Outdoor activities worth a day out in the rain?

[deplorabelle]

We have a rare day booked off during half term and heavy rain is forecast. DCs are 11 and 15, and I have been shielding so we don't want to go into an indoor space of any kind.

Is there anything we can do which might be slightly sheltered from the weather but isn't indoors? So far I can only think of trainspotting under a station platform canopy which isn't really much of a pull for anyone teenagers.

Alternatively, we could put on waterproofs and go regardless on a walk or open air monument. But it would need to be a bit more interesting than the walks we do routinely just for exercise, so is there somewhere really good we could head for?

In normal times we like museums, city trips, transport, bookshops etc.

We are in the Berks/Oxon area and would need to get there and back in the day

... may not be your thing but an hour or two of paintball?

That is a good thought. It's not really our thing but it's a really good idea for people less nerdy and uncompetitive than us!!

Go Ape?

It would need waterproofs, but how about Beale Park? At least then there's lots to look at while you get wet, and it'll be easy to keep distances

Beale Park is a good shout. I think DH wouldn't cope with Go Ape but it's another great idea thank you

Could you do a safari park? It’s not outside but it’s a perfect wet weather activity for those whose are shielding!

Its a pity you are not up North, Just outside Chester, scroll down to Manley Mere
www.donthibernate.co.uk/winter-trip-helsby-manley-mere-just-off-the-m56/
Nothing like it in your area?
Fishing??
We go Crab fishing but we are not too far from the sea, one place we go to has a very nice basic cafe that sells Egg and Chips etc, its great when its pouring being inside with good basic food.

We also root out Waterfalls when the weather is bad as they can be spectacular
www.donthibernate.co.uk/winter-trip-helsby-manley-mere-just-off-the-m56/

Waterfall visiting is an awesome idea thank you. Sadly we are about as far away from the sea as it's possible to get or I would be there any and every day.

Manley Mere looks wonderful too funf. I would love to do kayaking or something but my DH is from wimpy nesh Southern stock and would consider it too cold

Why not get a Treasure Trails for a local place near you. Gives a walk a bit more purpose. Some of the questions are bloody challenging too and me and DH have always enjoyed doing them.

Open air museums, ruins or castles, um...is there such a thing as outdoor go-carting? Horse-riding?

Failing that, a dense forest for a walk so you're protected from some of the rain (hot food in flasks for a warm picnic / snack?)

I’ve done Go Ape in the pouring rain and it was absolutely brilliant. Once you accept you’ll get wet and embrace it then it’s such good fun.

We pretty much had the course to ourselves as no one else wanted to be out in the rain and then was lovey to get warm and dry with hot chocolates after. Would recommend

Do you think your DC are to old for geocashing? We have done it a few times now just to keep DC entertained. www.geocaching.com

@CMOTDibbler

It would need waterproofs, but how about Beale Park? At least then there's lots to look at while you get wet, and it'll be easy to keep distances

Beale park is a great idea, we love it there.

Any lakes etc?
We did a speed boat ride here it was fantastic
www.liverpoolwatersports.org.uk/activities/powerboating

DH could hold the coats etc whilst you all go, get wrapped up wet suit on you will be fine

Where is that outdoor museum with the recreated houses, I think that is near you somewhere?

Ah, Chichester, so not that near you. www.wealddown.co.uk/

[quote reefedsail]Ah, Chichester, so not that near you. www.wealddown.co.uk/[/quote]
Thank you reefedsail, I’ve just booked tickets because of your post!

Hope you find somewhere good OP.

Zoo?

As an aside, @ThroughThickAndThin01and @reefedsail, the Weald and Downland Museum is where “The Repair Shop” is filmed.

@Funf

DH could hold the coats etc whilst you all go, get wrapped up wet suit on you will be fine

Hahaha brilliant idea. Don't let him hold you all back!

How about Geocashing. I know nothing about it but I know people love it.
Or metal detecting/magnet fishing.

@reefedsail

Where is that outdoor museum with the recreated houses, I think that is near you somewhere?

Blists mill? Black Country museum? Avoncroft?

Chiltern Open Air Museum?