Hobbies and activities for the rainy season

It’s been a long hot summer here in the UK, but it’s time to face up to the facts: Autumn is upon us. Soon the clouds that have eluded the isles for so long will come sweeping over hill and vale to grace us once more with a traditional British drizzle. Luckily, there are many ways to stay busy even once the showers have driven us back indoors.

Watercolours

What better hobby for wet weather than one that relies on water. If you are new to painting and don’t like making a mess, watercolours are undoubtedly the most accessible route in. Simple, cheap and mobile, they are a great way to unleash your inner artist, and many an afternoon can be spent painting a still life or even capturing the view through a rain-speckled window.

Crochet

For anyone who wants to get creative and be productive at the same time, crochet could be perfect for you. Not only can you learn craft beautiful items for your loved ones, but you could keep yourself warm over the winter season. If you’re keen to make a bit of money, you could also sell your handiwork. 

Boardgames

If you’re stuck in with family, you could get competitive with some good old-fashioned board games. There’s nothing like a game of Monopoly to raise the temperature in a room. Or if you prefer, you could trade goods in Settlers of Catan or conquer territory in Risk. For those into more active games, Pictionary, Rapidough and charades might be more up your street, or if you like a language-based challenge, Boggle, Scrabble Word Finder or Articulate could be for you.

Cards

It’s amazing how many hours can be spent with a single pack of cards. Whether it’s a lone game of solitaire or clock patience, or a full table for rummy or poker, you’re guaranteed to find something to keep everyone occupied. You could even try your hand at some card tricks. If you want to test the limits of your friendship, you could bring out some more edgy games like Exploding Kittens, Cards Against Humanity or Joking Hazard.

Online gaming

As long as you have an internet connection, you need never be idle. Be it through an app on your mobile phone, a co-op game on X-box Live or a download for your laptop, there are plenty of people to connect with. Alternatively, you can go single player and explore new worlds, all within the comfort of your own home: anything from fighting zombies to farming. Graphics have come such a long way that role-player games are now incredibly immersive – even more so if you get yourself a VR headset.

Dance

Damp weather needn’t dampen your spirits. Even when you can’t get outdoors it’s important to stay active, and dance could be the perfect solution. The list is endless: Latin, ballroom, street, tap and ballet are just a few of the varieties of dance on offer. It will keep you entertained and keep you fit, not to mention 

Choir

If you love singing but don’t fancy yourself a soloist, you could try joining a local choir. Whatever your genre – pop or classical, choreographed or acapella – there’s guaranteed to be a group out there for you. Being part of a choir is not just a hobby, it’s a way of meeting new people from all corners of the community.

Baking

The best recipe for brightening a gloomy afternoon is cake. You can bake treats of all shapes and sizes, for all dietary requirements and all number of guests, and what’s more, you can be creative with your icing! Surprise your friends with an inventive personalised birthday cake, or go mad and bake a batch of cookies for one.

Movies

Watching films doesn’t have to mean paying cinema prices. You could start a film club with friends and share each other’s movie collections, or pool in for a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription and make it a social event. When going for a walk doesn’t seem quite so appealing, there are endless great features to explore.

Crafting

The crafting craze has taken over the nation, and with good reason. Instead of spending lots of money on the high street, you could do it all yourself and have a lot of fun in the process. From handmade cards and quirky coat hooks to shabby chic furniture, the only limit is your imagination. Crafting is also a great way to create more personal gifts this Christmas. 

The cold may be slowly creeping in, but that’s no reason to be dreary over the coming months. As tempting as it is to simply roll up in a duvet and hibernate, there are far better ways to spend your time. Try taking up something new and winter will fly by in an instant. 

The editorial unit