Rain is part of life on the canals. Whether you live aboard full time, cruise at weekends or are planning a narrowboat holiday, a wet day can change your plans quickly. The good news is that rain does not have to spoil the day.
With a little preparation, a few indoor ideas and a flexible mindset, wet weather can become a useful chance to slow down, reset and enjoy the quieter side of boating. These rainy day activities tips are designed for narrowboat life, but many of them also work well for towpath walkers, families and anyone spending time near the water.
Plan Ahead Before the Rain Arrives
The easiest rainy days are the ones you have already prepared for. You do not need a huge amount of kit, but a small wet weather plan can make life much more comfortable when the clouds roll in.
Keep a dedicated rainy day box or cupboard with items you only reach for when the weather turns. This helps avoid the classic problem of knowing you own a pack of cards, but not knowing where it is.
- Playing cards or travel games
- A notebook, pens and pencils
- A compact jigsaw or puzzle book
- A small craft kit
- A good book or e-reader
- Spare batteries, charging leads and a power bank
- A microfibre towel for wet coats and muddy dog paws
It is also worth checking your weather app before setting off for the day. If heavy rain is likely, you might choose a shorter cruising route, moor closer to a village or save lock-heavy sections for better conditions.
Make the Cabin Cosy and Comfortable
A rainy day on a narrowboat feels much better when the cabin is warm, dry and clutter-free. Small spaces can feel cramped quickly, especially when wet coats, boots and bags are all competing for room.
Start by creating a simple wet gear area near the entrance. Use hooks, mats and waterproof bags if you have them. If your boat has limited ventilation, open a window slightly when safe to do so, or use roof vents to help reduce condensation.
Cosiness does not need to be complicated. A warm drink, good lighting and a tidy table can transform the mood inside the boat.
- Put on soft cabin lights rather than relying on one harsh overhead light
- Keep blankets or fleeces within easy reach
- Use a tray for drinks to prevent spills when the boat moves
- Store wet shoes on a mat, newspaper or boot tray
- Wipe window frames and metal surfaces if condensation builds up
If you are cruising with children, give each person a small dry space for their own things. It can be a seat, a bag or a shelf. On wet days, having a little personal space can reduce cabin grumbles.
Enjoy Classic Indoor Games
Games are ideal for rainy days because they do not require much space, power or planning. The best choices for narrowboats are compact, quick to set up and easy to pause if someone needs to make tea or check the mooring ropes.
Good games for small spaces
- Cards: A standard deck offers endless options, from rummy to patience.
- Travel board games: Choose magnetic or mini versions to save space.
- Word games: Great for all ages and easy to play around a small table.
- Dice games: Simple, cheap and ideal when storage is limited.
- Puzzle books: Crosswords, wordsearches and sudoku are quiet and relaxing.
For families, set up a small tournament with points over the day. For couples or solo boaters, games can still be part of the routine. A puzzle book with a cup of tea can be just as satisfying as a full board game session.
Use Rainy Days for Boat Jobs
Wet weather is not always the best time for exterior work, but it can be perfect for small indoor jobs that are easy to ignore when the sun is out. A rainy day can become a practical maintenance window without feeling like a wasted day.
Choose jobs that can be completed in short bursts. Avoid pulling the boat apart unless you are sure you have time, light and the right tools to finish.
- Sort food cupboards and check use-by dates
- Reorganise under-seat storage
- Check torch batteries and spare bulbs
- Clean the stove glass once it is cool
- Update your cruising notes or logbook
- Review your water, fuel and toilet tank levels
- Wipe down damp window areas and improve airflow
You can also use the time to make a list of jobs for dry weather. This is useful for painting, roof cleaning, engine checks or any task that needs the deck to be safe and dry.
Cook Something Simple and Warming
Few things improve a rainy day like a warm meal. Narrowboat kitchens can be compact, so the best wet weather recipes are simple, one-pot and low on washing up.
Think soups, stews, pasta, jacket potatoes, curries or beans on toast with extra toppings. If you have a stove suitable for cooking, follow all safety guidance and use appropriate cookware. Otherwise, a hob or oven meal can still make the cabin feel cheerful.
Rainy day food ideas
- Tomato soup with cheese toasties
- Vegetable chilli with rice or wraps
- Pasta with pesto, peas and grated cheese
- Jacket potatoes with beans, tuna or leftover curry
- Porridge with fruit, nuts or golden syrup
- Hot chocolate, tea or spiced apple juice
Keep a few shelf-stable ingredients on board for wet days when you do not fancy walking to the shops. Tinned tomatoes, lentils, pasta, rice, stock cubes and long-life milk are all useful basics.
Go for a Wet Weather Walk
Rain does not always mean you must stay indoors. If conditions are safe, a short towpath walk can be refreshing, especially when the canal is quiet and the trees are dripping with rain.
The key is to dress properly and keep the walk realistic. A gentle thirty-minute stroll may be more enjoyable than a long muddy hike. Check the towpath surface before committing, as some sections can become slippery or waterlogged.
- Wear waterproofs and shoes with good grip
- Take a small dry bag for your phone and keys
- Avoid overgrown edges where footing is unclear
- Keep dogs under control around locks, roads and livestock
- Turn back if the weather worsens or visibility drops
Rainy walks can be a good time for photography too. Reflections, mist, lock gates and moody skies can all look beautiful. Just protect your camera or phone and avoid standing too close to the water when concentrating on a shot.
Visit Local Indoor Attractions
If you are moored near a town or village, a rainy day can be a good excuse to explore beyond the towpath. Many canals pass close to museums, historic buildings, cafés, libraries, leisure centres and independent shops.
