Things to do in Cheshire in the rain

Cheshire is a wonderful location in the North West of England which is full of so many wonderful things to see and do. However, while you can think of plenty of ways to pass the time on a warm and sunny day, we are not always blessed with the weather. With school holidays and weekends to consider what do you do when it rains? I wanted to share with you some of the things to do in Cheshire in the rain. Don’t let the British weather spoil your day! Find more Family days out North West here.

Visit a Museum

Cheshire is home to several museums that offer a great indoor experience. These are the perfect things to do when it is raining. Here are some of the best ones to consider.  

Grosvenor Museum

This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and heritage of the city and its surrounding area. It has a Roman section and an extensive art collection. A great museum to pass the time when it is raining. Children are really well thought about at this museum and it’s free!

Check out the website for more details. 

Other notable museums include:

• Cheshire military museum
• Lion Salt Works
• Nantwich museum
• Silk Museum, Macclesfield

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre

This is a hands-on science museum that offers interactive exhibits for all ages. It’s a great place to learn and have fun, even on a wet day. There’s free parking and you pay one and get an annual pass to some back as much as you like in the next 12 months.

Find out more here – Catalyst Museum

Chester Zoo 

This is one of the most popular attractions in Cheshire, and many of its exhibits are indoors. So even if it is raining you should still consider spending some time here enjoying the indoor activities. You can spend hours exploring different animal habitats while staying dry.

Check out the website for more details. 

Jodrell Bank Observatory

There are loads of fun things to do here and the majority are indoors. There is a new permanent exhibition about the history of Jodrell Bank, an opportunity to see their Clockwork Orrery (a working model of the Solar System) in the Planet Pavilion and discover the science exhibition in the Space Pavilion. You can also catch a space show in the space dome. There are some outdoor areas too if the weather isn’t too bad.

Find out more here – Jodrell Bank

Quarry Bank Mill NT

If you are National Trust members then Quarry Bank mill is a great one to visit on a wet day. There are plenty of things you can enjoy on a wet day. There is the mill and the Apprentice house to explore and if the weather isn’t too bad you could enjoy a short walk too.

Check the website for their opening times here – Quarry Bank

Blue Planet Aquarium 

One of the best ways to spend some time indoors and the perfect attraction for a rainy day is the Blue Planet Aquarium. You can see all of the fish and sea life and explore the different areas. This is one of those attractions where the whole family will have a great day.

Check out the website for more details. 

Go Bowling

Enjoy some friendly competition with your family at one of the bowling alleys in Cheshire. There are many to choose from you are likely to find one in most towns or local to where you are. Here are a couple of ones to mention:

• Megabowl in Chester 
• Tenpin in Warrington 

Indoor Play Centers

Cheshire has several indoor play centers that cater to children of different ages. Visiting a soft play area is one of the best things to do when it comes to a rainy day. The indoor play centres usually have a cafe or offer nice food and drinks, so this is a great option to consider, especially for younger children. Here are a few to consider: 

• Zippys Playworld, Cheshire
• Castaway play, Congleton
• Head over heels, Wilmslow
• The play barn, Northwich
• Fun 4 all, Macclesfield and Chester

Try Indoor Climbing

If your family enjoys adventure, you can try indoor climbing. They offer a safe environment for beginners and experienced climbers. This is a great option to consider if you like the idea of doing something with kids of all ages, but especially older ones.

Rope Race Climbing Centre

Based in Marple, this has long been a great location to enjoy indoor climbing. It offers walls for children of all ages and there is something for beginners and the experienced amongst you. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Substation Macclesfield

This is my 10 year old daughter’s favourite rainy day activity. Substation is a fantastic indoor bouldering centre. They have weekend family sessions as well as kids’ clubs after school and in school holidays.

Find out more here – Macclesfield – Substation

Watch a Movie

Visit one of the many cinemas in Cheshire, it’s a classic way to spend a rainy day together. You can enjoy a good film and lots of delicious snacks. There is usually something for everyone. Here are some of the locations to visit but a quick search online will highlight a local cinema to you. 

• Odeon in Northwich 
• Cineworld in Warrington 
• Curzon, Knutsford
• Cinemac, Macclesfield
• Rex Cinema, Wilmslow

Enjoy Indoor Sports

Cheshire has various indoor sports facilities where you can play activities like trampolining, indoor tennis, or badminton. It can be a great way to do something fun and energetic without being outside. Cheshire County Sports Club in Upton-by-Chester has a great selection of indoor sports where you can enjoy lots of fun as a family. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Go swimming

Your local leisure centre is a great place to go on a rainy day.

For Cheshire East, find your nearest here – Everybody Health & Leisure

For Cheshire West, find your nearest here – Brio Leisure

For Warrington, find your nearest here – Livewire

Visit an Indoor Market or Shopping Centre

If you prefer some retail therapy, you can explore indoor markets and shopping centres like: 

New Chester Market 

This is a great market to attend full of lovely stalls but also independent food retailers where you can try different things. Predominantly indoors you can enjoy it so much. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Stockport Market

Another great market full of independent stalls selling food and other products. Mostly indoors this is a great way to pass some time in Stockport. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet 

If you love a bit of retail therapy then why not head here to the designer outlet? Mostly covered walkways and shops to wander in and out of you may be able to pick up a bargain or two. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Escape Rooms

Challenge your family’s problem-solving skills by visiting an escape room. These can be such fun things to do in Cheshire on a rainy day. Cheshire has various escape room venues like: 

Breakout Chester

This is one of the iconic escape rooms and a great way to spend some time when it is raining in Chester. Perfect for older kids in the family. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Code to Exit in Altrincham

Another great option to consider when it comes to an escape room. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Indoor Trampoline Parks

Jumping on trampolines can be a fun and energetic way to spend a rainy day. Check out trampoline parks such as Flip Out Chester This is a full-on trampoline park that has sections suitable for children of all ages. 

Check out the website for more details. 

There is also a trampoline area at fun 4 all (link above in play centres section.

Indoor Ice Skating

Lace-up your skates and hit the ice at an indoor ice rink. Silver Blades Ice Rink in Widnes is probably one of the best ones to go to. A perfect indoor activity and likely to be one that you may not usually consider. Make sure you check out the website for special events including disco sessions. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Pottery Painting

Get creative and paint your own pottery at a pottery painting studio. It’s a relaxing and artistic indoor activity suitable for all ages. Pictura Studios is a great option to consider. There are usually special events that take place during the school holidays. 

Check out the website for more details. 

Indoor Water Parks

If you don’t mind getting wet, you can visit an indoor water park. Enjoy slides, pools, and water play areas regardless of the weather outside. Splash Zone in Warrington is definitely a great one to consider if your kids enjoy a water slide or splash parks. 

Check out the website for more details. 

I hope this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the best things to do in Cheshire when it is raining. There are loads of indoor attractions for families to enjoy in Cheshire. Don’t let the weather ruin your family time.

The ice ream farm Cheshire

Whilst an ice cream farm might not be the most obvious choice for a rainy day, this one has some fantasic indoor play areas as well as all the outdoor fun. There is a soft play area and Europe’s largest indoor sand and water play area.

Find out more here – The Ice Cream Farm

More things to do in Cheshire with kids

If you’re reading this in the summer holidays you need to check out this guide – Things to do in Cheshire summer holidays

If you’re specifically looking for ideas for under 5s then this guide should help you out – Things to do in Cheshire with toddlers

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