UK staycations are more popular than ever, but if there’s one thing that might affect your holiday, it’s the Great British weather. While chances are good that you’ll enjoy some sunny or at least dry weather during a UK summer holiday, there’s always the chance that you’ll be faced with some rainy days and need to plan some things to do.

If you’re glamping, enjoying a lodge, cottage break, or a hotel stay somewhere in the UK, time spent indoors doesn’t have to leave you bored. There’s plenty of things that you can be doing to keep yourself and your family entertained. And it might not even be due to the weather, you might just fancy a quiet day to relax without the need to leave your accommodation. 

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration.

From old fashioned board games, to reading, playing online games, and getting creative, here’s some suggestions for how to spend the rainy days when you’re on holiday in the UK.

Play Board Games

A classic, especially for families or if there’s a group of you, board games bring out the best and worst of us! Many holiday homes and accommodations provide them, so you might find the likes of Scrabble, Monopoly and Cluedo waiting for you. If you have your family favourites already, head to Amazon for travel versions to save on space in your case. No cheating!

Read a Good Book

You can’t go on holiday without a good book, and a rainy day is the perfect excuse to curl up on the sofa with it. Get yourself a cup of tea and plenty of snacks, and enjoy. Whether you’re a regular bookworm, or just enjoy it when you’re away, find The Times best books of 2023 here for inspiration.

Play Bingo!

Bingo is as popular as ever, and with the emergence of online gaming you don’t need to miss out on your fix of fun just because you’re away. Lottoland Bingo have a range of bingo games you could join online, and you can even do so with your friends. As with any online gaming, play only in moderation and for fun.

Have a Sports Night

2023 has a great summer of sport lined up, with summer racing in full swing, the football season recommencing in August, the Women’s World Cup, Wimbledon and then the US Open in September. Not to mention the golf and cricket. Whatever your preference, there’s nothing like a sports night with pizza, a bag of doritos, and backing your favourites with your friends. 

Host a Quiz

Nothing gets everyone involved like a quiz, so why not test everyone’s knowledge, and competitive streak with a quiz. You can download them from Pinterest, look them up online, make your own, or even use apps like Head’s Up for some good natured family rivalry over who wins. 

Watch a Movie or Box Set

Nearly every accommodation I’ve stayed in over recent years has the option to log into your own streaming platforms to watch your favourite shows or movies. Get the popcorn and the ice cream and enjoy Netflix and chill.

Come Dine With Me

Self catered places are great for hosting dinner parties, and everyone can get involved by making their own course for the group. Food always brings everyone together, and combined with some home made cocktails you’ll be set for a good night. If all else fails, stick an umbrella up and BBQ in the rain – isn’t that what Brits do best?

Pamper Yourself

If holidays and time away isn’t an opportunity to relax and pamper yourself then nothing is, so get your face masks on, paint your nails, and enjoy some R&R. There’s no better feeling than lying with a face mask on with a candle lit and listening to the rain outside. The Temple spa have some great travel spa kits worth packing just in case.

Plan the rest of your trip

One of my favourite things to do is research things to do in new areas, and if you’re stuck indoors then the local tourist boards and sites like the National Trust are a great starting point for inspiration. You’ll be able to see all the information for indoor activities nearby, as well as things you could get up to if the weather improves.