Wondering what to do in Wales in the rain? There’s no mistaking that the weather here can be a little on the soggy side, but that’s what keeps Monmouthshire’s hills so green and Brecon’s waterfalls flowing.
No day out should be put off by damp weather as there’s still plenty to see and experience. Here’s a list of ideas (in no particular order) from myself and a few Welsh bloggers…
1. Escape Room Games
Located in the Brewery Quarter, Breakout Cardiff is an indoor adventure that challenges you to break out of one of their themed rooms by piecing together a series of clues. I was invited to try their tough ‘Sabotage’ room with a few friends, and with the clock ticking and a missile launch to deactivate – it was a very tense, fun and riveting hour.
The company also recently opened a new room ‘Cursed Carnival‘ that I’ve no doubt takes the thrill factor up a few notches!
2. Afternoon Tea
Top Image: Waterfalls Pub in Brecon.
Getting cosy in a small coffee shop or country inn is ideal when it’s raining outside. Whether you take a book, do some work or catch up with friends, a pot of tea with cake is the perfect accompaniment. There’s so many delightful manor houses, hotels and cafés offering afternoon tea in Wales, check out this page to see some of my favourites.
3. Trampoline Parks
If you’re exploring North Wales, Rebecca from Becster.com suggests “the wonderful Zip World & Bounce Below at Llechwedd, which has overground zip wires and underground trampolines!” Rebecca adds, “the trampolines look pretty awesome and since it’s all underground, it doesn’t matter what the weather is doing (we went to the Santa’s Grotto in December).”
There are also a number of trampoline parks springing up around the Cardiff area too, just search for Go Air Cardiff and Infinity Trampoline Park.
4. National Trust Properties
There’s a wonderful collection of National Trust properties across the country to spend time in. The 18th Century Kymin overlooking Monmouth was built so local gentry could enjoy summer picnics and get togethers whatever the weather.
I love visiting Tredegar House in Newport with its grand gilt room and painted ceiling, as well as the stables and nearby tea house.
5. Science Discovery Centres
Kacie from The Rare Welshbit recommends visiting Techniquest. Located in Cardiff Bay and Wrexham in North Wales, it’s an enjoyable and educational journey that I’ve visited many times as a child. If you’re a big kid, have kids or love science, the planetarium and gadgets at Techniquest will surprise and amaze.
6. Indoor Markets
Many town and cities across Wales have indoor markets to brighten up any grey day. Swansea Market is full of scrumptious Welsh produce and Abergavenny’s sits inside a wonderful Victorian Hall. You could easily spend many hours browsing the three floors of antiques and crafts inside The Pumping Station in Cardiff.
Hannah from Miss Nicklin loves The Cardiff Indoor Flea Market; “Open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, the market offers an intriguing mixture of antiques, crafts and pre-loved goodies. You will be taken on a nostalgic journey with dainty teacups, old dolls and vintage gizmos on offer.”
7. Museums & Exhibitions
If you’re really serious about escaping the elements, there’s possibly no further place than down in a real coal mine! Wales has some fascinating museums to explore, from the Big Pit National Coal Museum to the Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon.
Laura from Side Street Style loves to take her family to Cardiff Story Museum on rainy days. Based in the city centre, the museum tells the story of Cardiff from the people who made it with interactive galleries, family fun days and storytelling.
8. Leisure Centres
It’s easy to take for granted the recreational activities available at your local leisure centre, with rock climbing and caving at The Rock UK near Merthyr Tydfil, and the National White Water Rafting Centre in Gwynedd (where getting wet is part of the package).
I really enjoyed my visit to The LC2 in Swansea, Wales’ largest indoor waterpark. I was impressed by the options inside with slides, indoor surfing, wave pool, health spa and more!
9. Theatre Shows & Screenings
If you’re a fan of the arts or have a young family to entertain, a theatre show or screening may be just the ticket. The award winning Penarth Pier has a 70 seat cinema and The Torch in Milford Haven hosts performances throughout the year.
Sarah from Hills and Daffodils loves going to the Riverfront Theatre in Newport because there is always something to see or do there. She notes on one occasion as the rain poured down, “we sat and painted a picture whilst looking out over the river with my eldest daughter… I have taken the whole family to pantomimes there over the years, which are hilarious and so much fun.”
10. Coastal Walks
Photos by Real Wales Tours
Of course, we shouldn’t be totally discouraged to get outdoors in Wales during damp weather, just put on your wellingtons and weatherproofs and enjoy the Wales Coast Path in it’s raw, natural beauty.
Matthew Jones from What Maff Said agrees saying, “the coastal path in Pembrokeshire is one of my favourite areas to go exploring as it looks as beautiful in the rain, as it does when the sun is shining.”
It’s so easy to wake up, see the rain beading down the window and decide to stay in for the day. I hope this list is a helpful reminder that Wales has a lot to offer even when the skies turn grey. If you agree, please feel free to share using the buttons below!
Disclaimer: I was invited to try Breakout Cardiff, all opinions are my own.Images in 5. and 6. by Miss Nicklin / Nutty Pear.