25 Rainy Day Activities in the UK to Keep You Entertained Indoors

The London Magazine

25 fun rainy day activities to stay entertained indoors.

There’s nothing quite like the pitter-patter of rain against the windowpane to remind us we’re living in the UK. Whilst our unpredictable weather adds character to the British Isles, it can also leave us wondering what to do when the heavens open and outdoor plans are dashed. Whether you’re stuck inside with restless children, looking for ways to unwind as an adult, or seeking family bonding time, there’s no shortage of rainy day activities to keep everyone entertained.

From creative crafts and culinary adventures to educational pursuits and digital entertainment, The London Magazine brings you 25 fantastic indoor activities perfect for those drizzly British days. We’ve curated options for kids, adults, couples, and families, ensuring there’s something for everyone. So grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and let’s explore the best ways to make the most of a rainy day indoors!

25 Rainy Day Activities to Keep You Entertained Indoors

When the weather turns grey, there’s no better time to unleash your creative side. These artistic pursuits are perfect for all ages and can transform a dreary afternoon into something magical. Publications like The London Magazine often celebrate the arts, and you can bring that creative spirit into your own home by visiting their Lifestyle Section.

1. Make-Your-Own Craft Station

Set up a dedicated crafting area with supplies from UK favourites like Hobbycraft, The Works, or even Wilko. Lay out coloured paper, glue sticks, scissors, felt-tip pens, glitter, and any other materials you have to hand.

What you’ll need:

Let imaginations run wild as children (or adults!) create collages, paper chains, origami creatures, or decorative bunting. The beauty of a craft station is its flexibility – there’s no right or wrong way to create.

![Kids creating paper crafts at a colourful craft station on a rainy day indoors](alt=”Kids creating paper crafts at a colourful craft station on a rainy day indoors”)

2. Paint & Sip Evening

Who says painting parties are just for fancy studios? Recreate the experience at home with watercolours, acrylics, or even DIY canvas kits available on Amazon or at local art shops. Adults might enjoy pairing this with a glass of wine, whilst children can sip on juice or hot chocolate.

Choose a simple tutorial from YouTube—Bob Ross reruns are always a winner—or paint whatever comes to mind. It’s therapeutic, fun, and you’ll have original artwork to display proudly (or hide in the loft, no judgment here!).

3. Handmade Greeting Cards

With birthdays, holidays, and special occasions throughout the year, why not get ahead by creating personalised greeting cards? This activity is cost-effective, thoughtful, and perfect for all ages.

Fold cardstock in half, then decorate with stamps, stickers, washi tape, or hand-drawn designs. Children especially love adding their fingerprints as flowers or animals. You’ll have unique cards ready to send, and recipients will appreciate the handmade touch far more than shop-bought alternatives.

Family-Friendly Indoor Activities – day rainy

When the whole family is stuck indoors on a day rainy with nothing but time and togetherness, these rainy day activities will keep everyone engaged and smiling. They encourage bonding, laughter, and the creation of lasting memories. Want to bring a touch of magic to your indoor space? Discover our inspiring Fairytale Garden Ideas indoors to create a whimsical, imaginative retreat right at home!

4. Board Game Marathon

Dust off those board games tucked away in the cupboard and declare a family tournament. From Monopoly UK Edition (complete with London landmarks) to Scrabble, Cluedo, Risk, or Trivial Pursuit, there’s a game for every age and interest.

Create a bracket system for multiple games, award silly prizes for winners, and don’t forget the snacks. Board games encourage strategic thinking, teamwork, and healthy competition—plus, they’re brilliant for keeping everyone off screens for a few hours.

5. Indoor Treasure Hunt

Transform your home into an adventure zone with a DIY treasure hunt. Write clues on small pieces of paper, each leading to the next location around the house. Tailor difficulty to your children’s ages—younger ones might need picture clues, whilst older kids can solve riddles.

Tips for success:

This activity burns energy, stimulates problem-solving skills, and can easily occupy an entire afternoon.

6. Build a Blanket Fort

Is there anything more nostalgic than constructing a blanket fort? Gather every duvet, blanket, cushion, and pillow in the house. Drape blankets over furniture, secure with clothes pegs or heavy books, and create cosy tunnels and rooms.

String up fairy lights inside for ambience, add sleeping bags or bean bags for seating, and you’ve got the perfect den for reading stories, watching films, or simply hiding away from the rainy world outside. Children adore forts, but let’s be honest—adults find them pretty magical too.

Fun Indoor Activities for Adults – rainy day activities Bristol

Adults need entertainment on rainy days just as much as children do. Whether you’re in bustling Bristol or a quiet countryside cottage, these rainy day activities Bristol residents and UK adults everywhere can enjoy will help you relax, learn, or stay active indoors.

7. At-Home Spa Day

Transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of relaxation. Light scented candles, fill the bath with bubbles or bath salts from Lush or Boots, and queue up a soothing playlist or podcast.

