The Cotswolds is a stunning region situated in central-southwest England. Displaying glorious countryside, rolling hills and lots of lush greenery and having some of the best hiking routes, the Cotswolds is truly an adventurer’s dream.
Being in the UK does mean that the weather can be unpredictable in the Cotswolds. With a chance of rainy days and inconsistent sunshine, it’s important to plan for showers when visiting.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds, you’re likely wondering what to do if it rains during your stay. Luckily enough, we have put together a list of recommendations of excellent things to do for those wetter days in the region.
Grab a Beer at the Cotswolds Brewing Company
When looking for things to do in the Cotswolds when it rains, a great option is a visit to the Brewing Company. If you find yourself in Bourton-on-the-Water, a trip to this brewery provides an excellent way to escape the wet weather.
The Cotswolds Brewing Company is a family-owned craft brewery. They have an excellent range of Ciders, IPAs and premium lagers to try, alongside some great tours to learn about the brewing process.
After you have spent some time learning about the history and heritage of this brewing business, you can then try out some excellent vodkas and gins at the Spirit of the Cotswolds. This is a great way to learn more about independent businesses in the region.
Ride the Trains at GWR Steam Railway
If the rain is pouring, you don’t need to worry about missing out on the stunning countryside in the Cotswolds. Riding along the 20-mile round journey with the GWR Steam Railway allows for some of the best of the outdoors, all whilst keeping passengers dry.
This activity provides a great way to learn more about the surrounding scenery in the Cotswolds, all whilst enjoying the comfort of a historic train carriage. Spend some time taking in all the sights, or simply sit back and relax as you pass through the peaceful countryside.
Visit the Animals at Adam Henson’s Farm Park
If you have ever watched Countryfile, you will have heard of the presenter Adam Henson. Not only does he educate people about the countryside and the great outdoors, but he also has his very own farm in the Cotswolds.
The farm consists of several indoor and outdoor spaces, creating somewhere dry to spend your time if the rain is pouring. Visit the farm animals, learn about what it takes to be a farmer and try locally sourced produce whilst visiting. This is also a great way to educate kids on endangered breeds, as there is a conservation area dedicated to protecting rare animals.
Feel like a Royal at Blenheim Palace
If you plan on spending some time in Woodstock whilst visiting the Cotswolds, a trip to Blenheim Palace is a must. There are some excellent indoor tours of the palace available, this is the best way to learn about the history and heritage here.
Blenheim Palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, so the house has plenty of stories to be told. Whether you’re looking to wander through the palace’s walls or marvel at the magnificent architecture, you can spend your day at leisure.
For those who feel like braving the wetter weather, be sure to head outside where you will find 2,000 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. If you’re visiting with kids, you don’t need to worry about them having to walk around the gardens, as there are also buggy tours which will take you through the beautiful parkland at Blenheim.
After you have spent some time wandering around the palace, be sure to check out the incredible food on offer at the orangery. This is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat, whilst rounding off your day living like a royal.
Soak up the History at Sudeley Castle
Sticking with history and heritage, the next place that should be on your rainy day itinerary in the Cotswolds is Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe. Here, you will find several historic rooms to explore, fascinating exhibits, and artefacts that date back to Roman times.
King Richard III, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Katherine Parr and Lady Jane Grey have all walked the corridors of this palace, making it a prominent part of British history and heritage. There are also ancient ruins to explore and plenty of activities throughout the year for the whole family to enjoy.
Sudeley Castle makes for a great day out, with so much to see and do here, it provides the best way to keep dry all whilst keeping the whole family entertained.
Marvel at Architecture at Gloucester Cathedral
If you plan on spending any time in Gloucester Old Town, you must check out the Cathedral whilst you’re in the area. The beautiful 10th-century structure displays stunning architecture and an abundance of history and heritage.
With Romanesque and Gothic styles throughout the cathedral, you can spend hours marvelling over the stained glass windows and huge decorative ceilings. A visit to Gloucester Cathedral also provides a great learning experience, as you will find tombs and memorials on display relating to important historical figures.
Indulge at The Cookery School at Daylesford
For any foodies, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a great cookery school in the Cotswolds, providing the perfect way to spend a rainy day in the county. Although, it is a popular attraction in the region, so it’s always best to book in advance.
