Rain is part of life on the waterways. Some days it is a light drizzle that makes the canal look calm and atmospheric. Other days it is the sort of steady downpour that encourages you to stay close to the stove, put the kettle on and rethink your plans.
The good news is that rainy days do not have to feel wasted. With a little preparation, they can become useful, restful or quietly enjoyable. Whether you live aboard full time, cruise at weekends or are planning a hire boat holiday, these rainy day activities can help you make the most of wet weather without feeling trapped indoors.
Make the Cabin Cosy Before You Settle In
Before diving into hobbies or jobs, take a few minutes to make the boat comfortable. Rainy days often feel better when the cabin is warm, dry and organised.
Start by checking where wet coats, boots and umbrellas will go. A narrowboat can quickly feel damp if waterproofs are draped over seats or left in walkways. If you have a covered cratch or stern area, use it for dripping gear where possible. If not, hang items near ventilation and avoid blocking air flow.
Small comforts can make a big difference. Put a blanket within reach, dry the windowsills, light the stove if it is safe and appropriate, and choose gentle lighting if the day is gloomy. A tidy saloon instantly feels more inviting.
- Keep a dedicated wet weather bag for waterproofs and spare socks.
- Use absorbent mats near entrances to reduce muddy footprints.
- Open vents where possible to help manage condensation.
- Wipe window frames and metal surfaces before moisture builds up.
Once the space feels calm and dry, the rain becomes less of an inconvenience and more of a reason to slow down.
Plan Your Next Canal Route
A rainy day is ideal for route planning. Instead of trying to make decisions while approaching a junction or lock flight, use the time indoors to look ahead properly.
Check maps, navigation apps, stoppage notices and mooring options. Think about how far you want to travel each day and whether you need facilities such as water points, refuse disposal, pump-out stations, elsan points, shops or fuel boats.
It is also worth noting places that might be enjoyable once the weather improves. Mark waterside pubs, nature reserves, market towns, museums, walking routes and useful public transport links. This gives you options if plans change.
Useful route planning tasks
- Identify the next sensible turning point or winding hole.
- Check for lock flights and decide whether to tackle them in better weather.
- Look for visitor moorings near shops or attractions.
- Review water and waste points before tanks become urgent.
- Make a backup plan in case towpaths are muddy or moorings are full.
Planning does not remove the spontaneity of boating. It simply gives you a clearer picture, which can make cruising more relaxed when the rain stops.
Tackle Small Boat Jobs
Not every maintenance task is suitable for a wet day, but many small cabin jobs are perfect rainy day activities. These are the jobs that often get postponed when the sun is shining and the towpath is calling.
Choose tasks that are safe, tidy and realistic in a confined space. Avoid anything that needs strong ventilation if the weather means you cannot open doors or windows properly. Painting, varnishing and solvent-based jobs are usually better saved for dry, well-ventilated days.
Instead, focus on simple checks and improvements. Clean cupboard corners, sort under-seat storage, tighten loose handles, descale the kettle, check torch batteries or inspect your first aid kit. These jobs may not be glamorous, but they make life aboard smoother.
- Organise tools so you can find essentials quickly.
- Check ropes for wear and untangle any knots.
- Sort spare fuses, bulbs, batteries and chargers.
- Clean around window channels and vents.
- Review expiry dates on food, medicines and safety items.
If you keep a boat jobs notebook, rainy days are a good time to update it. Divide tasks into quick jobs, dry weather jobs, shopping list items and professional help needed. This keeps maintenance manageable rather than overwhelming.
Cook Something Slow and Comforting
Wet weather and comforting food go well together. If you are staying put for a few hours, use the time to cook something that benefits from slow simmering or gentle preparation.
Narrowboat kitchens vary in size, so choose meals that suit your galley and fuel setup. One-pot meals are especially useful because they reduce washing up and make the cabin smell inviting.
Good rainy day meals aboard
- Vegetable soup with crusty bread.
- Chilli, curry or stew cooked in one pan.
- Jacket potatoes with simple toppings.
- Pasta bake or macaroni cheese if you have an oven.
