Rainy days are part of life on and around the waterways. A wet forecast can change your cruising plans, slow down a towpath walk, or make a planned picnic feel less appealing. That does not mean the day has to be wasted.
With a little preparation, rain can be an excuse to enjoy slower, cosier and more practical activities. Whether you live aboard, are hiring a narrowboat, or are spending a canal-side weekend away, these rainy day activities ideas will help you make the most of a grey day.
Make the Boat Cosy First
Before choosing an activity, take a few minutes to make your space comfortable. A narrowboat can feel wonderfully snug in wet weather, but condensation, damp coats and muddy boots can quickly make things feel cluttered.
Start by hanging wet waterproofs near ventilation rather than over soft furnishings. Put muddy footwear on a mat or tray, and keep a small towel close to the door for wiping up drips. If you have a stove, use it safely and keep the area around it clear.
Simple comforts can turn a wet day into something enjoyable:
- Make a hot drink and keep the kettle topped up if you are moored with enough water and fuel.
- Put warm socks or slippers within easy reach.
- Open a window slightly or use vents to reduce condensation.
- Switch on soft lighting if the day feels gloomy.
- Keep a blanket handy for reading, crafting or watching a film.
Once the boat feels dry and welcoming, the rain outside becomes far less frustrating.
Try Creative Rainy Day Activities Ideas
A rainy day is ideal for activities that require a little time and focus. You do not need a large table, expensive supplies or lots of storage space. The best creative projects for narrowboat life are compact, tidy and easy to pause.
Start a Waterways Journal
A journal is one of the simplest rainy day activities ideas for boaters and canal travellers. It can be practical, creative or a mixture of both.
You might record mooring spots, useful facilities, wildlife sightings, locks completed, or memorable conversations. If you enjoy sketching, add quick drawings of bridges, boats, cottages or canal-side trees. If you prefer words, write about the sounds of rain on the roof, the route you have taken, or plans for the next dry spell.
A small notebook is easy to store and becomes a useful record over time. It can also help you remember good places to stop when you travel the same route again.
Do Compact Crafts
Crafting works well on a rainy boat day as long as you choose low-mess options. Avoid anything that needs lots of drying space or produces dust. Instead, pick activities that can be packed away quickly if you need to move the boat.
Good narrowboat-friendly craft ideas include:
- Knitting or crochet
- Embroidery or cross-stitch
- Card making
- Watercolour painting in a small sketchbook
- Origami
- Adult colouring books
- Simple jewellery making
Keep supplies in a small box or zip bag so they do not spread across the cabin. A lap tray can be very useful if table space is limited.
Plan a Photo Sorting Session
Wet weather is a good time to sort the photos that often build up on a phone or camera. Delete duplicates, mark favourites and create folders for different canals, towns or seasons.
If you enjoy sharing your travels, prepare a few captions or choose images for a future blog post, social media update or printed photo book. It is also sensible to back up important photos when you have a reliable internet connection or access to storage.
Enjoy Slow Entertainment Indoors
Rain gives permission to slow down. Instead of seeing it as a disruption, treat it as a chance to enjoy entertainment that often gets pushed aside during busy cruising days.
Read Canal Books, Maps and Guides
A good book and a rainy window are a classic combination. For boaters, canal guides and maps can be just as absorbing as novels. You can look ahead to upcoming locks, water points, winding holes and places to moor.
Reading route guides on a wet day helps you make better decisions when the weather improves. Mark possible stops, note opening times for attractions, and check whether there are shops or pubs near the towpath.
If you are not cruising, choose books about waterways history, nature writing, boat maintenance, slow travel or local heritage. These can add depth to future journeys.
Have a Film or Radio Afternoon
A rainy afternoon is perfect for a film, drama series, podcast or radio play. Download entertainment in advance where possible, as signal can be unreliable in rural moorings or deep cuttings.
