While most of us are keeping our fingers crossed for a hot August bank holiday, the grey reality is that long weekends in Britain are often spoiled by the weather.
The good news is that you needn’t rest your hopes on brilliant sunshine – these weather-proof activities will make sure that your bank holiday plans aren’t rained off.
1. Try your hand at a water sport
You don’t need sun to have fun in the water – as long as bad weather doesn’t make the sea dangerous, it’s still possible to enjoy coastal activities like surfing, diving and coasteering (a fun new adventure activity which involves exploring coastal caves and cliffs). With a wetsuit you won’t feel the cold, and you’ll have the sea all to yourself.
2. Host a tea party
If that coveted garden barbecue isn’t possible, then why not host a cosy indoor tea party instead? An English-themed party, complete with scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam, is the perfect way to spend your bank holiday. Incorporate games and activities such as face painting and cupcake cooking for the kids – and mix a traditional Pimm’s cocktail to keep the adults happy.
3. Have a go at online bingo
Bad weather is the perfect excuse to stay in and watch TV or play games online without feeling guilty. Instead of vegging out in front of the same tired old movies this bank holiday, why not try your luck at online bingo instead? This fun, fast-paced, wonderfully addictive game puts you in touch with plenty of like-minded people and is an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. Start with an online bingo site such as 888ladies, which offers great bonuses and extends a warm welcome to newbies.
4. Be a culture vulture
When was the last time you spent an afternoon browsing in an art gallery, attended a Shakespeare play or visited your local museum? A rainy bank holiday is the perfect time to make good these omissions and introduce the rest of your family to the arts. Why not plan a trip to the iconic Tate Modern, find out about your town’s history, or even put on your own play? Kids will enjoy writing the scripts and dressing up, and for adults amateur dramatics makes a great wet weather diversion.
