How to embrace a rainy day

Don’t let the wet weather spoil your day. Discover the best indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy when it rains, and how you can save money with Boundless.

You’ve heard the saying ‘save it for a rainy day’ – well, you might want to save this page for when the heavens open, as it’s full of things to do during wet weather!

Here in the UK, showers seem to occur all too frequently – even in the summer. But they needn’t dampen your mood, and, whether you’re a family, a couple or an individual, there are loads of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy when it rains.

As well as listing all the best ones, we’ve highlighted where you can save money with your Boundless membership – helping to put a smile on your face even when the sun’s not shining.

Rain is not so bad really

Many of us have a tendency to feel down when the heavens open, but look on the bright side. As well as all the fun opportunities we’ve listed here, actually going outside when it rains has been scientifically linked to a number of wellbeing benefits, from enhancing memories to providing a serotonin boost.

So, if you don’t mind getting a bit wet, head outside and make the most of the precipitation. Whether it’s going for a nature walk, enjoying an exhilarating run, taking part in a geocaching session or even just splashing around in some puddles, we guarantee you’ll come home feeling renewed and refreshed.

Rainy day activities for families

At home activities

Getty ImagesWhen the rain’s lashing down outside, kids often gravitate towards their phones and consoles. However, wet weather provides the perfect opportunity to engage in fun activities together at home.

Rustling up some delicious cakes and biscuits is a great way to bond with your little ones, and will teach them some important kitchen skills – for inspiration, check out these kids’ baking recipes from BBC Good Food. And why not join Boundless’ Cooking and Baking Group and share yours and your kids bakes with other members?

Crafting is another lovely way to spend time together indoors. Creating something colourful will cheer everyone up on those drizzly days, and it can benefit children’s development and wellbeing too. If you need some ideas on what to make, the BBC has a great list for getting started.

If you’d rather not make a mess, you could always suggest sitting round the table for a game or two. Whether it’s a perennial classic like i-Spy or Grandmother Went To Market, or a shop-bought favourite such as Uno or Dobble, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

Boundless offer: All members can get money off baking ingredients, craft supplies and games at a variety of supermarkets and high-street retailers through our Daily Discounts hub.

Days out

Getty ImagesIf you can persuade everyone to get their shoes and coats on, you’ll find plenty of rainy day activities close to where you live.

Ten-pin bowling and indoor golf are always good for a bit of gentle competition, aquariums give you the chance to explore fascinating sea life with a roof over your head, while sharing a huge box of popcorn in front of the latest blockbuster is a surefire winner when the weather takes a turn.

Prefer something more cultured? The UK is brimming with indoor historical attractions, from castles and palaces to museums and bunkers, enabling you to discover centuries of breathtaking and often blood-curdling stories without needing an umbrella.

Of course, some species thrive on watery conditions. If you’re feeling brave, why not don your wellies and visit these birds and animals in their natural wetland habitats? With nine sites dotted across the UK, there’s sure to be a WWT centre near you, and you’ll be amazed at how many creatures you can spot at any time of the year.

Boundless offer

• All members get free access to Kids Pass, which enables you to make huge savings on ten-pin bowling, indoor golf and aquariums across the UK.

• All members get free access to The Cinema Society, through which you can save up to 37% on tickets, and up to 31% on snacks and drinks, at a range of cinemas.

• Boundless Plus members get free access to the National Art Pass, which gets you free entry to over 200 museums, galleries and historic houses, plus 50% off entry to major exhibitions, and other great benefits.

• All members save 10% every time they purchase a National Trust gift card, which can be used for admission, to pay for goods at National Trust shops and cafés, and when buying National Trust membership via Daily Discounts.

• Boundless Plus members get unlimited access to all sites in the Historic Royal Palaces portfolio for themselves plus one additional child per visit.

• Boundless Plus members get unlimited free access to all National Trust for Scotland places, along with free admission for one additional adult and up to six children per visit, and a free parking pass.

• All members get unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres across the UK for themselves, 50% off one additional adult and up to five children per visit, along with 10% off at WWT shops and cafés.

Rainy day activities for couples

At home activities

Getty ImagesAs with family households, wet weather gives couples a great opportunity to do something fun together. This could be anything from preparing a romantic meal to settling back on the sofa and streaming the latest film or box set.

