British weather is known for being quite unreliable, and with a run of damp, overcast weekends just around the corner, the first sight of grey skies can be enough to cancel a big family day out. To help, we've uncovered the best weather-proof spots, including Windsor’s LegoLand and popular European day trips like Disneyland Paris, that are bound to keep the whole family happy.
Oliver Brendon, CEO of AttractionTickets.com, shared his thoughts on the Rainy Day Rescue Index results:
“Brits know September is one of those months where you never quite know what weather you’re going to get. One week can still feel like summer and the next you’re dealing with thunderstorms. Even if you’ve been keeping an eye on the forecast, you can wake up and suddenly your plans are out the window. That’s why our team looked at over 100 destinations to find the best family day trips where everyone stays dry and happy.
A rainy day in London offers many family days out like the Twist Museum, Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Over in Paris, Disneyland is just as well equipped for a downpour, with loads of indoor rides including Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure and Pirates of the Caribbean. It’s easy to see why these cities came out on top.
Overall, there's a real mix of tourist hotspots across the UK and destinations a short Eurostar trip or brief plane ride away, so families have plenty of day trip ideas to choose from on a gloomy weekend."
The top 20 best rainy day trip spots to go with the family
Rank | Destination | Number of weather-proof attractions & activities | Number of family-friendly attractions & activities | Average visitor rating (/5) | Rainy day rescue score (/10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | London | 2,122 | 774 | 4.60 | 9.38 |
2 | Paris | 1,181 | 581 | 4.60 | 8.27 |
3 | Dublin | 541 | 251 | 4.50 | 5.64 |
4 | Edinburgh | 512 | 244 | 4.60 | 5.64 |
5 | Amsterdam | 574 | 245 | 4.50 | 5.41 |
6 | Liverpool | 323 | 121 | 4.50 | 5.34 |
7 | Birmingham | 244 | 108 | 4.40 | 5.28 |
8 | Newcastle upon Tyne | 182 | 66 | 4.50 | 5 |
9 | Manchester | 662 | 83 | 4.50 | 4.74 |
10 | Belfast | 213 | 89 | 4.50 | 4.73 |
11 | Brussels | 299 | 135 | 4.30 | 4.63 |
12 | Glasgow | 323 | 125 | 4.60 | 4.53 |
13 | Blackpool | 125 | 63 | 4.40 | 4.49 |
14 | Windsor | 39 | 37 | 4.50 | 4.49 |
15 | Leeds | 243 | 88 | 4.40 | 4.46 |
16 | Sheffield | 172 | 85 | 4.40 | 4.37 |
17 | Plymouth | 154 | 73 | 4.40 | 4.31 |
18 | Brighton | 165 | 56 | 4.40 | 4.27 |
19 | Stratford-upon-Avon | 50 | 48 | 4.50 | 4.16 |
20 | Bath | 133 | 71 | 4.60 | 4.14 |
London is the best destination for a rainy day
London came out on top of all 100 locations, with a Rainy Day Rescue Score of 9.38 out of 10. The capital has 2,122 weather-proof attractions and activities, meaning families have hundreds of dry alternatives to choose from, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour and the London Dungeon.
Northern cities offer the most immersive family days out indoors
The north of the UK takes eight of the top 20 spots, with Edinburgh (5.64) leading the way in fourth, followed by Liverpool (5.34) in sixth, Newcastle upon Tyne (5.00) in eighth and Manchester (4.74) in ninth. Glasgow, Blackpool, Leeds and Sheffield make up the rest of the northern showing. Immersive indoor venues are a big part of the appeal, with Camera Obscura and World of Illusions keeping families busy in Edinburgh and Quirky Quarter doing the same in Liverpool.
Paris has enough indoors to fill a whole day
Paris was the top scorer beyond the UK, taking second place in the Rainy Day Rescue Index (8.27), with 1,181 weather-proof attractions and activities. A short trip on the Eurostar or a quick flight is all it takes, so a family day out in Paris is a great option for anyone happy to travel a bit further. Disneyland Paris is a family favourite and offers a great variety of indoor rides, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Phantom Manor.
Planning your own rainy day rescue?
Some of the top spots from the index are bookable today, with great value ticket deals for Disneyland Paris and combo tickets for London's top attractions available at AttractionTickets.com.
