As we approach summer, there is understandable eagerness to get the BBQs out and head to the nearest patch of grass for some sunbathing. However, as we Brits know all too well, we must manage our expectations. Unfortunately we are safe in the knowledge that, despite the change in season, we are bound to see our fair share of rain and clouds over the coming months. Here to offer an antidote to the unpredictable weather are some great day-out ideas which will keep you and the family entertained, without a need for an umbrella.

credit: Pixabay

Dover Castle

One of Kent’s most popular historic sites, situated on the Cliffs of Dover themselves, is Dover Castle. This impressive landmark has survived in all its glory for nine centuries, and today the public is free to experience its medieval interiors as they originally were. If you have a full day to fill, the Underground Hospital is well worth a visit too, as it gives visitors an authentic feel for the drama of a wartime hospital. If the castle sounds like your kind of thing in good weather too, the upcoming Great Tower at Night event on May 20^th will let you not only explore the castle, but admire the architecture from outside, as it is enhanced by a light show.

credit: Dover Castle via Facebook

Galleries & Museums

If you find yourself getting bogged down by a rainy day, a visit to a gallery might provide just enough escapism to lift your spirits. The award-winning Turner Contemporary Gallery is open every Tuesday-Sunday with a range of exhibitions to suit every taste, with its current boundary-pushing exhibition ‘Entangled’ coming highly recommended. Part art gallery, part museum, The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge holds enough treasures to keep you entertained for hours. Whilst you’re in Canterbury, we suggest you pop into the Heritage Museum and Roman Museum, too.

Theatres

A trip to the theatre might be something usually reserved for winter evenings, but with Kent’s many theatres currently playing host to some great productions, an afternoon at the theatre this summer is certain to be one well spent. Currently performing at Dartford’s Orchard theatre is the highly-acclaimed ‘Made in Dagenham’, amongst some other great family-friendly options, whilst at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury you can catch everything from comedy and music shows to the West-End produced ‘Funny Girl’.

credit: Orchard Theatre via Facebook

When you can’t even make it outdoors…

If the worst comes to the worst and a rainy dash to the car is out of the question, staying at home doesn’t have to be boring. With online gaming offering a bigger and better range than ever before, there’s an abundance of options out there. If you’re looking to spend some time playing online slots, you’d be intrigued to hear that a number of online casino operators offer free spin promotions as part of their marketing strategy, as we read at Casinouk.com. The website compares these offers and shows you which ones are the most beneficial for new slots players. Plus, if you hit a jackpot there may even be a sunny trip abroad in store!

This might also be a chance to dig out the recipe books and spend the day in the kitchen. Cooking with the kids is a great way to keep them entertained, with the added bonus of being able to eat your day’s work (any culinary disasters averted, that is). Try Jamie Oliver’s basic pizza recipe as a great place to start – your little ones will rejoice at the chance to add their own toppings and customise their pizza pie.

Or, if all else fails, trusty Netflix is sure to have your back. Indulge in your latest TV obsession or, even better, put on that one film you always wanted to watch but never got round to.

The weather doesn’t seem so gloomy after all!