Rain putting a stop to your plans? Don’t worry. A rainy day doesn’t have to mean staying on the sofa and waiting for the sun to come out. There are plenty of things to do on a rainy day for adults, whether you fancy getting out of the house, trying something creative or making a day of it somewhere new.
From indoor activities and cultural days out to food experiences and games, a bit of bad weather can be the perfect excuse to try something different.
Here are 15 ideas to help you make the most of a rainy day, whatever your interests or budget.
1. Visit a museum or art gallery
Museums and art galleries are ideal for rainy days. They’re warm, dry and often have far more to explore than you might expect.
You could discover local history, admire famous artworks, learn about science or find a specialist exhibition that catches your interest.
Many museums also offer free entry to their permanent collections, making them a good option if you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day without spending much money.
Make it a day out: Find a museum you’ve never visited, explore the exhibitions and finish with a coffee or lunch nearby.
2. Enjoy a long lunch somewhere new
Sometimes, the simplest plans are the best. A rainy afternoon is a good excuse to find a cosy restaurant, try a new menu or settle into a traditional pub for a leisurely lunch.
Instead of visiting your usual spot, look for somewhere you’ve been meaning to try. You could explore a different part of your town or discover a restaurant that serves a cuisine you’ve never sampled.
If you enjoy dining out, Spice Social organises group meals and other social events across the UK. It’s a lovely way to discover new places to eat without having to organise everything yourself.
3. Try a pottery or painting workshop
Fancy doing something creative? Pottery, painting and craft workshops offer a chance to learn a new skill while escaping the weather.
You don’t need to be artistic or have any experience. Many sessions are designed for beginners, with someone on hand to guide you through the process.
You could try pottery painting, watercolour, life drawing, jewellery making or even a candle-making workshop.
The best part is leaving with something you’ve made yourself, even if it doesn’t turn out quite as planned!
4. Go to the cinema
A trip to the cinema is a classic rainy-day activity, and there’s always something new to watch.
Choose a film you’ve been looking forward to, catch an independent release or revisit a favourite on the big screen. Some cinemas also offer special screenings, film festivals and classic movie events.
To make more of the day, combine your film with lunch, a coffee or a wander around the shops afterwards.
5. Explore a historic house or indoor attraction
The UK has plenty of historic houses, castles, heritage sites and attractions with indoor areas to explore.
You could discover grand rooms, learn about local history, admire period interiors or join a guided tour. Some venues also have cafés and exhibitions, giving you plenty to do if the weather doesn’t improve.
Check what’s open before setting off, particularly during the quieter months, as opening times and access to certain areas can vary.
6. Visit an aquarium
An aquarium can make a fascinating day out when it’s pouring outside.
You can explore underwater habitats, discover marine life and learn more about the creatures living beneath the surface. It’s a good option if you want an activity that feels different from your usual routine.
Look for aquariums within a reasonable journey of home, check how long a visit typically takes and see whether there are any talks or feeding sessions scheduled.
7. Give bowling or indoor games a go
If you want something more active, head indoors for bowling, indoor mini golf, table tennis, darts or an escape room.
These activities are great when you want to get out of the house without worrying about the weather. They’re also a fun way to spend time with friends, particularly if you prefer doing something rather than sitting around a table all afternoon.
Escape rooms are especially good if you enjoy solving puzzles and working together to crack a challenge.
And don’t worry about being competitive. The point is to have a laugh and enjoy the experience.
8. Book a cookery class
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to learn something you can put to use at home.
Cookery classes range from bread-making and pasta workshops to baking, regional cuisines and more adventurous dishes. You might even discover a new favourite meal.
Look for local cooking schools, independent chefs or community workshops offering beginner-friendly sessions.
You could also try a new recipe at home if you’d rather keep costs down. Choose something you’ve never made before, put some music on and turn cooking into an activity in its own right.
9. Spend an afternoon at a board-game café
Board-game cafés are becoming a popular option for people looking for something different to do indoors.
You can choose from classic games, strategy challenges, word games and quick party games, often with staff available to explain the rules.
They’re a good alternative to the usual coffee shop visit, especially if you fancy a bit of friendly competition.
If there isn’t a board-game café nearby, look for local games groups or organised game nights at community venues.
10. Treat yourself to a spa day
If the weather is miserable, why not use it as an excuse to slow down?