The cookery school at Daylesford is located in a stunning old barn conversion, providing an authentic and cosy environment to spend the day. With impressive cooking facilities and some of the best teachers, you can learn about how to cook and prepare fresh produce alongside some great new recipes.
Explore Oxford Castle & Prison
For a day full of history and learning, a trip to Oxford Castle and Prison is the perfect place to go. Wander through the ancient walls, learn about previous residents, as well as marvelling over the stunning architecture throughout the building.
There are also castle tours available, providing the perfect way to learn even more about the region and its past. After you have spent some time strolling through the castle, grab a bite to eat in the cafe or browse the souvenirs at the gift shop.
Before you go, be sure to check out the castle’s prison. There are rooms and galleries open to visitors, alongside ancient crypts underneath the prison alongside a mighty tower above. Go below ground to explore the eerie cells, or climb up the castle’s tower to catch a glimpse of stunning countryside vistas.
Play at Rugrats and Halfpints, Cirencester
For those visiting the Cotswolds with kids, a visit to Rugrats and Halfprints provides the perfect way to spend a rainy day. With two indoor play areas, full of soft play and ball pits, there is plenty of entertainment here for the little ones.
Being open all year also means that no matter what the weather, you can visit Rugrats and Halfprints to ensure a trip to the Cotswolds suits the whole family. With slides, soft play building blocks, a play area and more, you will find more than enough here to keep the kids happy all day.
There is also a go-kart track and trampolines at Rugrats and Halfprints, providing a great play time for a range of ages and sizes. The play area is situated in Cirencester, the Cotswolds and is open Monday to Sunday from 9.30 am till 6 pm.
Learn at Corinium Museum
For any lovers of history, be sure to check out the Corinium Museum. Here you will find the largest collection of Romano-British antiques that have been found within the Cirencester area.
There are some fascinating exhibitions, stunning mosaics and plenty of history here to admire. A visit to the Corinium Museum provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about this fascinating part of the country, with much of the region’s heritage on display. You will find archaeological items from around the Cotswolds alongside exhibits that span over a significant timeframe.
With so much to see and do here, you will find something for the whole family to enjoy as there are also plenty of hands-on activities and workshops.
Relax with Afternoon Tea
When visiting somewhere as quintessential as the Cotswolds, you must stop off for some afternoon tea during your stay. Many excellent places around the region offer an authentic experience, making for the perfect way to spend a rainy day.
If you’re seeking classic afternoon tea in a grand building, you must go to Huffkins. The family-run bakery and tea room provide a cosy and welcoming environment, alongside some mouth-watering treats.
You can take your relaxing afternoon one step further by pairing afternoon tea with some time at the spa at Lucknam Park Hotel. The 18th-century mansion provides a beautiful setting to enjoy some time unwinding, with a chance for afternoon tea after.
There are many more excellent places across the Cotswolds that provide great afternoon tea. You can choose to sit in quaint tea rooms or visit grand manor houses, whatever you fancy, there are plenty of towns and villages to choose from.
Wander through Chastleton House
A trip to Chastleton House is the perfect way to explore a stunning ancient country home. Families have lived here for 400 years, so there is plenty of history to uncover as well as stunning architecture to marvel over.
Chastleton was built between 1607 and 1612, and during this time a wealthy wool merchant lived here. Throughout the years, many different powerful and influential families have called this stunning house their home, leaving behind many stories to be told in the breathtaking setting.
There is no tea room or gift shop, meaning you get an authentic experience when visiting Chastleton. If the rain isn’t too heavy, the beautiful gardens are also a great place to explore, with wonderful countryside views at every turn.
Summary
We hope that after reading through what to do in the Cotswolds on a rainy day, you can now visit this stunning county with lots of great places in mind. Whether you’re looking to spend a day having fun with the kids, strolling historical grounds or relaxing in a manor house, there is something for everyone to do, even if the weather takes a turn!
If you’re planning a visit to the Cotswolds, you’re likely in need of accommodation. Independent Cottages have an incredible range of cottages to choose from, all of which put you in the perfect location to explore this wonderful region further.