Five ways to enjoy the rain
If we want to enjoy the glittering, green serenity of the great British countryside, we have to accept the rain that it depends on. But do not despair! Tiffany Francis investigates five of the best places to not only tolerate the rain, but enjoy it.
1. Boat Trips to Seal Island, St Ives
Cornwall is the home of sunny, seaside holidays and glorious beaches, but there is still plenty to enjoy in wet weather. Why not take a boat trip to Seal Island near Zennor, and visit the lolloping colony of seals? They thrive in rainy weather, basking in the drizzle like sheep in the sun, and you can watch them from the comfort of a cosy boat, complete with weatherproof canopy and a hot cup of tea.
2. Land Rover Experience, Devon
For those who thrive on mud, dirt and speed, the Land Rover Experience West Country allows visitors to drive over the most challenging and beautiful stretches of East Devon terrain, accompanied by a world-class instructor. The city can be a constricting place with regards to motoring, so escape to the country for the day in one of these powerful and durable vehicles. And of course, any chance of rain will only deem the adventure more thrilling!
www.westcountry.landroverexperience.co.uk
3. Welly Boot Land, WWT Slimbridge
It’s not just the vibrant flocks of waterfowl that enjoy the quintessentially British drizzle. Welly Boot Land is an outdoor playground with a channel of water running straight through it, where children can experiment with dams and sluice gates, and make water rise with the power of the magic roundabout! With bridges, slides and climbing frames, children won’t even notice the rain as they play and explore the rest of the beautiful nature reserve. Along with ducks, geese and other waterbirds, look out for otters, water voles and harvest mice.
4. Fishing in the River Wye, Derbyshire
Sitting for hours in the pouring rain may not seem like a treat, but throw in a cosy tent, warm jumper and a pot of English breakfast tea on the gas burner, and you may be surprised. Rain is beneficial to fishing, as the raindrops break up the surface of the water, reducing bright light filtering through and bringing fish closer to the surface. It also washes food and nutrients into the water, so you’ll be faced with a magnificent piscine feast ready to be devoured! Monsal Head in the Peak District, Derbyshire has been classed as one of the finest angling spots by The Guardian.
www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2006/dec/02/top10.fishing.ireland
5. Bog Snorkelling, Wales
The world is a weird and wonderful place, and one cannot appreciate this more than at the annual Bog Snorkelling championships in Wales. Competitors complete two consecutive lengths of a 55m water-filled trench cut through a peat bog, dressed in snorkels, flippers and wetsuits and forbidden to attempt any conventional swimming strokes on their rather damp journey. Jolly fun.
