We know it can be a bit of a blow when rain arrives while you’re on holiday. At Staycation Holidays, we appreciate that if there’s one thing the UK is famous for, it’s the unpredictable weather.

But don’t fret because there are loads of wet weather attractions and activities near our holiday cottages to keep everyone busy when the skies turn grey.

Take a look at our round-up of top weather-proof days out to keep the whole family happy – even when the heavens open!

Cornwall

Even if it’s bucketing down outside, you won’t care once you’re inside the Eden Project’s famous eco-attraction. Each of its five biomes has its own self-contained weather system, so you can step out of the British drizzle straight into a Mediterranean summer, or the largest rainforest in captivity! There’s plenty of activities on offer too for little ones with pent-up energy.

When it’s pouring, a day out at Lanhydrock certainly isn’t boring! This sprawling Victorian family home has plenty to keep young visitors interested. Get hands on at the touch and discover tables, where you can learn to fold napkins, brush hats, identify creepy crawlies and dial the old telephones. Kids also enjoy playing with the Victorian toys in the family school room and practising their handwriting on slates.

To see our cottages in south east Cornwall, please visit our website.

Cotswolds

Sports and activity centres offer rainy day activities that give the whole family the chance try a new activity together. So how about indoor rock climbing? Escape the elements at Far Peak Climbing in Northleach who offer hours of indoor climbing and bouldering, with a dedicated kids’ climbing area suitable for nippers as young as three.

Kids (or overgrown ones) who love cars will be in their element at the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection in Bourton-on-the-Water. The museum is overflowing with vintage cars, classics, motorcycles and, of course, kids’ TV favourite Brum. There’s also a toy collection that will have kids marvelling and adults reminiscing.

For more information on our holiday cottages in the Cotswolds, please visit our website.

East Devon

For a slightly different thrill on a rainy day, head underground with a fascinating tour of Exeter’s Underground Passages. Dating back to the 14th century, this network of ancient passageways are the only ones of their kind open to the public in Britain. They give a fascinating insight into Exeter’s history. Plus you get to wear a hard hat, which is always exciting for kids!

With numerous famous artworks and historical artefacts on display, Exeter’s award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a must-see. Or get active indoors at Exeter’s Quay Climbing Centre. With over 200 climbing lines, walls ranging from 7 to 14 metres, training walls and an abseil tower, it’s suitable for seasoned climbers, beginners and kids. It also has an on-site cafe for a post-climb breather!

Check out our East Devon cottages, where you’re sure to find a property to inspire you.

Kent

Kent is full of wet weather attractions and activities. Immerse yourself in The Historic Dockyard Chatham’s great indoor interactive galleries including Steam, Steel and Submarines, Hearts of Oak, and four new superb Command of the Oceans galleries. You can also learn the ropes on the Victorian Ropery Tour, marvel at really big things in 3 Slip and learn about the heroes of the RNLI in this most complete dockyard of the age of sail.

Spend an afternoon at Dickens World nearby, where you’ll find yourself transported out of Chatham and back to the dark, cobbled streets of Victorian London. Here you can experience the Great Expectations dark boat ride with Magwitch, Dotheboys Hall Victorian School Room (with touch-screen technology) and meet some of Charles Dickens’ unforgettable characters.

Alternatively, step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of medieval England at The Canterbury Tales attraction, with costumed actors sometimes adding an extra dimension. Canterbury is home to many other interesting museums including the fascinating Roman Museum, The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge and Canterbury Heritage Museum, home to Britain’s beloved cartoon characters including Bagpuss!

Stay at Manor Farmhouse, our beautiful five star accommodation nearby.

Norfolk & Suffolk

Norwich is a vibrant city with many attractions to experience, even on a rainy day. We recommend the imposing Norman castle which doubles up as a brilliant museum and art gallery, one of many museums to delve into. Wet weather is a perfect excuse to step inside Norwich’s fabulous Norman cathedral, which has dominated the city skyline for over 900 years. And, once you’ve soaked up the history of this magnificent building, head through the cloisters (the largest in England) to the Refectory restaurant.

While away an afternoon in the basement of the Rotunda at Ickworth, an easy drive from Vicarage House and Pool House. Your kids can touch everything and play 1930s games in the servants’ hall here. On ‘living history’ days, actors playing their roles to perfection give a superb insight into life below stairs. Join a family tour and use the secret back stairs to find out why the Earl Bishop threw spaghetti out of his window! You can also entertain children with a story seeker trail pack or an ‘I spy’ sheet. We recommend the homemade cakes too!

To see our cottages in Norfolk please click here.

Shropshire

There’s plenty of FREE indoor fun at RAF Cosford. With fully preserved aircraft in three wartime hangars, as well as plenty of interactive things to do, this vast site is awe-inspiring to kids (and big kids). The National Cold War Exhibition is a must see. Its nuclear bombers include the Valiant, Vulcan and Victor.

You can have loads of fun at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums come rain or shine. This historic site boasts plenty of indoor museums and attractions to explore as well as special school holiday workshops so kids can come back again and again. We recommend spending a soggy afternoon at Enginuity, Shropshire’s very own science museum. This hands-on interactive centre unravels the workings of everyday objects in four seamless zones – Materials, Energy, Design and Systems & Controls. Fabulous for adults and children alike, there’s also a soft play area for smaller children and a shop packed with great science, design and technology inspired toys.

Click here to see our choice of beautiful self-catering cottages in Shropshire.

Somerset

When it starts to rain, duck into the covered part of the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare and take the kids to the 4D cinema or indoor soft play Adventure Cove. If it brightens up, you can hit the beach again. But you may have trouble dragging the kids away!

Wookey Hole Caves is a brilliant rainy day option, as many of the attractions are indoors (or underground!). As well as the spectacular caves, there are also 20 other attractions including circus performances, indoor play centres and a mirror maze. You’ll be glad it rained!

To browse our Somerset holiday cottages, please visit our website.

South Gloucestershire

If you can prise yourself away from the indoor pool and spa facilities during a stay at Kingsley Lake View, there are plenty of wet-weather attractions and activities to be found in nearby Bath and Bristol. Luxuriate in Britain’s only natural thermal spa at Thermae Bath Spa with its rooftop pool. Another ancient wonder, The Roman Baths, is a must for history buffs and also for kids who will marvel at the ancient fashions, old Roman coins and the entertaining guides who dress up in Roman clothes.

When the sun isn’t shining, there’s nothing better than heading to Bristol’s cosy museums and galleries with the kids, such as MShed, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, and the Arnolfini. Bristol is also home to major world studio, Aardman Animations – creators of world-famous Shaun the Sheep and Wallace and Gromit. Why not join Morph and friends in Aardman’s exclusive exhibition at At-Bristol Science Centre and become an animator for the day?

What else?

There’s great fun to be had at our self catering holiday cottages, whatever the weather. Take a look at our ‘Things to do & events’ section for each property listing for more great ideas. Including wet weather attractions and activities – it’s good to be forearmed! 
 
Of course, if it rains, we’re not discouraging you from simply curling up in front of the wood burner and watching a DVD, playing a family game or getting stuck into a great book! It’s all part of your great Staycation experience.