For a cosy set-up, dim the lights, make popcorn or toast, and keep chargers handy. If you are off-grid, be mindful of battery use. A small tablet or laptop may use less power than a large screen, and headphones can help if others are reading or resting nearby.
Play Small-Space Games
Games are excellent for families, couples and solo travellers who enjoy a challenge. Choose games with pieces that will not roll away easily if the boat rocks or someone steps aboard.
Good options include:
- Card games
- Travel chess or draughts
- Dominoes
- Compact board games
- Word games
- Quiz cards
- Jigsaws on a roll-up mat
If space is tight, choose games that can be played on a tray or small table. Keep a lidded pot nearby for dice and small pieces.
Use the Rain to Get Organised
Not every rainy day activity needs to be purely relaxing. Wet weather is a useful prompt to catch up on small jobs that improve life aboard. These practical tasks can make the boat feel calmer and easier to manage.
Tidy One Small Area
Instead of attempting a full clear-out, choose one cupboard, drawer or shelf. Narrowboat storage works best when everything has a clear purpose and place.
Useful mini tasks include:
- Sorting the galley cupboard and checking use-by dates
- Pairing socks and removing worn-out items
- Organising maps, guides and boat paperwork
- Cleaning out a tool box
- Checking batteries in torches and smoke alarms
- Folding spare bedding neatly to save space
Set a timer for 20 or 30 minutes if you do not want the task to take over the day. Small improvements add up quickly in a compact living space.
Plan Meals from What You Have
Rain can make a trip to the shops less tempting, so it is a good moment to plan meals around what is already aboard. Check tins, dried goods, fridge items and freezer space if you have one.
Simple rainy day meals might include soup, pasta, jacket potatoes, curry, stew, omelettes or beans on toast. If you have time, batch cook something that can be reheated after a long cruising day.
Keep ventilation in mind when cooking on a wet day. Steam can increase condensation, so use lids on pans, open a vent if possible and wipe down cold surfaces afterwards.
Review Your Cruising Plan
If poor weather has slowed your journey, use the time to adjust your plans. Check maps, stoppage notices, mooring options and daylight hours. Think about where you can fill water, dispose of rubbish and access shops.
Rain can affect towpath conditions and visibility, so there is no harm in delaying a move if it feels sensible. A flexible plan often makes canal travel more enjoyable.
Get Outside Without Getting Soaked
Some rainy days are better spent indoors, but light rain does not always need to stop outdoor activity. With the right clothing and a realistic plan, you can still enjoy the waterways.
Take a Short Towpath Walk
A short walk can lift your mood and help prevent cabin fever. Choose a route with firm footing and avoid muddy edges, especially near locks or steep banks. Wear waterproof layers, take a small towel for when you return, and keep your phone protected.
Rain often changes the atmosphere of the canal. Reflections deepen, wildlife can be easier to spot, and popular routes may be quieter. A short loop to a bridge, lock or village shop can be enough.
Visit a Canal-Side Pub or Café
If there is a pub, café or tea room nearby, a wet day can be a pleasant excuse to visit. Check opening times before setting off, especially outside peak season.
Take care with wet towpaths and road crossings. If you are leaving the boat unattended, make sure it is secure, windows are closed, and mooring lines are properly set.
Explore Local Indoor Attractions
Many canal routes pass close to towns and villages with indoor attractions. These can be ideal when the weather turns. Look for museums, historic houses, galleries, markets, libraries, leisure centres and visitor centres.
Practical things to check before going include:
- Walking distance from the mooring
- Public transport options
- Dog policies if you travel with a pet
- Bag storage or space for wet coats
- Opening times and booking requirements
A rainy day can become an unexpected opportunity to learn more about the area you are travelling through.
Rainy Day Activities for Children on a Narrowboat
Keeping children entertained in a small space can be challenging, especially when the towpath is too wet for long outdoor play. The key is variety. Mix quiet activities, movement, snacks and short bursts of fresh air if conditions allow.