A spa day could include a swim, sauna, steam room or treatment, depending on the facilities available. Some hotels also offer day packages that include lunch or access to leisure facilities.
You don’t necessarily need to book an expensive full-day package, either. A local swimming pool or leisure centre might offer a more affordable way to enjoy some indoor relaxation.
Check what’s included before booking, as facilities and treatment prices can vary considerably.
11. Discover a local food or drink experience
Rainy days are a good opportunity to explore something a little different from a standard meal out.
You could book a chocolate-making workshop, attend a coffee-tasting session, try a cookery demonstration or visit an indoor food market.
Depending on what’s available locally, you might also find cheese tastings, brewery tours, wine experiences or food festivals with indoor areas.
These experiences can be particularly enjoyable because you get to learn something new as well as sample different flavours.
12. Go to the theatre or see live comedy
If you fancy an evening out, look for a theatre performance, comedy show, musical or live music event.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to book tickets. Local theatres often have a varied programme, from touring productions and musicals to smaller performances and comedy nights.
Check listings for your nearest theatre or entertainment venue and see what’s coming up.
You could even make a regular rainy-day plan of catching a matinee performance followed by an early dinner.
13. Browse a bookshop or spend time in a library
Sometimes, a quieter day is exactly what you need.
Spend an hour browsing a bookshop, pick up a novel you’ve been meaning to read or explore the shelves at your local library. You could also look for author talks, reading groups and other literary events.
If you’re not sure what to read next, ask for a recommendation or choose something completely outside your usual genre.
You don’t need to spend money to enjoy this activity, and it can be a refreshing change from constantly looking at a screen.
14. Visit an indoor market or shopping arcade
An indoor market or covered shopping arcade can be an enjoyable place to explore when the weather is poor.
You might find independent shops, local crafts, vintage clothing, food stalls and interesting little businesses you wouldn’t normally come across.
Rather than rushing around to buy something specific, give yourself time to browse and discover what’s there.
Some markets also have cafés and food stalls, so you can turn a quick visit into a longer outing.
15. Find an organised indoor event near you
One of the easiest ways to make a rainy day more interesting is to find an event that’s already organised.
Depending on your area, you might find quizzes, craft workshops, indoor sports, talks, dining events, games nights or other activities taking place throughout the year.
This means you don’t have to come up with an entire plan yourself. Simply find something that appeals to you, check the details and book your place.
Spice Social organises a wide range of activities and events across the UK, including meals out, theatre trips, quizzes, workshops and indoor activities. You can choose the events that interest you and find opportunities to enjoy new experiences with other members.
Browse upcoming Spice Social events to see what’s available.
How to choose the best rainy-day activity
With so many indoor activities to choose from, the best option depends on what you fancy doing.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Want to keep costs down? Try a free museum, library visit, indoor market or a new recipe at home.
- Fancy being creative? Look for pottery, painting, cookery or craft workshops.
- Want something active? Try bowling, indoor mini golf, swimming or an escape room.
- Prefer a quieter day? Visit a bookshop, art gallery or café.
- Looking for an evening out? Check local theatre listings, comedy shows and organised social events.
- Want to discover somewhere new? Visit an attraction, historic house or museum in a nearby town.
It’s also worth checking opening times, booking requirements and travel arrangements before you leave home. Popular indoor attractions and workshops can fill up, particularly during school holidays and weekends.
Don’t let the weather decide your plans
It’s easy to put plans on hold when the forecast looks miserable, but a rainy day can be a great opportunity to do something you wouldn’t normally consider.
You could discover a new restaurant, learn a creative skill, explore a museum or enjoy an activity you’ve never tried before. Sometimes, all it takes is a small change of plan to turn an ordinary day into something memorable.
And if you’d rather not organise every outing yourself, there are ways to find activities already happening in your area.
Find things to do with Spice Social
Spice Social brings adults together through organised activities and events across the UK. From meals out and theatre trips to quizzes, workshops, days out and weekends away, there’s a variety of experiences to choose from.
You can browse the events, pick the ones that interest you and book your place. It’s a straightforward way to find more things to do, discover new places and enjoy activities with other members.
Whether you’re looking for a one-off rainy-day activity or want to fill your diary with more interesting plans throughout the year, there’s no need to wait for better weather.
Ready to find your next outing?
Explore Spice Social events or find your local Spice Social group to see what’s happening near you.
