Downpour delights: Things to do in the Cotswolds on a rainy day

What to do on a rainy day in the Cotswolds? Don’t let the storm clouds stop play. Whet your appetite with these excellent ideas – from interactive museums and art exhibitions to shows, castles and caving, there’s so much to get stuck into.

Go to a museum

gladiators in cirencester msueum

Cirencester’s Roman-fest Corinium Museum is a fascinating visit, see stunning mosaics and artefacts, and browse thousands of historic curios from jewellery and coins to ancient tombstones. Keep your eyes peeled for regular workshops and indoor trails for the littles too.

Located in the tourist-catnip village of Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a really fun visit. The museum is packed with cool and quirky cars, caravans, motorbikes and an intriguing collection of motoring memorabilia. Kids will love selfies with Brum, the BBC TV’s little superhero car whose adventures start and end at the museum.

car in bourton

Go back in time undercover at the Cotswolds’ very own Sudeley Castle. Immerse yourself in ‘1,000, Trials, Triumphs and Treasures’, a fascinating exhibition highlighting key moments of the Castle’s history, including a queen’s love letters and Victoran curios. Visit the tomb of Katherine Parr (the last of Henry VIII’s wives) and see one of the finest collections of textiles in the country and a vast collection of autographs including Abraham Lincoln, Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin.

The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock covers the history of the county and has an amazing interactive dinosaur exhibit, while the Banbury Museum has permanent exhibits telling the story of the Civil War, life in a Victorian market town, and more. Blenheim Palace also 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. Check out the latest on its packed events schedule here.

See a show

giffords circus

The sensational Giffords Circus is the most thrilling place you could spend a few hours under canvas. Landing at Sudeley Castle from 10 – 20 May and Blenheim Palace from 23 May – 3 June, this year’s show AVALON by acclaimed director Cal McCrystal is a showstopper. The circus is also coming to town in Barrington, Minchinhampton Common, Stratton Meadows in Cirencester and Fennells Farm, near Stroud. Check out the listings to see it here in full swing.

There’s always an eclectic show or three on at The Sub Rooms, an award-winning independent venue in the heart of Stroud (the town with some of the best views in the Cotswolds). Catch Ruby Wax on the 23 May, the inimitable John Lydon in Untamed, Unscripted, Uncensored on 25 June and new for 2024 a Childrens’ Flamenco Class starting on 29 May.

boy and tiger on stage in life of pi

Over in the North Cotswolds take shelter at the Cidermill Theatre in Chipping Campden. Amongst the revelry this month Morgan & West have a brilliant magic show for kids (and their childish grown-ups), expect a relentlessly funny, magic-filled few hours.

The Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham nets some of the biggest shows, nip in to catch The Life of Pi, hot-footing it from the West End and Broadway for its first UK tour from 11- 15 June . Winner of five Olivier awards you’re in for jaw-dropping visuals and world-class puppetry. Or catch a film in the ever-popular Chipping Norton Theatre (locals call it the Chippy Theatre). It shows films, comedy, theatre and music. Take your pick!

Seek shelter in a stately home

house in the cotswolds
Kelmscott Manor

Take cover from the elements in a Cotswolds’ pile – they’re built to last, after all. The 18th Century Buscot Park in Faringdon opens its doors at 2pm for afternoon visits (and its gardens too, if the rain eases up). Or check out Chastleton House near Moreton-on-Marsh. If it keeps tipping down, there’s a great second-hand bookshop to while away the hours. Or take a tour round Kelmscott – the manor house that William Morris called ‘heaven on earth’. We won’t argue.

Get sporty

bouldering in cotswolds

Far Peak in Northleach is a popular climbing centre and top entertainment when the rain clouds gather. Scale the huge bouldering wall and belay down the practice towers. There’s also a great new indoor Caving Zone, for ages 5 -14, a really cool underground-simulating system of caves lit by LEDs. After your rocky adventure refuel at the lovely Hayloft café with a smoothie and slice of cake.

Get crafty

hands paint

Turn a drab day into the perfect opp for learning a new skill. There are a myriad of cool things to do at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester. From the Clay Pay sessions and Decorate a Tote Bag class (perfect for teens) to family classes where you can get crafty together with expert tutors on hand. When you’re finished, head to the new Blend café for delicious cake and coffee.

Catch some comedy

Lighten the mood with a barrelful of giggles at the Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre, Howlers is a top rib-tickler event on every month with the best in stand-up – see Sarah Keyworth, Dave Buckley and Greg Winfield this May. Or, check out the Everyman Theatre’s packed calendar. Book in for The Funny Mummy from 18 – 21 Sept. From pregnancy to playdates, WhatsApp groups to school runs – if you’re a parent and you need a laugh, then this one-woman show is for you.

Foodie hang outs

Take cover at the hawkers-style food market Five Valleys in Stroud. It’s a global smorgasbord of moorish street food, from the best Crispy Pork outside of Thailand, to freshly cooked carbonara at Non Solo Pasta with its sit-up pasta bar, burgers, sushi, a bubble tea café and amazing crepe stall. Sorted for breakfast lunch and dinner – it’s the Cotswolds’ answer to Borough Market.

man making food in glos

Or dip into the Cookery School at Daylesford, where there are tons of workshops and classes to pick from every month – from pasta masterclasses to the art of afternoon tea. When you’re done, browse the dreamy farm shop with its Cotswold artisan goodies and interiors (it’s a whole undercover day out on its own).

Animal antics

boy feeding sheep at cotswold farm park

Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park is a top day out, whatever the weather. Plenty of animals are kept inside on rainy days meaning you can go and visit and pet them in the dry. There are daily lamb and goat kid feeding sessions in the barns, and great messy play all day long in the epic Adventure Barn.

For more rainy day antics for kids, check out Fairytale Farm near Chipping Norton. It has a revamped indoor play area (it’s called Rapunzel’s Kingdom) designed for keeping kids busy when it’s chucking it down. At this stage in the wet weather game, you might need a bit of magic…

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