Rain can be a frustrating force that puts a stopper in even the best-laid plans. It’s something we’re all too used to in the UK, with rainy days sneaking up on us no matter the season. But with a bit of a pivot, you can turn a day with a downpour into truly valuable time doing something that brings you joy - here are a few ideas to get you started.

Delve into a New Book

Whether you’re an avid reader or looking to get back into the written word, chances are you’ve got books on shelves that you bought with the best of intentions. A rainy day inside is one of the best times to finally jump into the book, even if it’s just to give it a go and make a call on whether to keep it or add it to a donation box.

There are also plenty of options for audiobooks on the market as well if you want to multitask, throwing on a title you’ve been eager to get into, but always find your hands full. That way, you can listen and enjoy while doing housework and continue during your commutes or longer drives.

Unleash Your Inner Chef or Baker

Most of us end up cooking under a time pressure, whether that’s due to being hungry and needing something in a rush or having something to get to, so we end up throwing something together.

Having a rainy evening in can afford you the time to cook at a slower pace, making it genuinely therapeutic. You can explore new recipes or make a more elaborate version of your favourites. Or, it’s a great chance to get baking and add to the comfort levels of staying in with some freshly made cookies or muffins to go with a cup of tea or coffee.

Explore the World of Board Games and Puzzles

If you’re stuck inside with the family, your partner or even a bunch of friends, it can be the perfect time to break out a board game or puzzle. The variety of board games has exploded, although the classics still prove as popular as ever. If you’ve got a standard deck of cards, it’s an opportunity to bring people together for a more tactile activity - one that can bring out the competitive side in many of us.

Jigsaws are having a resurgence as a way to support a digital detox, taking time away from screens and focusing on a fun task - made even better with having people helping out. A 1,000-piece puzzle provides hours of gentle challenge, perfect for rainy evenings when you want something engaging but not overstimulating.

Exploring Virtual Options

The internet offers endless rabbit holes worth exploring. Virtual museum tours let you wander through the Louvre or British Museum from your sofa. Documentary deep-dives on iPlayer can transport you anywhere from Arctic expeditions to underground music scenes. There’s also the wealth of games available online - from simple things like solitaire or top slot games to add a little burst of entertainment, through to 3D action games and even console titles like Minecraft having mobile versions.

Streaming platforms obviously have their place, but consider branching out beyond your usual viewing habits. Rainy evenings are perfect for expanding your horizons without leaving the house, so think about how you can break out of your routine to do something new.

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