Child-friendly rainy day activities ideas include:
- Making a canal wildlife checklist
- Building with compact construction toys
- Drawing a map of the journey
- Creating paper boats and testing them in a bowl
- Playing I spy through the window
- Listening to an audiobook
- Writing postcards to family or friends
- Doing a simple treasure hunt inside the boat
For younger children, prepare a small rainy day box with crayons, stickers, puzzle books and small toys. Bring it out only in wet weather so it feels special.
If children need to burn energy, try gentle indoor movement such as stretching, dancing to one song, or a quick tidy-up race. Keep safety in mind and avoid running inside the cabin.
Rainy Day Activities for Solo Boaters
Solo rainy days can be peaceful, but they can also feel long if you have no plan. A little structure helps. Divide the day into simple blocks such as one practical task, one creative activity, one meal, and one form of entertainment.
Good solo activities include reading, learning a new skill, writing, meal prepping, watching a course video, phoning a friend, practising a musical instrument quietly, or planning the next stage of the route.
It is also worth using wet days to check in with safety basics. Make sure your phone is charged, torches are accessible, and essential items are easy to reach. If you are moored somewhere remote, let someone know your rough location if that is part of your usual routine.
Make a Rainy Day Kit
A simple rainy day kit saves rummaging around when the weather changes. It can be stored in a small basket, drawer or lidded box.
Useful items to include are:
- Playing cards
- A compact craft project
- Puzzle book and pen
- Notebook or journal
- Downloaded films, podcasts or audiobooks
- Hot chocolate, tea or favourite snacks
- A small torch
- Microfibre towel for wet gear
- Spare batteries or power bank
For families, add child-friendly extras such as stickers, crayons, travel games and a small surprise activity. For pets, keep a drying towel, treats and a waterproof lead close to the door.
Simple Ways to Stay Comfortable in Wet Weather
Comfort matters on a rainy day, especially on a boat. A few small habits can prevent dampness and frustration.
- Manage condensation: Use ventilation, pan lids and regular wiping to keep moisture under control.
- Dry clothes properly: Avoid piling wet coats on beds or seating. Hang items where air can circulate.
- Protect floors: Keep a mat or towel near the entrance to catch mud and rainwater.
- Watch your power: If you are off-grid, balance screen time with low-power activities such as reading and games.
- Keep plans flexible: Heavy rain may be a good reason to stay put, especially if visibility is poor or the towpath is slippery.
Rain is easier to enjoy when the basics are under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rainy day activities ideas for narrowboat holidays?
The best options are compact, relaxing and easy to stop when needed. Reading canal guides, playing card games, journalling, cooking a cosy meal, sorting photos and visiting a nearby pub or museum all work well on a narrowboat holiday.
How can you keep children busy on a rainy day aboard?
Use a mix of activities. Try drawing maps, playing travel games, making paper boats, listening to audiobooks, doing sticker books and setting up a small indoor treasure hunt. Short, varied activities usually work better than one long task.
Is it safe to walk along the towpath in the rain?
It can be safe in light rain if you wear suitable footwear, take your time and avoid slippery edges. Be more cautious near locks, bridges and muddy banks. In heavy rain, strong wind or poor visibility, staying aboard may be the wiser choice.
What should be in a rainy day kit for boaters?
A useful kit might include playing cards, a notebook, puzzle books, craft supplies, downloaded entertainment, snacks, a power bank, a torch and a towel for wet gear. Keep it somewhere easy to reach.
How do you stop a narrowboat feeling damp on rainy days?
Ventilation is important. Open vents where safe, use lids while cooking, wipe down condensation and avoid drying wet clothes on soft furnishings. Keep wet boots and coats close to the entrance and away from bedding.
Rainy days do not have to spoil time on the waterways. With a few practical supplies, flexible plans and a willingness to slow down, wet weather can become part of the charm of narrowboat life.