If you’re feeling adventurous, how about using the time to master a new skill or learn some history? Boundless offers a choice of online talks and tutorials, covering everything from photography to stargazing. And with each one lasting no more than an hour, you could be an expert by the time the rain has stopped.

One activity that’s sure to cheer you up on a grey day is planning your next holiday – especially if that holiday comes at a fraction of the normal cost. For ideas on where to go – from country cottages to cruises – and to find out how much you could save with your Boundless membership, visit our Holidays and travel hub.

Boundless offer

• All members can get money off food at a choice of supermarkets through our Daily Discounts hub.

• All members get free access to The Cinema Society, through which you can save up to 34% on through Rakuten home streaming.

• All members can save money on UK and international breaks, hotel stays, travel insurance and more through our Holidays and travel hub.

Days out

Getty ImagesYou may want to put those park walks and beer-garden visits aside for now, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. Wherever you live in the UK, there are a huge choice of activities for couples to enjoy when the storms start.

What could be more cosy than visiting a spa and hearing the gentle pitter-patter outside while you relax in the hot tub? Equally indulgent, an afternoon tea complete with warm scones and tempting treats would provide a suitably luxurious escape from the deluge.

Fancy something a little stronger? A brewery tour is ideal for couples wanting a dry day out, not only providing insight into this fascinating process but giving you the chance to sample the fruits, too.

Rain can actually enhance the beautiful British countryside, making it appear lusher and more verdant – and where better to enjoy this transformation than from the comfort of a vintage rail carriage? With many routes available – each offering spectacular views of rural landscapes – it’s a steam dream for nostalgists.

Flowers also look more vibrant and colourful when it rains – as you’ll find out on a visit to the Kew Gardens. Brave the weather and this world-famous attraction will reward you with glorious sights and scents at every turn. And if it turns from spitting to pelting, you can always take refuge in one of the indoor areas with their spectacular plant collections.

Boundless offer

• All members get 20% off spa visits, afternoon teas and brewery tours at Virgin Experience Days.

• All members save £20 per person on UK day trips booked through The Railway Touring Company.

• All members get unlimited access to Kew Gardens (along with its sister attraction, Wakehurst) for themselves and up to five children per visit. An additional adult can also gain entry for half the usual price.

Rainy day activities for individuals

At home activities

Getty ImagesIf you live on your own, staying indoors can get lonely – so keep yourself busy on those wet days by taking part in some fun activities.

It could be something as simple as reading (or listening to) a book. Getting lost in a good story – especially one set in sunnier climes – is the perfect way to escape the dreary weather.

Or how about a spot of indoor gardening? Attending to those pot plants will do wonders for your interior space – and it’ll give your wellbeing a lift, too.

Crave some company? Why not join one of our Boundless Hobby and Interest Groups? Whether your passion is cooking, motoring or travel, you’ll find a friendly community on Facebook waiting to share stories and answer your questions.

Boundless offer

• All members can save 10% on book purchases at Foyles and get 75 days of free audiobooks with BookBeat (after which you can save 10% on your subscription). Both deals are available through our Daily Discounts hub.

• All members can save money on gardening tools and accessories at retailers such as Wickes and B&Q through our Daily Discounts hub.

Days out

Getty ImagesIf none of your friends are available, or you just like your own company, there are plenty of options for a day out when it rains.

Visiting one of the UK’s many incredible art galleries is the kind of pastime you can do on your own. Indeed, it can sometimes be easier to absorb and appreciate a great work of art when you don’t have any distractions.

Afterwards, head for a cosy coffee shop and sip a warming drink while watching the world go by outside the rain-freckled window.

Should you hanker for some fresh air, you could always put on your coat and join a walking group for a country ramble. You might get a bit soggy, but you’ll return home refreshed and maybe with a couple of new friends in your contacts list.

Boundless offer

• All members get access to the National Art Pass, which gets you free entry to over 200 museums, galleries and historic houses, 50% off entry to major exhibitions, and other great benefits.

• All members get free access to tastecard including Coffee Club, which will get you 25% off barista-made drinks at a huge range of coffee shops nationwide.

• Boundless Plus members get unlimited access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks for themselves and one additional adult.

^{This article was accurate at the time of publication. Please note information and offers shown may change over time.}