Rainy Day Ideas for Your Self-Catering Cottage Stay

Cosy Up Indoors

There’s something irresistibly comforting about being warm and dry while the rain taps gently at the windows. With the wind outside and a steaming drink in hand, your self-catering cottage becomes the ultimate sanctuary—a place where time slows down and simple pleasures take centre stage.

☕ Create your comfort zone

Light the log burner or switch on the underfloor heating (if your cottage has it), and wrap yourself in the thickest blanket you can find. Add cushions, a pair of fluffy socks, and a mug of something warm, and you’ve got the perfect nest for a lazy day indoors.

☕ Catch up on quiet time

Open that book you’ve been meaning to start, or revisit an old favourite. If reading’s not your thing, binge-watch a series on the Smart TV or have a movie marathon. Don’t forget the snacks and low lighting for a full-on cosy cinema experience.

☕ Unplug and reconnect

Rainy days are perfect for old-school fun. Bring out the board games, playing cards, puzzles, or even dominoes. Whether you're with friends, family, or your partner, it's a great way to pass the time with a little friendly competition and laughter.

☕ Cook something delicious

Your cottage’s fully equipped kitchen gives you everything you need to get creative with comfort food. Try your hand at a slow-cooked stew, freshly baked scones, or a batch of warm cookies. And of course, indulgent hot chocolate—loaded with marshmallows, cream, or even a splash of liqueur—makes everything better on a grey day.

☕ Don’t forget the little things

A good playlist, scented candles, or the gentle tick of a clock can all add to the ambience. Let yourself truly slow down—you don’t have to be anywhere or do anything except enjoy the stillness.

A rainy day indoors can be just as memorable as one spent out exploring—sometimes even more so.

Create Your Own Spa Day

Who says you need a luxury retreat to feel pampered? With a few thoughtful touches, your self-catering cottage can become a private wellness sanctuary—ideal for slowing down and recharging on a rainy day.

🛀🏻 Start with a soak

If your cottage has a bath, run it deep and warm with foamy bubbles, essential oils, or bath salts. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile can help you relax and reset. Add a face mask, a book or playlist, and let the steam melt your stress away.

🛀🏻 Set the mood

Light a few candles or switch on soft lighting. Put on a calming playlist or guided meditation—apps like Calm or Insight Timer are great if you're new to mindfulness. A warm mug of herbal tea or hot chocolate completes the spa-like experience.

🛀🏻 Stretch it out

Lay down a yoga mat or towel and do some gentle yoga or simple stretches. Rain pattering on the roof makes a perfect backdrop to a grounding practice. Even 10 minutes of breathing and movement can work wonders.

🛀🏻 Wrap yourself in comfort

After your bath or stretches, change into your cosiest loungewear or robe. Wrap up in a blanket by the window, read a book, or simply sit with a warm drink and the view. Let yourself truly enjoy doing nothing for a while.

🛀🏻 Optional extras

Bring along massage oils, your favourite skincare, or a jade roller for a little extra indulgence. You can even create a DIY foot soak using Epsom salts and a bowl of warm water.

Rainy days offer the perfect excuse to prioritise rest and self-care. With no pressure to go anywhere, it's your chance to fully unwind—and you don’t need a spa price tag to feel completely restored.

Get Creative Indoors

A rainy day brings with it the perfect invitation to slow down and tap into your creative side. With the sound of the rain in the background and the warmth of your self-catering cottage as your canvas, it’s a great opportunity to make, bake, or capture something meaningful.

🎨 Unleash your artistic side

Bring out coloured pencils, watercolours, sketchbooks, or travel-sized craft kits. These are perfect for kids—but just as fun for adults! Try drawing the view from your window, painting your favourite holiday moment so far, or crafting something from natural materials collected on a previous walk.

🎨 Start a travel journal or scrapbook

Document your stay with photos, ticket stubs, pressed flowers, or handwritten reflections. Journaling can be both relaxing and a wonderful keepsake to look back on in years to come.

🎨 Cook or bake together

Turn your kitchen into a warm hub of creativity. Pick up some local produce—maybe Yorkshire cheese, Cornish clotted cream, or Cumbrian sausages—and create a meal inspired by your surroundings. Try baking bread, muffins, or a traditional British pudding. The scent of something delicious in the oven as the rain falls outside creates the ultimate cottage comfort.

🎨 Try something new

Always wanted to knit, learn calligraphy, or try origami? Rainy days are made for picking up a new hobby or finishing that DIY kit you packed "just in case."

Whether you're staying solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, getting creative indoors is a brilliant way to turn a grey day into something bright and memorable.

Explore the Area—Rain and All

Just because the rain is falling doesn’t mean your adventure has to stop. In fact, some of the most memorable holiday moments happen when you brave the drizzle and discover a quieter, more atmospheric side of your surroundings. With a waterproof coat, sturdy shoes, and a spirit of curiosity, there’s still plenty to enjoy beyond the cottage door.

🔍 Visit a local museum, gallery, or heritage site

Many towns and villages across the UK are home to indoor cultural gems—from quirky local museums and historic houses to small art galleries showcasing regional artists. Rainy days are perfect for lingering over displays, learning something new, and enjoying these often-overlooked attractions without the crowds. Check out volunteer-run heritage centres, which often come with warm welcomes and fascinating stories.

🔍 Indulge in retail therapy—rainy-day edition

Independent bookshops, antique shops, and vintage stores are perfect for browsing on a grey day. Lose track of time flipping through old novels, browsing one-of-a-kind gifts, or chatting with friendly local shopkeepers. If you're staying somewhere rural, village gift shops often stock handmade crafts and local delicacies.

🔍 Pause for tea and cake

A cosy tearoom or old-fashioned café is a rainy-day essential. Seek out a place with steamed-up windows and mismatched teacups, where you can warm up over a pot of tea and a freshly baked scone. Some even have roaring fires, armchairs, or resident dogs for added charm.

🔍 Brave the weather for a moody walk

There’s something special about walking in the rain—especially along a wild coastline, woodland trail, or quiet country lane. The misty views, soft sound of rain on leaves, and empty footpaths can turn a simple stroll into a meditative experience. Just dress the part: waterproofs, walking boots, and a sense of adventure are all you need.

🔍 Local tip

Check for weather-proof walking routes on local tourism websites or visitor centres. Some circular trails offer tree cover or sheltered vantage points ideal for light drizzle days.

Rain doesn’t have to be the end of your plans—it can be an invitation to explore differently, more mindfully, and with fewer distractions.

Don’t Let a Rainy Day Dampen Your Stay

Rainy days on a self-catering break aren’t setbacks—they’re invitations to slow down, reconnect, and savour the simple pleasures of your surroundings. They offer a rare pause from the rush of sightseeing, giving you time to enjoy your cottage in all its comfort, whether that means curling up with a book, cooking something delicious, or playing board games with loved ones as the rain taps softly on the windows.

And for those with a little waterproof spirit, rain can lead to some of the most memorable adventures—empty beaches, mist-covered hills, and cosy tearooms you might have otherwise passed by.

The beauty of a self-catering stay is the freedom it gives you to do things your way—rain or shine. So next time the weather turns, embrace it as part of the experience.

Bookmark this guide for your next self-catering escape, and remember: sometimes, the most magical moments happen when you simply stay in and listen to the rain.

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