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Summer is here and the weather is… still not looking great. With an estimated 50 days of rain heading our way in Britain's wettest summer in a century (whelp) we are, sadly, all looking for ideas for things to do on a rainy day.
Our plans for a sun-drenched summer of patios and parks may be foiled by the weather, but we refuse to let the rain dampen our spirits. After all, there are plenty of fun activities to do inside or even outside — under some shelter, of course. From taking in some culture in the form of a play or a museum, to exploring one of Britain's indoor greenhouses, to getting cosy and comfy in your own home, here's how we'll be spending all of the rainy days ahead (while still holding out hope for sunshine, of course).
Plan a theatre date
Get away from the rain by slipping into the darkened auditorium of a local theatre. At the National Theatre on London's Southbank, for instance, you can grab dinner at their newly opened Forza restaurant upstairs before grabbing a drink at the bar. You can even book a guided tour of the fascinating building, where you can witness costume designers, set builders and maybe even a few actors at work. This summer, they're also offering plenty of entertainment after the curtains come down with the River Stage festival — catch a play during the day and then, if the weather improves head outside to enjoy everything from drag to dance to circus acts.
A little further down the river, the Bridge Theatre offers another fun day in — that feels more like an outdoor party. Their endlessly fun immersive production of Guys & Dolls, which runs until January, drops you right in the middle of 1930s New York City. Of course, there are plenty of amazing theatres all over the UK – from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon to the Bristol Old Vic and the Crucible, Sheffield. Check out their ‘What’s on' pages, stat.
Head to a museum
Many museums in the UK have general collections that are completely free to view — so take advantage of it, and spend a rainy day browsing through your local art gallery or museum. You can spend an entire day getting lost in London's V&A, which is also home to one of the prettiest museum tea rooms in the city.
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London is also home to dozens of hyper-specialised museums that you may have never even heard of, too — just take the Museum of Brands or the fascinating Viktor Wynd's Museum of Curiosities.
Elsewhere in the UK, try Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum, Oxford's Ashmolean or Brighton's Pavillion.
Swap out the park for a greenhouse
Craving some greenery? Luckily, you don't necessarily have to venture outside to get your nature fix. There are plenty of indoor gardens in London and beyond for you to explore. Try the indoor greenhouses at Kew Gardens or the wondrous concrete greenhouse inside the Barbican.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire, Wales are home to flora from the Mediterranean, Australasia and South America. Finally, if you're anywhere near Surrey, head to RHS Wisley's "The Glasshouse," an awe-inspiring glass structure the size of 10 tennis courts filled with plants from all over the world.
Host a dinner party
Get your host on and invite some friends over for an intimate soirée. Have a little fun with it — dress up! Make cocktails! Whack on a jazzy playlist! Do some tablescaping! Light some candles! Bring out your finest napkins! Serve canapés and cocktails! Whip up your finest recipe! As the rain pours down outside, make your home feel as cosy and inviting as possible — and we promise, you'll forget all about the bad weather.
Have a spa day
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to do some self-care. Either book yourself in for an indulgent spa day or set up your very own at-home spa. Run a bubble bath, light some candles, put on some soothing music, turn down the lights, grab your book and simply let yourself unwind. If possible, coerce a parter into a massage, too!
Have an indoor picnic
If you were absolutely desperate to lounge around in the park on a picnic blanket this summer, don't let the weather kill your vibe — have an indoor picnic instead. Spread out your blanket on the floor, pop open some Prosecco and maybe even put some birdsong on your speakers. If the sun refuses to come out, we can at least pretend!
Find a covered rooftop bar
The summer is all about the rooftop bar — and luckily there are quite a few that are rain-appropriate. A covered rooftop bar is the perfect venue for a rainy summer-time hang. You'll still get some fresh air, some stunning views, and, hopefully, you won't have to worry about getting wet. Plus, there's something pretty atmospheric about the sound of rain falling on the roof above you.
In London, try places like the Marquess of Anglesey in Covent Garden, CLF Art Lounge in Peckham or the London Bridge Rooftop. There's also the lovely The Ivy Spinningfields in Manchester or Birmingham's Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill.
Have a cosy night in
Sometimes, one of the best things to do on a rainy day is simply getting cosy. Cuddle up with a blanket, a drink, some soft lighting and your favourite comfort TV show and take some you-time. Save it for a rainy day, as they say.
