Posted on February 19, 2026
Don't let a downpour or forecast drizzle rain on your parade! Whilst known for its gorgeous countryside and storybook villages, a trip to The Cotswolds is just as special on a rainy day when getting outside and exploring isn’t as simple. Here are our recommendations on what you could get up to on a rainy day in The Cotswolds.
Boutique shopping in Burford
The Famous high street of Burford runs down to the river Windrush where a three arched medieval bridge crosses the river. Both sides of the high street have an unbroken line of ancient houses and shops and within this perfect setting, Burford lies an assortment of antique shops just waiting to be explored.
If antiques aren’t quite your thing, as you wander towards the river you’ll find restaurants, pubs and tea rooms as well as an amazing selection of artisan shops including sweet treats crafted by Michelin-trained pastry chef Cindy Kosmala from Hugo Lovage Patisserie, delicious cheeses from the Cotswold Cheese Co, craft and book shops and finally, Reavley Chemist; England’s oldest pharmacy established in 1734 with its gorgeous display of Victorian apothecary cabinets.
Corinium Museum
Located in the heart of Cirencester, the principle collection at the Corinium Museum consists of highly significant finds from the Roman town of Corinium, now known as Cirencester. Travel on a journey through time, as the museum charts the development of The Cotswolds from a pre-historic landscape to the modern day.
The galleries are visual, airy and interactive with mosaics, costumes, photographs and paper ephemera bringing the past to life. If you’re a history buff, the Corinium Museum offers workshops and practical demonstrations of ancient crafts so you can get involved. Plus there is a handbook full of puzzles and quizzes for little ones to complete as you explore the museum.
The Cotswold Brewing Company Tour
Based in the picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water, The Cotswold Brewing Company was founded by Richard and Emma Keene whose aim was to have a brewery that would produce high quality British lager full of flavour. The introduction of their Premium lager paved the way to develop their range further and provide their customers with a wider choice.
During the tour the expert guides will take you through the brewhouse where you’ll try generous samples along the way while hearing about the origins of The Cotswold Brewing Co and learning how lager is brewed, a process that takes 6 weeks from start to finish to ensure the lager tastes great to the last drop.
Gloucester Warwickshire Steam Railway
The GWR Honeybourne Line built between 1900 and 1906 was originally intended to improve transportation from the West as part of the GWR’s Cheltenham-Stratford-upon-Avon-Birmingham line. However today it's a volunteer-run heritage railway where steam and diesel trains run along a 13 mile stretch between Cheltenham Race course and Broadway.
The line passes idyllic views of quiet hamlets and villages and enjoys the sight of seasonal changes through The Cotswolds countryside towards Salters Hill, Sudeley Hill and Oxenton Hill in the Malverns to name a few. Plus you'll also spy impressive views of the fertile Vale of Evesham, known as the fruit and vegetable basket of England.
Tivoli Cinema in Cheltenham
Tivoli Cinema is a destination for an unforgettable cinema outing. A venue for true film enthusiasts, Tivoli cinema provides an unmatched cinematic experience, merging art-house with mouth-watering café and bar menus, all set within fabulously designed interiors.
All of their studios are fully-licensed and boast luxurious extra-wide sofas along with excellent sight and sound. If you’re after dinner and a show, order your food in advance and it will be served at your seat just in time for the film to start!
Bamford Wellness Spa
Daylesford is a joyous day out in any weather, but we think a little rain calls for an extra special visit to the Bamford Wellness Spa. Housed in a high-ceilinged, expansive agricultural barn, the spa works with the building’s original features to complement its rural surroundings.
The Bamford Wellness Spa takes influence from eastern and western practices, combining the best of modern and ancient therapies. If you’re after a specific treatment, there are a wide range of holistic therapies from curated facial and body treatments to massage, acupressure and healing jade stones, all tailored to your specific needs. They have also recently extended the spa to include a gorgeous herbal steam room, crystal sauna and a wellness pool to deepen that luxurious experience for visitors to sit back and relax.
The Barn Theatre in Cirencester
Take a trip to the theatre with the fabulous Barn Theatre in Cirencester. The Barn Theatre Project was established as a charity by Ian and Chrissie Carling with the aim of building a bold legacy in the arts for the community of Cirencester. Today, they are one of the leading producing house theatres in the country. With a mission to inspire people and demonstrate the crucial role professional theatre can play in improving the wellbeing of the community, seeing a production at the Barn Theatre is a truly special experience we’d recommend, whatever the weather!
Explore what is in the pipeline and what’s on over on their website.
Afternoon tea at The Slaughters Inn
Owned by the Brownswood family and set in the picturesque Cotswold village of Lower Slaughter, the Slaughter Country Inn offers the authentic charm of a traditional village inn with delicious food made from only the best local produce.
The friendly and relaxed bar features rustic touches, with shelves lined with books and board games to enjoy in front of a roaring log fire. Afternoon tea can be served either on the terraces or in the lounge. The menu offers a variety of high tea options, from a simple cream tea to a delightfully decadent champagne afternoon tea to while away a perfect drizzly afternoon.
Court Barn Museum
This small but captivating museum celebrates the Arts and Crafts movement, which has deep roots in the Cotswolds. Learn more about the craftspeople, designers, and makers who shaped the area’s artistic heritage. The museum is the perfect mix of inspiring and educational, an ideal cultural stop on a rainy day.
Take a Cookery Class at Thyme
Rainy days are best spent indoors with good food, and Thyme in Southrop offers just that. Their cookery school provides immersive classes focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s baking bread, creating seasonal dishes, or learning new skills, this is a treat for both mind and taste buds.