- Porridge, pancakes or a cooked breakfast for a slow morning.
Rainy days are also useful for checking food stores. Make a note of what needs using soon and plan meals around it. This reduces waste and helps avoid unnecessary trips to the shops in poor weather.
Keep ventilation in mind when cooking, especially on cold damp days. Steam can add to condensation, so use lids on pans, run an extractor if you have one and wipe surfaces afterwards.
Enjoy Creative Hobbies in a Small Space
A narrowboat is well suited to compact hobbies. Rain tapping on the roof can provide a peaceful backdrop for creative activities, especially when cruising is off the agenda.
The best boat-friendly hobbies are easy to pack away, do not need lots of equipment and will not roll everywhere if the boat moves. A small storage box can hold everything you need.
- Sketching canal scenes from the window.
- Watercolour painting with a compact travel set.
- Knitting, crochet or simple sewing repairs.
- Journalling, poetry or travel writing.
- Photography editing and organising.
- Learning a few chords on a small instrument.
If you enjoy crafts, rainy days can also be practical. Mend a loose button, patch a cushion cover, make draught excluders or create labels for storage boxes. These small creative jobs can improve the boat as well as pass the time.
For families, keep a rainy day box with colouring pencils, playing cards, puzzle books, child-safe scissors, glue sticks and paper. Avoid glitter unless you are happy to find it in the cabin for weeks.
Read, Listen and Learn
Rain gives you permission to slow down. Reading is one of the simplest rainy day activities, and it suits the rhythm of canal life beautifully.
Keep a small shelf or e-reader stocked with options for different moods. Guidebooks, canal history, nature writing, novels and practical boating manuals all have their place. If your storage is limited, use libraries, book swaps and charity shops along your route.
Audio is another excellent option. Download podcasts, audiobooks or music when you have reliable internet, rather than relying on signal during bad weather. Headphones are useful in a small space if other people aboard want quiet.
Learning ideas for wet days
- Brush up on knots and rope handling.
- Learn basic engine terminology.
- Study canal signs, lock etiquette and navigation rules.
- Practise identifying common waterside birds.
- Research the history of the canal you are travelling.
A rainy afternoon spent learning can make future cruising safer and more interesting.
Play Games Without Taking Over the Boat
Games are ideal when rain lasts all day, but space matters. Choose games that do not need a large table or hundreds of pieces.
Playing cards are hard to beat. They take up almost no room and work for solo games, pairs or groups. Compact travel versions of classic games are also useful, especially if they have magnetic pieces.
- Card games such as rummy, whist or patience.
- Travel chess, draughts or backgammon.
- Word games and quiz cards.
- Small jigsaws on a tray or roll-up mat.
- Notebook games such as hangman, battleships or dots and boxes.
If you are cruising with children, rotate games rather than keeping everything out at once. On a boat, clutter builds quickly, and small pieces can disappear under seats with impressive speed.
Explore Local Indoor Attractions
Staying aboard is not the only option. If you are moored near a village, town or city, wet weather can be a good excuse to explore indoor attractions.
Before heading out, check opening times and walking routes. Towpaths can become slippery, so wear suitable footwear and take care when stepping on and off the boat. A small waterproof backpack is useful for phones, wallets and any shopping.
Indoor places to look for
- Canal museums and heritage centres.
- Local history museums.
- Libraries and community spaces.
- Independent cinemas or theatres.
- Swimming pools and leisure centres.
- Cafés where wet coats are welcome.
Wet days can be a lovely way to discover places you might otherwise cruise past. If you are near public transport, consider a short bus or train trip to a nearby town, then return when the weather improves.
Go for a Short Wet Weather Walk
Sometimes the best cure for cabin fever is a short walk, even in the rain. You do not need to march for miles. A gentle wander to the next bridge, village shop or viewpoint can lift your mood and help the boat feel more spacious when you return.
Dress properly and keep expectations realistic. Waterproof trousers, a decent coat and dry socks can make all the difference. Avoid muddy slopes, fast-flowing water edges and poorly lit towpaths. If visibility is poor, wear something bright.
