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Free wet weather days out
Rain does not have to cancel the day. Plenty of indoor places cost nothing or very little, and a waterproof coat makes the rest of the outdoors manageable.
Free indoor places
- Museums and galleries: see free national museums and local council museums. Many have family trails and hands-on areas.
- Libraries: free to enter, with children's sections, story sessions, free computers and often exhibitions. Joining is free for residents.
- Cathedrals and churches: many are free to enter or ask for a donation, but some large ones charge, so check each website.
- Markets and arcades: covered markets are good for a browse, a hot drink and people watching.
- Visitor centres: national park, nature reserve and forest centres often have free displays, even when attractions outside charge.
- Council community events: look at your council's website for free family sessions in holidays.
Low-cost options
- Cinema off-peak or community screenings. Check local independent cinemas for matinee prices.
- Public swimming pools at off-peak or family swim times; check prices on the leisure centre's website.
- Pottery painting, board game cafés, bowling or soft play, where you might spend more. Look for term-time or weekday discounts.
- Heritage buildings that stay open in winter; see membership options.
Walking in the rain
Light rain can make woods and coasts quiet and atmospheric. Take waterproofs, spare socks and a flask. Avoid exposed hills in storms, high winds or poor visibility, and check the weather forecast and any weather warnings first. Plan a route that can be shortened, and see free walks and parks.
Plan to avoid extra costs
- Pick a place near public transport or free parking.
- Bring a packed lunch. Check if the venue has an indoor eating area for your own food.
- Have two options: one indoor and one outdoor if the weather improves.
- Allow time for travel. Rain may slow trains and traffic; see rail tips.
Activities to do at home or in a free space
Treasure hunts, scavenger lists, drawing what you see, collecting leaves, and museum bingo (write a list of things to find) keep children interested for free. Bring pencils and a notebook. Many museums run free packs or trails at the front desk.
Check before you go
Opening hours change in winter and on weekdays. Some free attractions need timed tickets. Look at the venue's website on the morning of your trip, and see our home page for more planning ideas.
Seasonal notes
In winter, daylight is short, so do the outdoor part first and the museum after. In school holidays, free attractions get busy, so go early or on a weekday. Dress in layers, since museums and libraries can be warm while the walk between them is cold. Keep a small umbrella or a packable waterproof in your bag, and a spare pair of socks for children.
Make it a themed day
Pick a theme to link places: dinosaurs at a natural history museum, a trains trip at a railway museum, local history at a council museum. Take a notebook and set a challenge, such as finding the oldest object or the biggest thing. The theme turns a few stops into a story and keeps children interested without spending money.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free rainy day activities?
Museums, libraries, cathedrals, covered markets and visitor centres are all free or cheap in most places.
Are cathedrals free?
Many are free to enter with a donation requested, but some large ones charge for entry or towers. Check first.
Is it safe to walk in the rain?
Low-level walks are fine with waterproofs. Avoid exposed hills in storms, and check the weather forecast.