Things to do when it rains

We would love to order sunshine for everyone but the reality is that sometimes in Wales it rains!

Here are a few suggestions just in case you find yourself here on a rainy day.

In Hay on Wye

Trawl the bookshops, there were 25 at the last count, have a leisurely lunch in Booths followed by a sheeps milk ice cream at Shepherds

Check what’s on at the cinema at Booths Bookshop Cinema. A fabulously small, 50 seat venue and you can take in a glass of wine! Call them on 01497 820322

Pop into the Globe at Hay – during the school holidays they often have organised activities for children. If not, grab yourself a coffee and a board game to while away an hour or two. 01497 821762

Within a few miles

Llangorse Rope and Activity Centre – fun for all the family, try an assault course, the high ropes course, horse riding, climbing, BMX track racing or a dingle scramble. 0333 6002020

Swimming at Cloud 9 Spa, Kington – newly renovated small spa/pool in Kington. Around £15 for a family swimming session. 01544 230323

The Judges Lodging, Presteigne – Step into the 1870s at the award-winning Judge’s Lodging and discover the world of a most unusual household. Explore the ‘upstairs, downstairs’ life of the Victorian Judges, their servants and felonious guests. Fascinating and well worth a visit whatever the weather. 01544 260650

In and around Hereford

Ten pin bowling and crazy golf at MFA Bowl – 0843 2908944

Hereford Cathedral, the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library – The award-winning Mappa Mundi & Chained Library Exhibition is open all year round and is famous for housing both the spectacular medieval map of the world and the cathedral’s unique Chained Library. 01432 374200

Hampton Court Castle, Parkland and Gardens – spectacular castle and grounds open April til October. If the rain eases you can pop outside the castle and walk the woodland trails or get lost in the maze. 01568 797676

Eastnor Castle – A fun family day out, the castle is open to visitors from Easter to the end of September on selected days with a line-up of great value events. This historic house is filled with medieval armour and fine art and in the beautiful grounds you will find an arboretum, lake, knight’s maze and children’s adventure playground. 01531 633160.

Other suggestions

Spaceguard Centre Knighton – The Spaceguard Centre is the National Near Earth Objects Information Centre (NNEOIC), and is the only organisation in the UK dedicated to addressing the hazard of Near Earth Objects. The Spaceguard Centre runs regular tours of the observatory. Hear about Spaceguard and learn something about the wonders of the Solar System. 01547 520247

National Trust Properties – There are three main properties in the area; Croft Castle and Parkland, Berrington Hall and Brockhampton Estate.

Blaenavon World heritage Site – The Blaenavon World Heritage Centre is the ideal starting point for your visit to the area. It provides an overview of how the stories of Blaenavon Industrial Landscape are of global importance.

Big Pit: National Coal Museum is the most popular attraction within the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. The museum is based around the former Big Pit Colliery, which was sunk in about 1860 and closed in 1980. The site reopened as a museum in 1983 and is now known around the world, especially after winning the Gulbenkian Prize for museum of the year in 2005. 029 2057 3650

 

Or just pull on those waterproofs and walk by the river, through a woodland or up a mountain anyway!