The Malverns have their own dramatic beauty in the rain, when the mist hangs low in the valleys. But, since the sun has taken an extended holiday from the UK this summer, there are lots of rainy days to fill. Thankfully there’s no need to be cooped up inside in The Malverns as there’s plenty to do that will keep you dry and little ones entertained. Have a crack at some new craft activities, see a show at the theatre, immerse yourself in our bookshops or play around at the pool. These are the top family rainy day activity ideas in The Malverns…

Pottery and Pottery Painting

Rain pattering on the windows, a cosy pottery studio and a couple of hours practicing your artistic skills – what could be more relaxing? Head to Green Frog Pottery in Barnards Green to paint your perfect pot – and they even do at home kits if venturing out in the rain is just too unappealing.

Or join Eastnor Pottery and create your own masterpiece as they offer hands on clay modelling classes as well as full on potters wheel experiences.

Green Frog Pottery

Puddles on The Malvern Hills

Like moths to a flame little feet just have to splash in puddles. Put your waterproofs on and venture up The Malvern Hills – or to one of our other parks and green spaces if the hills are too stormy.

And what’s puddle splashing without the correct equipment? Stop buy To Boot in Great Malvern to stock up on this summers must have item – wellies.

Children’s Shoe Shops

Bookshops, Libraries and Coffee Shops

The Malverns is blessed with plenty of bookshops to browse on a rainy day. In Great Malvern try The Malvern Bookshop with a labyrinth of second hand books across two rooms, Malvern Book Co-operative has a great selection of new releases as well as its own coffee stop and Rossiter Books offers a selection of well chosen titles, kids books and readers accessories. In Malvern Link St Richards Hospice has a dedicated charity bookshop with a curated selection of old and new titles and stop in at Henry’s Cafe, Book Shop and Antiques in Upton upon Severn for antique books.

After you’ve made your selection hunker down in one of our excellent coffee shops for a cosy afternoon reading. Great Malvern, Tenbury Wells and Upton upon Severn also have libraries that are friendly, well stocked and, most importantly, dry.

Book Shops

Shopper entering Malvern Book Co-operative store

See a Show or Film

Malvern Theatres in Great Malvern has plenty of performances to help you forget about the weather. With both matinees on the stage and special daytime relaxed showings on screen it provides the perfect place to shelter.

The Regal in Tenbury Wells shows all the Hollywood new releases and hosts a weekly arts club for creative kids. Take advantage of their summer holiday film deal where one child goes free for every paying adult.

Malvern Theatres

Visit Malvern Splash or Tenbury Swimming Pool

If you can’t beat ’em , join ’em! Give in to the rain and get wet on purpose at one of our fantastic leisure complexes. Great Malvern Splash has been recently refurbished and includes a fantastic waterslide, beach area and water toys.

Tenbury Swimming Pool has plenty of family swim sessions as well as exercise classes and lane swimming. Swimming has been shown to be one of the most affordable family activities and has plenty of health benefits to boot.

Creative Workshops at The Fold

The Fold is an organic farm that hosts creative workshops, arts markets, artist studios and classes. Some examples of family workshops include ‘make your own fairy door’ and paper making with flowers and textiles.

Their covered arts market takes place on the first Sunday of every month and has a great selection of stalls as well as food and drink; rain or shine.

If the weather takes a turn for the better, take one of their nature trails, if not shelter in their lovely café.

The Fold

Visit a Museum, Church or Historic Building

Great Malvern, Upton upon Severn and Tenbury Wells all have local museums. Great Malvern Museum is holding a series of ‘Open the Case’ sessions this summer where museum officers will hold talks on items provide opportunities for close up viewings. Tenbury Wells Museum is free and is a great starting point if you want to take the Hidden Tenbury Trail. Upton’s Tudor House Museum has three floors of exhibits, a children’s mouse trail and art table.