After returning, deal with wet kit straight away. Hang coats where they can dry, remove muddy boots near the door and make a hot drink. This simple routine stops the damp spreading through the cabin.
Prepare for Better Weather
Rainy days are a good time to get ready for the next spell of sunshine. That might mean charging devices, cleaning windows, planning a walk, checking camera batteries or setting aside picnic supplies.
If you have outdoor jobs waiting, list what you need and put tools together. When the weather clears, you can get started without searching through lockers.
- Charge power banks, torches and phones.
- Refill water bottles ready for walking or locking.
- Prepare a day bag with snacks, waterproofs and a map.
- Clean binoculars or camera lenses.
- Check mooring pins, chains and windlasses are easy to reach.
This approach turns wet weather into useful preparation time. It also helps you take advantage of dry spells, which can be brief and worth making the most of.
Keep Safety in Mind on Rainy Days
Rain changes conditions quickly around a boat. Decks, gunwales, lock sides and towpaths can become slippery. Take extra care when moving outside, especially when carrying coal, gas bottles, shopping or water containers.
If you plan to cruise in rain, consider whether it is necessary and sensible. Light rain is often manageable, but heavy rain, poor visibility or strong wind can make boating tiring and less safe. There is no shame in staying put if conditions feel unpleasant.
Inside the boat, think about condensation, heating and ventilation. Never block fixed vents. If using a stove, follow the manufacturer guidance, keep combustibles away and make sure alarms are working. Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are essential safety equipment, not optional extras.
Rainy days are also a good moment to check your mooring. Look at ropes, water levels and bank conditions. If you are on pins, make sure they remain secure in soft ground. Adjust ropes if changing water levels are likely to affect the boat.
Simple Rainy Day Kit to Keep Aboard
A little preparation makes wet days much easier. You do not need to carry endless equipment, but a few well-chosen items can improve comfort and reduce frustration.
- Waterproof outerwear: coats, trousers and gloves suitable for locks and towpaths.
- Dry bags: useful for phones, documents, maps and spare clothes.
- Microfibre towels: handy for wiping windows, pets, boots and surfaces.
- Indoor entertainment: cards, books, puzzles and downloaded audio.
- Basic repair supplies: tape, string, sewing kit, spare batteries and a small toolkit.
- Comfort food staples: soup ingredients, pasta, rice, tea, coffee and hot chocolate.
Store rainy day items where you can reach them easily. A waterproof coat hidden under three storage boxes is not much help when the heavens open.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rainy day activities on a narrowboat?
The best options are activities that suit a small space and do not create too much mess. Route planning, reading, cooking, card games, compact crafts, boat organisation and small maintenance checks are all practical choices.
Is it safe to cruise a narrowboat in the rain?
It can be safe in light rain if visibility is good and conditions are calm, but it depends on your confidence, the route and the weather. Heavy rain, strong wind, poor visibility and slippery lock sides can make cruising harder. If in doubt, wait.
How do you stop a narrowboat feeling damp on wet days?
Manage wet clothing quickly, keep ventilation open, use lids when cooking, wipe condensation from windows and avoid drying too many soaked items inside at once. Good airflow is important, even when it is cold.
What can children do on a canal boat when it rains?
Good options include colouring, card games, travel board games, puzzle books, simple baking, wildlife spotting from the window and listening to stories. Keep activities compact and store them in an easy-to-reach rainy day box.
What should I wear for a rainy towpath walk?
Wear a waterproof coat, suitable footwear with grip and layers that dry reasonably quickly. Waterproof trousers are useful in heavy rain. Bright clothing helps visibility, especially on dull afternoons or near road crossings.
Make Wet Weather Part of the Rhythm
Rainy days on the canal do not have to be dull. They can be a chance to rest, plan, cook, organise, learn or explore somewhere indoors. With a few reliable rainy day activities ready to go, wet weather becomes less of a problem and more of a natural pause in the journey.
Keep things simple, stay safe around slippery surfaces and make the cabin as warm and dry as you can. When the clouds lift, you will be better prepared to enjoy the towpath, the locks and the open water again.