets Thandiwe, the rebellious daughter of African parents, who studies at the nearby Girl’s college. Before long a romance develops between the two, who must get around the rules of both institutions to see each other. This tender and perceptive film sees early performances from female stars Kidman and Newton, as well as Naomi Watts. A 35mm presentation in association with The Cinema Museum. Saturday 11 July at 2.00pm Get Tickets

18.9 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
Saturday LOW INTERMEDIATE+ @ GEORGE GREENS School4

Saturday LOW INTERMEDIATE+ @ GEORGE GREENS School

at Tower Hamlets Badminton Meetup

**Saturday - Lower Intermediate+ @ George Green's** Come and join our friendly badminton club for a fun and competitive doubles session at George Green’s School in Tower Hamlets! **How it works** * Book your spot here on Meetup – spaces are limited. * Pay by bank transfer before the session – bank details are provided below. * Bring your own racket and non-marking indoor shoes. Feather shuttles are included. **Level** This is a **Lower Intermediate+ session**. You should be able to play clears, smashes, drops, drives, and net shots consistently in games. All players **must be at the right level** for this session. Badminton levels vary between clubs, so we strongly recommend checking out our **Instagram page** to see what *we* class as **Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, and High Intermediate** before booking. We always use the **first game as a level check**. If it becomes clear during that game that the standard isn’t the right match for this session, **you won’t be able to continue beyond that point**. As a **small community club**, we’re unfortunately **unable to offer refunds** in these situations. Please **only book a session if you are happy to accept these conditions**. **Stay connected** We have a club WhatsApp group for updates, photos, and extra playing opportunities.

24.1 milesSat 11 Jul10:10ce £12 per session, payable in advance (all first time players must pay at least 24 hours before session start time, or
Local gemSee the details
Community
community5

Is Small Beer on the Bermondsey Beer Mile

at Small Beer Brew Co.

The Small Beer brewery and taproom is close to several craft breweries and bottle shops that make up the Bermondsey Beer Mile. If you're tackling the Bermondsey Beer Mile on a Saturday, we recommend starting in the Small Beer taproom, and then making your way up to London Bridge, where your food and public transport options are plentiful. Alternatively, you can do it the other way around, kicking things off on Druid Street and ending your day in South Bermondsey, where you can visit Four Pure and Small Beer before closing time at 10pm.

24.8 milesSat 11 Jul23:00
Local gemSee the details
Community
The Close-Up Show - Real Magic Real Close6

The Close-Up Show - Real Magic Real Close

at Churchill Theatre

An intimate evening of close-up magic, trickery and sleight of hand. Close-up magic is one of the most popular and impressive forms of the art, and this event showcases some of the best exponents. Enjoy three performances at three tables as the magicians rotate and entertain. Age Restriction 11+

18.3 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
Art Book Club7

Art Book Club

at Museum of Croydon

Join us every month in the Clocktower Café for a relaxed, friendly discussion on an art-related book as part of our Croydon Art Collection: Matching Masterpieces Exhibition. For our next session, we will be reading Grayson Perry’s Playing to the Gallery as part of a programme of events around ou

18.9 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
Sunday Special8

Sunday Special

at St Mary's Church

This is our group for children aged between 3 years and 11 years. We meet on the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of the month, starting in the Church then moving over to the the hall for a time of teaching through stories and craft. We then return to the Church for Communion or the end of the service. We would love for your little ones to join us and learn more of the stories of Jesus.

20.7 milesSun 12 Jul11:30
Local gemSee the details
Community
Area 13 Dressage Qualifier9

Area 13 Dressage Qualifier

at Horsham & District Riding Club

This qualifier is being held at East Byshee and kindly run by Three Counties RC. Classes range from Intro to Advanced Medium with the Championship being held at the NAF Nationals at Lincolnshire Showground on 5th - 6th September 2026. There are also non -qualifier classes at this competition. All classes are held on grass. Any members wanting to take part in this please

21.8 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Community
WMA Summer Concert and Summer Fayre 202610Free! (worth double-checking)

WMA Summer Concert and Summer Fayre 2026

at Wandsworth Music

Come and hear the extremely talented students from WMA perform in the end of term Summer Concert. Featuring Sound Start recorders, WMA Junior Academy Choir, Djembe ensemble, Training Orchestra strings, wind and brass. Percussion ensemble. Pop Bands, and Jazz Train, Jazz Explorers and The Roehampton Street Band! In the afternoon we will have live music,

24.7 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details
Live MusicMarkets & Fairs

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