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None of us like having rain spoil our plans. So with this summer’s weather being so unpredictable, I have compiled a list of my top five places to spend a rainy day in Portsmouth.

1. Portsmouth City Museum – Free entry and a reasonably priced café make Portsmouth City Museum a fantastic and cheap way to spend a day in Portsmouth. Look at how life has changed in Portsmouth over the decades and learn about the history of the city, find out about the football club and explore the life of Arthur Conan Doyle - there’s plenty to do here. The exhibition ‘Birds, Beasts and Bugs’ started in July.

2. Cumberland House, Portsmouth’s Natural History Museum is another way to spend some time away from the rain. Entrance is free and the museum explores the different habitats in Portsmouth. While the museum itself is bit dated, the butterfly house is a fascinating place. The butterflies fly from May to September. Go to Portsmouth Museums for more info on any of Portsmouth’s museums.

3. Gunwharf Quays – If you have some money in your pocket then Gunwharf Quays is your one-stop shop for family fun. Indulge in a spot of retail therapy in its designer outlet stores, enjoy a meal in one of its many restaurants, catch a film at the multiplex cinema or have a game of bowling. Take a trip up the Spinnaker Tower and admire the view or pop next door to the Historic Dockyard, Gunwharf Quays has something for everyone.

4. Mountbatten Leisure Centre – Following a multi-million pound facelift, the Mountbatten Centre has a 50m swimming pool. It participates in the national swimming initiative so has many public swimming sessions that are free to under 16’s and over 60’s. An adult swim session costs £3.40, timetables can be found at the Mountbatten Centre.

5. Blue Reef Aquarium – Located on Southsea seafront, the Blue Reef Aquarium offers an interactive experience exploring sea creatures. The aquarium has daily talks and gives visitors the opportunity to watch feeding time. It is suitable for any weather although prices can be a little steep so keep an eye out for any special offers in the local press and on the net. Adult tickets are £9.40, children are £7.40 and a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) is £30.80. Visit Bluereef Aquarium to find out more.

KIMBERLEY BARBER