Rain might change your plans, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Whether you’re enjoying a seaside staycation, a cottage holiday, or just facing an unexpected drizzle, there are lots of fun things to do on a rainy day that are cozy, entertaining, and memorable. From exploring museums to playing indoor games and sipping tea in a charming café, here’s your ultimate guide to rainy day activities—perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

20+ Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day in the UK: Indoor Travel Guide

1. Explore a Local Museum

Museums are the perfect rainy day escape—indoors, educational, and full of hidden treasures.

Why it’s great:

  • You stay dry while discovering local history, art, science, or culture.
  • Many UK towns have small, charming museums you might overlook on sunny days.

Top picks in the UK:

  • National Railway Museum (York)
  • The British Museum (London)
  • World Museum (Liverpool)
  • Cornwall’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum

2. Visit an Aquarium

When the weather outside is grey, step into an underwater world filled with vibrant colors and marine creatures.

Why it’s a win:

  • Educational for kids and fascinating for adults.
  • Most aquariums offer interactive exhibits.

Great UK aquariums:

  • Sea Life Centre (London, Brighton, Birmingham)
  • The Deep (Hull)
  • National Marine Aquarium (Plymouth)

3. Go Bowling

Classic, fun, and suitable for all ages, bowling is a great way to stay active indoors.

Why we recommend it:

  • Affordable and competitive.
  • Often paired with arcades, food, and drinks.

4. Try an Escape Room

If you love puzzles and teamwork, escape rooms are one of the best indoor experiences.

Good for:

  • Families with teens
  • Groups of friends
  • Couples looking for a challenge

Tip: Book in advance as these can fill up fast—especially on rainy weekends.

5. Relax in a Cosy Café

Slow down and enjoy the sound of raindrops from a warm café.

What to do:

  • Try a local bakery’s signature cake.
  • Journal, read, or people-watch.
  • Great in coastal or countryside towns, where quaint tearooms offer a rustic escape.

6. Build a Blanket Fort (Great for Kids!)

Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you make at home.

Things to include:

  • Blankets, fairy lights, snacks
  • Books, games, or a movie
  • Perfect for turning a rainy day into a childhood memory.

7. Get Creative with Crafts

Whether you’re alone or with the kids, rainy days are perfect for crafts.

Ideas:

  • Watercolor painting
  • Scrapbooking your holiday
  • Making handmade gifts
  • DIY holiday decor

Search keyword: rainy day crafts for kids or adults

8. Have a Movie Marathon

Streaming services, popcorn, and a rainy afternoon—what more do you need?

Suggestions:

  • Pick a theme: ‘90s comedies, fantasy sagas, or cozy rom-coms
  • Build a snack tray
  • Make it special with blankets, candles, or projector screens

9. Bake Something Delicious

Rainy weather calls for warm, sweet smells in the kitchen.

What to try:

  • Scones with jam and cream
  • Homemade bread or pizza
  • Classic sponge cake or flapjacks

Bonus: Kids love helping out and tasting along the way.

10. Visit a Theatre or Cinema

Support local talent or catch the latest blockbuster.

Ideas:

  • Check out local community theatres
  • Look for independent cinemas showing vintage films
  • Try a matinee show for families

11. Try a Relaxing Indoor Activity

Bad weather can be good for the soul if you slow down.

Ideas:

  • Yoga or meditation
  • Journaling
  • Listening to an audiobook
  • Organizing or decluttering

12. Read a Book (Or Visit a Bookshop)

Let the rain become your soundtrack as you dive into a good story.

Options:

  • Start that novel you packed and forgot
  • Explore a second-hand bookstore
  • Trade books with a friend or cottage neighbor

13. Play Board Games or Cards

Rainy days are game days.

Classics:

  • Monopoly, Uno, Scrabble, chess
  • Jigsaw puzzles (1,000 pieces+ = all-day fun)
  • Create a family tournament with small prizes

14. Pamper Yourself Indoors

Turn your cottage or hotel room into a spa.

What to do:

  • Warm bath with salts or oils
  • Face masks, manicures, hair masks
  • Herbal tea, music, and mood lighting

15. Visit a Science or Technology Centre

These interactive spaces are a huge hit with curious minds.

Top UK spots:

  • Glasgow Science Centre
  • Techniquest (Cardiff)
  • Winchester Science Centre

16. Hit the Indoor Arcade

If you’re near a seaside town, many arcades stay open year-round.

Activities:

  • 2p coin pushers
  • Air hockey
  • VR simulators
  • Prize machines

Pro tip: Budget ahead—easy to spend more than planned!

17. Explore Historical Sites with Indoor Sections

Many UK castles, stately homes, and historical buildings have museums or covered areas.

Rain-friendly historic sites:

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Tower of London
  • Blenheim Palace
  • Bodmin Jail (partially underground)

18. Go on a Food Tour

If the weather isn’t ideal for walking, opt for short bites near your stay.

Try:

Afternoon tea spots
Indoor farmer’s markets
Cheese shops, bakeries, and pubs

19. Visit an Indoor Climbing Centre

  • Active but weather-proof, climbing gyms are great for beginners and pros alike.
  • Available in many cities, often with kid-friendly walls and safety instruction.

20. Explore a Local Shopping Centre or Indoor Market

Shopping is always an option, but go local when possible.

Fun places:

  • Covered antique markets
  • Artisan gift shops
  • Seasonal fairs and craft stalls

21. Take a Scenic Train Ride

Rain makes the countryside even more beautiful from a warm train cabin.

UK scenic trains:

  • Settle–Carlisle Line
  • North Yorkshire Moors Railway
  • Snowdon Mountain Railway (weather dependent)

Final Word: Don’t Let Rain Dampen Your Holiday

Rainy days are part of the charm when you’re travelling in the UK. With so many fun things to do indoors, there’s no need to feel disappointed. Whether you’re cozying up in a cottage, staying in a hotel, or exploring a new town, indoor activities can be just as meaningful, exciting, and unforgettable as sunny adventures.

 Quick Rainy Day Packing List

Waterproof shoes or boots

A packable raincoat or poncho

A reusable shopping bag (for books, food, etc.)

Umbrella

Cards or travel-size games

A great book!