Spa day essentials:

Follow up with at-home manicures and pedicures. It’s significantly cheaper than an actual spa and just as rejuvenating.

![Woman relaxing with a face mask during an at-home spa day on a rainy afternoon](alt=”Woman relaxing with a face mask during an at-home spa day on a rainy afternoon”)

8. Learn a New Skill Online

Rainy days offer the perfect excuse to finally tackle that skill you’ve been meaning to learn. Platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, FutureLearn, and YouTube offer thousands of courses on everything imaginable.

Consider learning:

Many courses offer free trials, and you can learn at your own pace whilst the rain drums against the window.

9. Indoor Fitness Session

Just because you can’t go for a run doesn’t mean you can’t break a sweat. Roll out your yoga mat and explore fitness apps like Fiit, Nike Training Club, or free YouTube channels (Joe Wicks, anyone?).

Try yoga for flexibility and mindfulness, HIIT workouts for cardio, strength training with household items as weights, or even dance cardio to your favourite tunes. Thirty minutes of movement will boost your mood and energy levels, making the grey day feel considerably brighter.

UK Food & Cooking Activities – rainy day day

There’s something inherently comforting about cooking and baking on a rainy day when the weather outside is frightful. The warm oven, delicious aromas, and tasty results make these rainy day activities particularly satisfying.

10. Bake Classic British Treats

Embrace your inner Mary Berry and bake traditional British favourites. Whether you’re a confident baker or a complete novice, recipes like Victoria sponge, scones, lemon drizzle cake, or sticky toffee pudding are approachable and deeply satisfying.

Classic scone recipe basics:

Children love helping with measuring, mixing, and decorating. Plus, you’ll have afternoon tea sorted once everything comes out of the oven.

![Freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream on a rainy day in the UK](alt=”Freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream on a rainy day in the UK”)

11. Host an Indoor Afternoon Tea

Elevate your baking efforts by hosting a proper afternoon tea at home. Brew a pot of English Breakfast or Earl Grey, arrange your baked goods on a tiered stand (or improvised plates), and serve with dainty napkins.

Include finger sandwiches (cucumber, smoked salmon, egg and cress), scones with jam and cream, and miniature cakes or biscuits. Dress up if you fancy—fancy hats optional but encouraged. It’s a delightfully British way to spend a rainy afternoon.

12. Cook a New International Recipe

Expand your culinary horizons by attempting a recipe from another country. Browse cookbooks or websites like BBC Good Food for inspiration—perhaps Italian pasta from scratch, Spanish paella, Indian curry, or Japanese ramen.

Cooking together as a family or couple turns meal preparation into an event rather than a chore. You’ll learn new techniques, enjoy delicious food, and travel the world through your taste buds without leaving your kitchen.

13. Have a Themed Dinner Night

Choose a theme—Mexican fiesta, American diner, French bistro—and plan your entire meal around it. Involve everyone in decorating the dining room to match, creating a playlist of themed music, and dressing accordingly if you’re feeling adventurous.

This activity combines cooking, creativity, and dining into one memorable experience that transforms an ordinary rainy evening into something special.

Learning & Educational Indoor Activities – do on a rainy day

Rainy days needn’t mean wasted days. These educational activities are perfect for curious minds wondering what to do on a rainy day that’s both entertaining and enriching.

14. Science Experiments for Kids

Turn your kitchen into a laboratory with simple STEM experiments using household ingredients. These hands-on rainy day activities teach scientific principles whilst being enormously fun.

Easy experiments to try:

YouTube channels like Science Experiments for Kids offer clear instructions, and most materials can be found in your cupboards already.

15. Start a Reading Challenge

Encourage literacy and imagination by launching a family reading challenge. Set goals like “read five books this month” or “explore three different genres,” then visit your local library or browse Kindle downloads.

Create a cosy reading nook with cushions, blankets, and good lighting. Younger children might enjoy picture books or early readers, whilst teens and adults can dive into novels, biographies, or non-fiction. Discuss what you’re reading over dinner to share discoveries and recommendations.

16. Build a LEGO City or Model Kit

LEGO isn’t just for children—complex sets appeal to adults too. Spend hours constructing elaborate cities, vehicles, or themed sets. If you don’t have LEGO, try model kits of cars, aeroplanes, or ships from hobby shops like Revell or Airfix.

Building activities improve fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, and patience. They’re meditative in their focus and immensely satisfying when completed. Display your creation proudly or photograph it before dismantling it for the next project.

17. Virtual Museum Tours

Many UK museums offer free virtual tours, allowing you to explore world-class collections from your sofa. The British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum all have online resources.

Wander through Egyptian galleries, examine Renaissance paintings, or learn about dinosaurs—all whilst staying warm and dry. These virtual experiences are educational for children and fascinating for adults, making them perfect rainy day activities for the whole family.

