Botanical gardens – Eden Project
Botanical gardens can provide the enjoyment of being outside and make you feel as if you are distant tropical paradise, even when you are in drizzly Britain. The Eden Project, Cornwall, has two biomes for you to walk around, and creates the atmosphere of a diverse range of environments – from the rainforest to the Mediterranean.
Caves – Peak district
Exploring some of the UK’s top caves is the perfect way to marvel at nature’s finest creations, without getting caught in a shower. The Peak district offers a great range of caves including the Speedwell cavern and Peak cavern, and you can even get a combined ticket to enjoy these caves in a single day. Both have different things to offer, as you can journey through Speedwell by boat, or learn about the history of rope making in the Peak cavern.
Castles – Sussex
The UK is known for its extensive range of castles, giving people the chance to go back in time and have a glimpse at what medieval life was like. Sussex is home to the 14th century Bodiam castle, with a fully intact moat, making it one of Britain’s most picturesque castles. With a chance to experience medieval character talks and get a view of the impressive gatehouse, this castle is ideal for a sheltered day out.
Go for a walk
As the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. At the end of the day, us Brits are used to wet weather, and a little rain never hurt anybody. So get on your raincoat, and waterproof trousers if you have any, and go and enjoy the great outdoors. Either from your house, or take a trip further out. The National trust is brimming with new ideas of where you should go on your next walk.
Steam Train – Snowdonia
The Ffestiniog Railway travels through the heart of Snowdonia, meaning you can absorb the breath-taking views in comfort, as the preserved carriages allow you to travel by train in the traditional way. This steam train in particular is the oldest narrow-gauge railway in the world, so you can take in the 200-years of history while embarking on your journey.
Museums – Bristol
Bristol’s Museum and Art Gallery offers a wide range of historical, natural and artistic artefacts to enjoy when you would rather be inside. A range of era’s and artists are shown here, perfect for all ages of the family.
Storm watching - Cornwall
Storm watching is currently all the rage in the US, and although it can be dangerous, there are perfectly safe ways to watch storms in the UK. Cornwall provides one of the best locations to observe a storm rolling into shore, as it bears the brunt of the UK’s weather. Be careful if you wish to watch the storm from outside while being exposed to the elements, but if not, places such as The Ship Inn, Porthleven offer a safe haven (and cream tea) during the storm. Lizards point is also a favourite spot for storm-watchers.
Food Trails – Kintyre, Scotland
If you’re a foodie, this might just be the rainy day activity for you. Based along the west coast of Scotland, the Seafood Trail is perfect if you’re a big fan of fish. The eight featured restaurants offer some of the best freshly caught fish in the UK, and allow you to enjoy the best of British seafood. Five of the restaurants offer rooms for you to stay in while you enjoy the locally sourced food. The brilliant unspoilt coastal views make the experience all the more memorable, whatever the weather.
Historic Ships – Kent
Many coastal towns in the UK are home to a historic ship of some sort, and in particular Kent offers a maritime experience that isn’t dependent on the weather. Learn about the history of wartime ships at the Chatham Historic Dockyard, which contains HMS ships alongside a maritime museum.
National Parks – North Yorkshire
The North York Moors national park is the largest expanse of heather moorland in the UK, and you can still enjoy the pleasures of this area, even when the heavens open. The many waterfalls in this park will start to flow heavily after rainfall, allowing you to enjoy the full spectacle of these natural features. If you are happy to get a bit muddy and wet, you can still enjoy all of the wonderful wildlife the park has to offer. The Salmon River, the Esk, is full of fish, otters and birds for you to observe. There is also a Outdoor centre, that does not close its doors if there is a bit of rain, but carries on offering kayak and canoe adventure days throughout the year.