Pottery or Art Workshop
Winchcombe Pottery
One of the oldest continuously working potteries in the country, Winchcombe Pottery is a brilliant place to get hands-on with clay. They offer workshops for beginners and enthusiasts alike, teaching the basics of wheel throwing and hand-building.
New Brewery Arts
At the heart of Cirencester, New Brewery Arts is a hub for creativity. They run a wide range of workshops throughout the year, including pottery, ceramics, painting, textiles, and jewellery-making.
Take a Cheese Workshop
What better way to spend a rainy day than by indulging in something delicious? The Cotswolds is home to several foodie experiences, and a cheese workshop is among the most popular. At Paxton & Whitfield in Bath, you can join expert-led cheese classes, learning everything from the art of pairing to creating the perfect cheeseboard. For those with a sweet tooth, local chocolatiers around Cheltenham and Oxfordshire run chocolate-making workshops where you can get hands-on and craft your own truffles to take home.
Antique Hunting in Stow-on-the-Wold
Stow-on-the-Wold has long been renowned as the antiques capital of the Cotswolds, and a rainy day is the ideal excuse to explore its treasure troves. Wander through atmospheric showrooms filled with everything from period furniture to rare books, vintage jewellery, and quirky curiosities. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply love browsing, there’s something endlessly fascinating about stepping into these characterful shops.
The Cotswold Motoring Museum
Nestled in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, The Cotswold Motoring Museum is a delightful rainy-day refuge for enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Its extensive collection charts the evolution of the motor car, with classic vehicles, quirky roadside ephemera and fascinating displays that appeal to all ages. Interactive exhibits and nostalgic touches bring motoring history to life, while the museum’s convenient location makes it easy to combine with lunch or a wander around the village, perfect for turning a grey day into an unexpectedly engaging outing.
Wellington Aviation Museum
For those intrigued by flight and aviation history, the Wellington Aviation Museum in Moreton-in-Marsh, offers a compelling indoor experience. Dedicated to the iconic Vickers Wellington bomber and the broader story of wartime aviation, the museum houses authentic aircraft, artefacts and vivid personal stories from the Second World War. Its atmospheric hangars and thoughtful displays make for a memorable visit, whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a dry day adventure that’s both informative and inspiring.
Victorian Hook Norton Brewery
Step into one of England’s oldest traditional breweries at the Victorian Hook Norton Brewery, where history and craftsmanship are poured into every pint. On a rainy day, the brewery tour is a fascinating way to uncover age-old brewing techniques, see historic equipment in action and sample real ales straight from the source. Set in a quintessential Cotswold village, the experience is both educational and sociable, and it’s easy to extend your visit with a pint and hearty pub fare at one of the village’s welcoming inns afterwards.
Blenheim Palace
Just beyond the tranquil Cotswold villages, Blenheim Palace offers one of the region’s most spectacular indoor destinations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and boasts opulent state rooms, grand staircases and richly decorated interiors that captivate visitors even in wet weather. From the historic tapestry rooms to the Churchill exhibition and elegant café, there’s plenty to explore under cover, and the surrounding landscaped parklands are always worth a glimpse between showers.
Far Peak Climbing And Wellness Experiences
Far Peak in Northleach is a brilliant choice. Known for its impressive climbing facilities, including bouldering walls that cater to all abilities, Far Peak also offers an exceptional wellness area where you can unwind after your ascent. Enjoy scenic saunas and ice baths with views over rolling Cotswold countryside, making it a perfect blend of activity and relaxation, whatever the weather.
Giuseppe Dell’Anno Cookery Classes
For a hands-on and delicious way to spend a rainy day, consider a cookery class with Giuseppe Dell’Anno, winner of season 12 of The Great British Bakeoff. Whether you’re learning to perfect pasta, master seasonal menus or explore Italian techniques, these classes are both fun and educational.
Lunch and Shopping at Daylesford Organic
Even when the skies are grey, Daylesford Organic brings brightness to a rainy day. Enjoy a leisurely lunch prepared with the very best organic ingredients, browse artisanal pantry goods and seasonal homeware, and explore the farm’s beautifully curated spaces.
The Potthouse Collective
Turn a wet afternoon into a creative one at The Potthouse, where pottery workshops offer the chance to learn wheel-throwing, hand-building and glazing techniques. Whether you are a complete beginner or have made pots before, time spent shaping clay in this relaxed setting is both therapeutic and rewarding. Workshops include tea or coffee and the opportunity to take home your own handcrafted pieces.
Sudeley Castle
When the rain isn’t too heavy, Sudeley Castle still offers plenty to explore under cover. The interiors of this historic castle are rich with story and atmosphere, while the exhibitions and audio tours bring its past vividly to life. Its gorgeous outside spaces, historic rooms and café make Sudeley a brilliant option for a culture-filled day out, whatever the weather.
Giffords Circus, Immersive Entertainment
On select dates through the year, Giffords Circus brings its unique brand of theatrical entertainment to The Cotswolds. With a classic spiegeltent setting, captivating performers and a programme that blends circus, comedy and cabaret, it’s a joyous way to spend a rainy evening.
Tweedy’s Massive Circus, Underbelly Events
For another unforgettable indoor spectacle, Tweedy’s Massive Circus (presented by Underbelly) offers high-energy, creative performances that push the boundaries of circus art. Combining acrobatics, music and theatrical flair, their shows are immersive and exciting.