As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours, and thats certainly true in the UK. Whilst a wet weather day may spoil your plans for outdoor pursuits, you dont need it to let it spoil your weekend. The Cotswolds has a number of indoor gems which you can enjoy whatever the weather. See our picks of the best wet weather activities in the Cotswolds and stay dry during your weekend escape.
Top wet weather activities in the Cotswolds
Soak in the Cotswolds culture With so much beauty outdoors in the Cotswolds, it can be easy to forget the beauty thats on the inside too. Cotswolds culture offers a slower change of pace from city life, and can be a welcome break for those looking for a relaxing weekend. Why not take a drive to Gloucester and explore the Museum of Gloucester and the Gloucester Life Museum? There are many interesting exhibitions on offer throughout the year. Meanwhile, the Fosse Gallery, which celebrated its 36th birthday last year, is a great place for exploring works by both local artists and those based further afield, with a full schedule already booked for the year ahead. Over in Bath, the Holburne Museum is a beautiful space which has some interesting art exhibitions which makes it a great choice from our list of wet weather activities, alongside Baths many boutiques, restaurants and bars to enjoy afterwards. Good food, good drink and good company When its raining outside, you can stay warm and dry inside and enjoy some good food and drink with your loved ones in the Cotswolds. There is a wide selection of places to try, with new and exciting locations opening all the time. For tasty tea and coffee, great food and artisan bread you can take back to your Cotswolds home, Caf Lynchwood in Lechlade is a top find, whilst Tisanes Tea Room in Broadway has a fantastic menu (including gluten free options) and a wonderful selection of items you can purchase to take home. Meanwhile, The Bell at Selsley, which is a pub housed within a beautiful Grade II, 16th century building, has won awards for its menu and offers a wide range of dishes to suit different tastes. For those who enjoy fine dining, Lumiere in Cheltenham is perfect, with a delicious menu on offer. If its traditional British country pub fare youre after, then the Weighbridge Inn in Minchinhampton has some excellent dining options within a classic Cotswolds pub setting. Known for their 2in1 Pie, you can also take some to takeaway with you to heat up back at your Cotswolds property. Places to keep the kids happy Keeping the kids happy can be difficult at the best of times, but even more so when its raining outside. Fortunately there are a number of wet weather activities to keep them entertained including indoor play centres and other places you can go which offer various adventures for youngsters, and quiet areas for parents to relax. The Play Farm in Cheltenham is a popular place for families to descend during the wet weather, with plenty of space for children to play, whilst the coffee shop lets parents have a rest and keep a watchful eye. Meanwhile, Magicland in Cirencester is one of the largest indoor soft play spots in the area, allowing children to really have fun along the different levels of the structure. Whilst you might think a farm is the last place to head, Adam Hensons Cotswold Farm Park (open from 11th February) actually has a Heat Barn and Touch Barn which are perfectly covered to allow families to meet the animals in the warm and dry. Shop til you drop in Cheltenham Sometimes one of the best choices of wet weather activities is to spend some time in the shops - particularly when you're in the Cotswolds! Cheltenham is a great shopping destination for those looking to enjoy some popular high street stores and pick up some bargains. Regent Arcade is an excellent shopping centre featuring a number of household names, whilst The Promenade and Montpellier and the Suffolks offer various boutiques and specialist shops were sure youll find what youre looking for! If shopping on the high street doesnt take your fancy, you can visit more specialist stores, boutiques and gift shops in other Cotswold towns and villages. Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-on-Marsh and Winchcombe are great for antique stores whilst Burford and Broadway are other excellent destinations to enjoy a spot of shopping in the Cotswolds. Heritage and history The Cotswolds has a great history and heritage, and a wet weather weekend in the Cotswolds is the perfect time to explore it. Youre spoiled for choice with the different attractions on offer, with many choices to suit different tastes and interests. Gloucester Cathedral is one of the UKs best-known cathedrals, with awe-inspiring views, exhibitions, lectures and more to enjoy. In Oxfordshire, the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum is dedicated to documenting the contribution of Oxfordshire soldiers and people to various conflicts. The exhibitions and lectures are interesting for adults and there are also additional collections for children to enjoy. Located just outside the Cotswolds is Stratford upon Avon, where youll find The Shakespeare Centre providing opportunities to learn about Englands greatest playwright a history lesson you wont forget! Indoor activities for adventurers Many people come to the Cotswolds to enjoy getting active outdoors, but sometimes the bad weather can hamper things. Adventurers can still get their fix in the Cotswolds though, with many indoor centres offering wet weather activities. Groups will love a go at the Darklight Lasertag Arena in Gloucester which is renowned for its exciting arena packed with famous props and artwork to make it a more thrilling experience. The Warehouse is an indoor climbing and caving centre which offers challenging grounds for all to help you develop your skills and try out a new activity, without having to set foot outdoors! Those who are fans of climbing can also try Far Peak which has some excellent bouldering and climbing facilities and is a great place to escape the wet and windy Cotswold weather.
Making the most of your Jigsaw property
One of the best things about a wet weekend is that you get the opportunity to spend some quality time with your friends and family, and thats a luxury that a Jigsaw property can offer. Our properties are attractions in themselves and can be enjoyed whatever the weather. Elkstones for example has a cinema room and indoor swimming pool for a true a luxury experience, whilst Orchard House is kitted out with modern comforts and plenty of spaces in which to relax or play games with your group. Tyne Barn is another great property for large groups and has an open fire place, areas to relax and magnificent dining facilities the perfect way to spend the weekend. Whatever your interests, youre sure to find activities to enjoy in the Cotswolds when the British weather lets you down.