Rainy Day Activities in Your Caravan, Campervan or Motorhome

You’ve bought yourself a caravan, campervan or motorhome from Wandahome, and you’re out on a weekend break or away on a holiday. But this being the UK, the weather’s not at its finest and it starts to rain. The downpour goes on and on, preventing you from going out exploring or adventuring. So, what do you do? How do you pass the time? There are only so many times you can reorganise the kitchen cupboards!

Fear not! Surviving a rainy day in your travelling home from home doesn't have to be a washout. With a little creativity you can banish the boredom and it can become one of the most memorable days on your trip. In this new edition of our blog, we’ll check out some of the things that can keep you entertained when those clouds roll in and that rain starts to run down the windows!

Get cosy and chill

Being in a caravan, campervan or motorhome on a rainy day is certainly going to make things cosy – so why not learn to enjoy the feeling this atmosphere creates. The sound of raindrops tip-tapping on the roof can be incredibly soothing, and the sight of rain dripping down the window can become quite mesmerising. Before you know it, you’ll be in quite a relaxed state! Brew up a tea or coffee, grab a blanket and a couple of cushions and simply allow yourself to ‘chill out’, as the saying goes. Use this ‘space’ to read a good book, catch up on your favourite podcast, or even take some time to write about your travel experiences.

The sound of rain can create the perfect gentle environment for some mindfulness and meditation. Centre yourself, do deep breathing exercises or try a guided meditation. There are many meditation apps that offer sessions specifically designed for relaxation and stress relief, making it easy for you to unwind. You could also try some light yoga inside your vehicle, stretching out and releasing any travel tension.

Play games

Board games or card games are timeless favourites - great ways to make the most of some ‘rain stopped play’ time in a confined space. When you’re packing before your trip, make sure you include a selection of your family games before you set off on your journey. Whether it’s a strategic game of chess against your partner, a quick round of Uno or a lengthy Monopoly session with all the family, card games and board games can bring everyone together for hours of entertainment. If you prefer to test your knowledge, try Trivial Pursuit or puzzle books. There are online / digital versions of many games if you haven’t taken along physical versions.

Movie marathon

Most modern caravans, campervans and motorhomes are equipped with TVs, or at least the facility to put a TV in, so a rainy day provides you with the perfect excuse to indulge in a movie marathon. Maybe there’s a TV series everyone’s been talking about that you haven’t yet found the time to binge, or perhaps you have some stalwart family favourite films that you like to watch over and over. Either way, turning a rainy day into a TV day is a great way to beat the blues. Make it extra special by breaking out the popcorn, dimming the lights and setting up a real cinema experience right there in the comfort of your own vehicle.

Cooking or baking

Downtime days provide you with an excellent opportunity to get kitchen creative and try cooking or baking something new. Most caravans, campervans and motorhomes have compact yet well-kitted functional kitchens which are perfect for whipping up something delicious. You could even pick up locally sourced ingredients along your travels or try your hand at comfort foods such as soups and stews, cakes and buns or fresh bread. Baking a batch of biscuits will have the added benefit of filling your vehicle with a fantastic aroma!

Arts and crafts

Rainy days are ideal for unleashing your creative side. Take some art supplies along on trips with you - sketchbooks, paints, pencils or crayons (and even knitting needles or crochet hooks). Draw or paint the rainy landscape outside your window, create a scrapbook of your travels or take some time to knit a new scarf or crochet a blanket. Arts and crafts can be therapeutic and calming and can have a great effect on your mental health.  Plus, if you’re travelling with children, arts and crafts will keep them engaged and occupied for hours.

Audiobooks, radio or music

Create a soothing vehicle ambience by listening to music, radio or audiobooks. If you like stories there are some really engaging audiobooks out there, with dulcet tones telling tales. Great autobiographies read by the author can get you inside someone else’s head for a while – there’s nothing quite like hearing, say, Barack Obama or Bruce Springsteen talk directly to you about their lives.

Listening to the radio can also have that really involving effect. If you happen to be away while there is a Test Match on, listen in to the wonderful presenters on Test Match Special and immerse yourself in a fascinating and addictive game of cricket. If you prefer calming tunes you could create a rainy day playlist on your favourite streaming service. If you’re in a creative mood, why not (Blue Peter style) pull out that guitar you’ve brought along with you and try writing your own songs inspired by the rain!

Rainy days in your caravan, campervan or motorhome really don’t have to – forgive the pun - put a dampener on your time away. In fact, they can offer a proper pause, giving you a welcome break from the speed, hustle and bustle of travel. You’ll have a few hours to relax, properly connect with your travel companions and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Whether you indulge in creative activities or cook up a storm, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of a wet day on the road. Next time the skies open up, stay onboard and open up your head to the possibilities it brings!