Before heading out, check opening times and walking routes. Some canal-side places have limited winter hours or close on certain weekdays. If you are cruising without a car, look for bus routes or short taxi options from nearby road bridges.
Good places to consider
- Canal museums and heritage centres
- Local history museums
- Libraries with reading areas and free local information
- Indoor markets
- Cafés with space to dry off and warm up
- Cinemas, theatres or community arts venues
- Swimming pools or leisure centres
Supporting local businesses is also a pleasant part of boating life. A rainy afternoon in a canalside café can be just as memorable as a sunny picnic on the bank.
Try Creative Rainy Day Activities
Rain often creates a slower pace, which is perfect for creative activities. You do not need to be especially artistic. The aim is simply to enjoy the process and make use of the quiet time.
- Sketching: Draw the view from the window, a lock cottage or your mooring spot.
- Journalling: Record your route, meals, wildlife sightings and favourite moorings.
- Knitting or crochet: Compact crafts are well suited to boat life.
- Photography sorting: Delete duplicates, organise albums and back up images.
- Map planning: Study canal guides and plan future routes.
- Writing postcards: A thoughtful way to share your journey with friends or family.
If you are travelling with children, set a simple challenge. Ask them to design their dream narrowboat, create a canal creature, write a short story or make a rainy day treasure map of the cabin.
Keep Children Entertained on Wet Days
Children often cope better with rain when there is a clear plan. A loose schedule can help break the day into manageable chunks, especially in a small cabin.
Try mixing quiet time, movement, food and fresh air. Even a short walk in waterproofs can reset the mood before returning indoors for crafts or games.
Simple wet weather plan for families
- Morning: breakfast, tidy bunks and a short game
- Mid-morning: waterproof walk or visit to a nearby shop
- Lunch: warming food and drinks
- Afternoon: crafts, reading, films or puzzles
- Evening: cards, storytelling or planning tomorrow’s route
Small rewards can work well, such as choosing the next game, picking pudding or being in charge of the map for the next cruising day. Keep screens as an option, but not the only option, especially if power and signal are limited.
Stay Safe When Cruising in Rain
Sometimes you may need or want to keep moving despite the rain. Cruising in wet weather can be safe and enjoyable, but it needs extra care. Decks, gunwales, lock ladders and balance beams can all become slippery.
Wear suitable footwear and waterproof layers. Keep your hands warm enough to handle ropes properly. If visibility is poor, slow down and take extra care near bridges, bends, moored boats and lock approaches.
- Move slowly and avoid rushing at locks
- Use gloves that still allow good grip
- Keep ropes tidy to reduce trip hazards
- Do not jump from boat to bank
- Use a head torch or torch in gloomy conditions
- Consider mooring up if wind, rain or visibility becomes difficult
If you are on a hire boat, follow the guidance from the hire company. If you are unsure about conditions, wait. The canal will still be there when the weather improves.
Manage Damp Clothes and Condensation
One of the biggest challenges of rainy days on a narrowboat is drying wet kit. Damp clothing can make the cabin feel colder and less comfortable, so it helps to have a system.
Shake off waterproofs outside if you can do so safely. Hang wet coats where drips will not damage furnishings. Avoid blocking vents, and do not dry clothes too close to heaters or stoves unless it is safe and permitted for your setup.
- Use quick-drying towels and clothing where possible
- Keep a waterproof bag for wet items during trips ashore
- Ventilate the cabin when cooking, showering or drying clothes
- Wipe condensation from windows in the morning
- Rotate damp items so air can circulate around them
A small dehumidifier may be useful for boats with suitable power arrangements, but ventilation remains important. Damp is easier to manage when it is dealt with little and often.
Create a Rainy Day Routine
A routine helps make wet days feel intentional rather than disappointing. It does not need to be strict. The aim is to give the day shape.
For example, you could start with a slow breakfast, check the forecast, decide whether to cruise or stay put, then choose one practical job and one enjoyable activity. Later, add a short walk, a warm meal and an evening game or film.
This approach works well because it balances comfort with usefulness. You still get rest, but you also avoid feeling stuck inside waiting for the rain to stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rainy day activities tips for narrowboat holidays?
The best tips are to plan flexible routes, pack compact games, bring waterproof clothing, keep easy meals on board and choose moorings near villages or attractions when heavy rain is forecast.
Can you cruise a narrowboat in the rain?
Yes, you can cruise in rain if conditions are safe. Take extra care on wet decks and at locks, slow down in poor visibility and moor up if wind or heavy rain makes boating difficult.
How do you keep a narrowboat dry on rainy days?
Use a wet gear area, ventilate the cabin, wipe condensation, dry clothes safely and avoid letting damp items pile up. Good airflow is especially important in small spaces.
What should children do on a narrowboat when it rains?
Good options include card games, crafts, puzzle books, route planning, drawing, reading, simple cooking and short waterproof walks. A loose routine helps keep the day calm and varied.
What should I pack for wet weather on the canals?
Pack waterproof coats, grippy footwear, spare socks, quick-drying towels, dry bags, games, books, charging leads and easy store-cupboard food. A small torch is useful for gloomy days.
Make the Most of Wet Weather on the Cut
Rainy days are part of the rhythm of canal life. They can slow plans down, but they can also create time for cosy meals, quiet hobbies, local exploring and useful boat jobs.
With a little preparation and a few reliable ideas, wet weather becomes much easier to enjoy. Keep your kit dry, stay flexible, choose safe activities and remember that a rainy day on the canal can still be a very good day.