Digital Indoor Activities – rainy day activities

Whilst we often try limiting screen time, rainy day activities can absolutely include quality digital entertainment that’s engaging, educational, or simply fun.

18. Watch a British Film or TV Series

Settle in for a film marathon featuring British classics or contemporary favourites. Platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All 4, Netflix, and Disney+ offer extensive libraries.

Suggestions for different audiences:

Prepare popcorn, dim the lights, and enjoy quality storytelling without leaving home.

19. Virtual Museum Tours in the UK

As mentioned earlier, digital access to museums has revolutionised how we consume culture. Beyond just browsing, many institutions offer interactive workshops, storytelling sessions for children, and behind-the-scenes content.

Check out:

These resources are often free and can spark new interests or support school projects.

20. Play Multiplayer Games Online

Gaming isn’t isolating when done together. Many video games offer cooperative or competitive multiplayer modes perfect for families or friends connecting remotely.

Consider Mario Kart, Minecraft, Among Us, Fortnite, FIFA, or classic party games like Jackbox that only require one console and smartphones. Gaming encourages teamwork, strategy, and lots of laughter—especially when someone inevitably falls off Rainbow Road.

21. Start a Podcast Series

Podcasts are perfect for rainy day listening, whether you’re cooking, crafting, or simply relaxing. The UK produces excellent podcasts across all genres.

Recommendations:

Download episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or BBC Sounds for offline listening throughout the day.

More Brilliant Indoor Activities

22. Indoor Camping Experience

Who says camping is only for outdoors? Pitch a tent in your living room (or use that blanket fort from earlier), bring out sleeping bags, torches, and camping chairs. Tell ghost stories, make s’mores in the oven (biscuits, marshmallows, and chocolate), and pretend you’re in the wilderness—minus the midges and rain.

23. Organise and Declutter

Rainy days offer the perfect opportunity for that spring cleaning you’ve been postponing. Tackle one room or area—wardrobes, kitchen cupboards, the dreaded garage—and sort items into keep, donate, or bin piles.

Put on motivating music or an engaging podcast, and you’ll be surprised how satisfying it feels to create order from chaos. Plus, you might rediscover forgotten treasures or create space for new hobbies.

24. Plan Your Next Adventure

Since you can’t go out today, why not plan future adventures? Research UK destinations you’d like to visit—Cornwall’s beaches, Scotland’s Highlands, the Lake District’s trails, or historic cities like York and Bath.

Create itineraries, bookmark accommodation, research activities, and build excitement for sunnier days ahead. Travel planning is half the fun and gives you something to look forward to.

25. Have a Pamper Evening with Face Masks and Films

Combine multiple activities into one cosy evening. Apply face masks (the skincare kind, not fancy dress!), paint nails, put on comfortable pyjamas, and settle in for a film or TV binge.

This works brilliantly for parent-child bonding, couples’ nights in, or solo self-care sessions. Add snacks, hot chocolate, and fluffy blankets for maximum cosiness whilst the rain continues outside.

Conclusion

Rainy days in the UK don’t have to be dull. With these 25 rainy day activities, there’s always something to do—whether it’s creative crafts, family games, adult relaxation, or learning something new. Embrace indoor time as a chance to connect, unwind, and enjoy the cosy comforts of home. Try a few activities today, mix hands-on projects with active fun, and make the most of your time inside. Share this guide with friends and family, and explore our other tips for making every rainy day enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fun indoor activities for a rainy day in the UK?

Fun rainy day activities include crafting, baking British treats like scones or Victoria sponge, building blanket forts, hosting board game marathons, having indoor spa days, trying science experiments, and watching British films on streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer.

What can kids do on a rainy day indoors?

Kids can enjoy treasure hunts, LEGO building, arts and crafts, science experiments, reading challenges, baking with adults, playing board games, constructing blanket forts, watching educational content, or exploring virtual museum tours from UK institutions, such as the Natural History Museum.

How can adults stay entertained indoors on rainy days?

Adults can indulge in at-home spa treatments, learn new skills through online courses, enjoy indoor fitness sessions, cook international recipes, plan future travels, organise spaces, binge-watch British series, or engage in creative hobbies like painting or crafting.

What to do on a rainy day?

On a rainy day, embrace indoor opportunities like cooking, crafting, gaming, reading, exercising, learning online, hosting themed dinners, virtual museum visits, decluttering, planning adventures, or simply relaxing with films and pampering activities. The possibilities are endless when you’re creative!

What is there to do on a rainy day?

There’s plenty to do on a rainy day: engage in creative projects, bond with family through games and activities, pursue educational interests like reading or science experiments, embark on culinary adventures, indulge in digital entertainment, maintain fitness routines, practice relaxation techniques, or tackle productive tasks like organising and planning future outings.

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