When the rainy days come and you can hear the pitter patter of raindrops on your windows, you may just feel like snuggling up on the sofa and staying warm. Don't get us wrong - we LOVE a lazy day - but when plans have been made and you're ready to seize the day, we're know a spot or two you can head to no matter the weather! So grab your umbrella, put your hoods up and venture out on a rainy day in The Garden of England...
Now that it’s raining more than ever you can stand under Ashford’s tented umbrella. McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet is the destination for luxury brands at perfect prices, offering up to 60% off RRP. With over 70 leading British heritage brands and international favourites including All Saints, Tommy Hilfiger and Ted Baker, you’re sure to have a whale of a time. You’ll be sheltered from the rain under the shopping centre’s famous tented design and when you’re tired from all the shopping you can grab a bite to eat in one of the 12 different restaurants and cafes onsite. You can stand under my umbrella…
Discover the enchanting childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the queen consort sealed with a terrible fate as she was beheaded by order of the king, King Henry VIII, just three years into their marriage! Learn about Boleyn’s incredible story and about Hever Castle, the 13th century castle that formed the backdrop of events that changed the course of the UK’s history, monarchy and religion. Although there are plenty of outdoor attractions at Hever Castle the castle itself won’t disappoint with one of the best collections of Tudor portraits after the National Portrait Gallery. Set fire to the rain…
No one’s going to rain on your parade at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. From cabarets to comedy, opera to musicals and spoken word to drama there’s a whole host of events going on at the Marlowe theatre. Since opening in 2011, The Marlowe have welcomed the best touring and national companies to their stage making it one of the country’s most successful regional theatres. If events aren’t your thing you can also enjoy their escape room experience where you must overcome a series of clever interactive games and puzzles to unlock the works of Marlowe. A night at the opera…
There’ll be no singing in the rain inside the internationally-renowned Turner Contemporary gallery which showcases contemporary and historical artwork. There’s also a number of exhibitions, events and learning opportunities that occur all year round and better still admission to the gallery is free. Situated right on the coast, the gallery has stunning views from their café overlooking the Margate sands where you can enjoy the seaside without having to get wet! Oh I do like to be beside the seaside…
If it’s raining cats and dogs outside seek shelter in Dover Castle, a castle of many stories. Above ground step into the dazzling medieval royal palace in the Great Tower, where you can immerse yourself into the King’s court life; and meet the lifelike projected figures guiding you round the castle chambers. Below ground tells a very different story. Explore the dark atmosphere of the Secret War Tunnels, buried deep in the ground with vivid recreations telling the story of Churchills’ plans for the Dunkirk evacuation. The Key to England…
If rain drops keep falling on your head, then come on over to the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre and Brewery Tours, Britain’s oldest brewer who has produced beer for over 850 years. Learn the ancient art of brewing on Shepherd Neame’s award-winning tour which ends with a tutored tasting of Kentish ales and speciality lagers. Taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well, try malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops. Brewer Brilliance…
Escape the cold November rain and indulge in a bit of retail therapy to rid yourself of your rainy blues. Bluewater, Europe’s largest retail and leisure destination, has 300 leading UK and international retail brands to choose from and when the hunger strikes there’s no need to worry as there are over 50 places to eat and drink. After a long day of shopping the fun doesn’t have to end as the Showcase Cinema de Lux is open until 3 am on Friday and Saturday, so make a night of it. There’s more to Bluewater than shopping as the kids can be distracted at the Gravity Trampoline Park whilst you shop ‘til you drop. Shopping splendour…
A Norman stronghold, a home to six medieval queens, a palace for Tudor royalty, a Jacobean country house, a Georgian mansion and an elegant retreat for the rich and famous, Leeds Castle is one of the most visited historic buildings in the UK. Leeds Castle has always been a place to entertain and impress, so come rain or come shine there is always something to see and do no matter what the weather. Dine like royalty in one of the many delicious dinning places offering classic British dishes or settle in for afternoon tea in the Castle dining room. A leading Castle…
Take a trip to The Historic Dockyard Chatham, one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage destinations and the world’s most complete dockyard from the ‘age of sail.’ Step aboard the three historic warships and discover over 100 years of life at sea. Explore steam steel and submarines that tell the powerful story of the 19th and 20th century dockyard, and imagine life as a Victorian Rope Maker as you visit the quarter-mile long Ropery that has been making rope since 1618. In the Navy…
When it’s pouring down there’s no need to frown as you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a spot of afternoon tea at Hotel Du Vin & Bistro, situated close to the centre of the beautiful Royal Tunbridge Wells. Afternoon tea is the most quintessential of British customs, often had between four and five o’clock and usually consists of finger sandwiches, scones and a selection of delicate cakes, accompanied by tea. At Hotel du Vin & Bistro you can add a little sparkle to your afternoon tea with some added Champagne and candyfloss all in the setting of a Grade II-listed sandstone mansion. Tea anyone?…
Stuck for what to do after the five O'clock mark when all the high street shops close? Well, why not spend the day browsing your favourite shops until 7:30pm? When you're a little tired of shopping you can catch the latest film in the 10-screen cinema and even test your luck at the on-site casino. Go on, what are you waiting for?
