Sunshine and clear skies are a tell-tale sign that the British summer is once again upon us. However, we all know that not every day will be blessed with such balmy weather. But that doesn’t mean we have to sit indoors and wait for the showers to pass.
Why think of rain as ‘bad weather', when there’s so much that’s great about it? From waterfalls to rainbows, and puddles to raincoats - not to mention the wonderful sound of rain falling on the roof - there's so much to enjoy during summer showers.
Below, you'll find our top four ways to enjoy a rainy day outdoors this summer or click the button to begin browsing out holiday cottages for summer.
Summer cottages collection
Wander the forest...
‘Petrichor’ is a lovely word for a beautiful phenomenon - it means that warm, earthy smell that comes with rain falling onto soil, and it’s in absolute abundance when you’re walking through wet woodland.
Why not head out for a little nature trail and see what you can spot? Listen to the soothing sounds of the raindrops falling onto the leafy canopy above you, count the snails that are making the most of the damp foliage, and follow the winding streams that cut a path between the trees. Oh, and make sure you pack your wellies - puddle-jumping is a must! And for something extra special, discover our showcase collection of enchanting holiday properties in forests.
Top summer woodland walks
Create beautiful rain art
Looking for a way to embrace the rain with kids? Rain art is a super easy activity and creates a pretty cool effect - a bit like watercolours, but you’re using the rain instead of a pot of water.
You will need:
- Fairly thick paper or card
- Washable marker pens (the brighter colours the better)
- A few pebbles or similar to hold your paper in place
- A rainy day!
Start by drawing some shapes and patterns onto the paper using lots of different colours. Rainbows work well, but the idea is to let your creativity run wild. When you’re happy with your artwork, take your drawings outside and lay them out on the grass, using some pebbles to hold them in place.
Then invite nature to join in and watch as the raindrops splash onto the paper and transform your art into a spotty, swirling, natural masterpiece! You can experiment with different media too, like pastel chalks and watercolour paints. And once it’s dry, you will always have a unique memento to remember that happy, rainy day.
The Lodge at Glebe Farm, Chumleigh, Devon
Hide away on a retreat
The sound of rainfall has a wonderful effect on our minds that helps us relax, inspires us, and makes us feel connected with nature. Head out to the far reaches of the countryside or coast and find a cabin or quiet spot - somewhere where technology and beeping phones are far from reach. Seek out a peaceful setting where you can wrap up in a cosy blanket with a warm mug of cocoa, listening to the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof.
Maybe you could bring with you that project you’ve been meaning to focus on or the book you’ve been longing to finish. It could be a chance to try something new, like writing, a craft or yoga practice, or even just a goal to become more grounded and mindful.
Sit back, close your eyes, and really listen to the sound of the rain in all its glory. Let nature inspire you, and reconnect with the world in its simplest form. Sometimes that’s all we need when day-to-day life gets a little too hectic! Get close to nature with a stay in one of our stylish glamping retreats - click the button below to explore our collection.
Our glamping retreats
Escape to the beach
You may think of the seaside as a place to go when it’s sunny and hot, but the beach is a great place to go when it’s raining too. Think about it - what makes sandcastles stick together? Wet sand! So, unearth your waterproofs, grab your bucket and spade and build the mightiest sandy fortress you can imagine, then dig a moat around it and watch it fill with water.
Since you’re already getting wet, a little paddling in the sea can be great fun too. Or throw caution - and clothes - to the wind and splash along with the raindrops on a full-blown swim. A quick dunk of your head beneath the water, and a dash back out to a waiting warm towel can be surprisingly liberating and also very good for you.
As a bonus, most people don’t think to go to the beach when the weather is rainy, so you’ll probably have the beach all to yourself!
Best British beaches
Treat yourself to a summer getaway
Come rain or shine, one of our cottages for summer will offer a memorable place to make the most of the Great British summertime. Our beautiful retreats are peppered throughout the coast and countryside of the UK, many featuring al fresco dining areas, bubbling hot tubs and incredible views.
Summer cottages collection