Things to do on a rainy day in the Cotswolds
Rain, rain go away! You can plan a staycation to your hearts content but there’s annoyingly one thing beyond everyone’s control… the weather! However, you don’t need to worry as there are still plenty of indoor activities in the Cotswolds to do when it’s raining, so if you don’t fancy putting on your raincoat for a squelch through the rolling Cotswold hills (which are always beautiful despite the weather) then we’ve got you covered.
Daylesford Cookery School
We can’t think of a better place than Daylesford Cookery School to learn how to cook delicious seasonal dishes. With several classes each month, you can make the most of the products in season at Daylesford Farm and perfect your culinary skills. Don’t forget to visit Daylesford Farm Shop during your visit to collect fresh local produce to enjoy during your stay.
Cotswold Distillery
Try a cocktail masterclass or taste the finest gins and whiskeys at the Cotswold Distillery. Their award-winning spirits are available all over the country, but the distillery is a must to see all the behind-the-scenes action. Don’t forget to take a bottle of their finest home with you – our favourite is the classic Cotswold dry gin.
Gloucester Cathedral
Home to some of the most famous Harry Potter scenes, Gloucester Cathedral is an architectural beauty and is steeped in history at almost 1000 years old!
Sudeley Castle
Go back in time by visiting the Royal Sudeley 1000, Trials, Triumphs and Treasures exhibition at Sudeley Castle, to discover the history of the people who’ve lived there over the past 1000 years – you can also visit the tomb of Katherine Parr (the last of Henry VIII’s wives!) Take your raincoat too to explore the castle’s stunning gardens.
Blenheim Palace
As the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace has plenty to offer on a rainy day. You can explore the Palace state rooms, discover what life was like ‘downstairs’, visit the Churchill exhibition and see filming locations for movies including Spectre, The Young Victoria and Cinderella. Blenheim is also home to many events all year round, so click the link here to plan your visit.
Bicester Village
Time to shop till you drop! Bicester Village is home to many designer retail outlets including Prada, Gucci and Mulberry to name a few. Our top tip would be to visit as soon as it opens to hunt for the best designer buys. If you’re visiting during the festive period, try to go during the week to avoid the busy crowds.
New Theatre, Oxford
Enjoy a trip to the theatre to see a touring musical from the West End such as Dreamgirls, Mamma Mia or Saturday Night Fever. Touring concerts and comedy shows also visit the venue so you can stop in to see the likes of Jason Manford, Dawn French, Will Young or Anastacia. Discover the line-up of entertainment coming up soon.
Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park
A great day out, whatever the weather! Plenty of animals are kept inside during bad weather, meaning you can go and visit them come rain or shine. They also have a range of indoor events taking place as well as outdoors such as live music and messy play, view for more event information here. However, we would always recommend wellies and a raincoat for a day at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, just in case the kids fancy a splash in the muddy puddles!
Spa Day
A spa day is almost guaranteed to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, the perfect thing to do during your break in the Cotswolds. The Meadow Spa at Thyme, The House Spa at Broadway and Bamford Spa at Daylesford are a few of our favourites!
Go to the Pub
Saving the best till last, there’s no better thing to do when it’s raining in the Cotswolds than to snuggle up by a roaring fire in a quintessential, country pub. There are so many amazing pubs in the Cotswolds it’s hard for us to recommend just one, but we do love a trip to The Angel at Burford, The Fox at Barrington or The Red Lion at Long Compton. If you prefer a cocktail over a pint, click here to discover all the best cocktail bars in the Cotswolds for a day out on the town!
We have many holiday homes in and around the Cotswolds from cosy one-bedroom apartments to typical Cotswold cottages and bigger barn conversions. Why not browse all our Cotswold holiday homes now.
