10 Things to Do in the Cotswolds When it Rains

Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for being the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill. The palace was built between 1705 and 1722, and its history extends far beyond Winston Churchill's life. Blenheim Palace is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and features stunning tapestries, gilded rooms and ornate furnishings from throughout the palace's history.

During your visit, tour the exquisitely decorated Palace State Rooms with the help of an audio guide. You can explore the living quarters of both the Marlborough family and the servants who lived below. Blenheim Palace also has multiple exhibits dedicated to Winston Churchill, exhibitions on everything from wars to the stables and even a fire engine!

Oxford Castle and Penitentiary has a long and fascinating history, from being built in the time of William the Conqueror to serving as a penitentiary for over 200 years. This partially ruined medieval castle is located in Oxford, only an hour train ride from London.

When you spend your day at Oxford Castle and Penitentiary, come prepared to cover a lot of ground. Climb 101 steps to the top of St. Georges Tower for incredible views of Oxford, then descend all the way underground to explore the crypt by candlelight. You can learn about the history of both the castle and see 17th-century penitentiary cells on one of the many guided tours. The castle even offers a prison-break escape room!

Gloucester Cathedral is arguably one of the most breathtaking buildings you will see on your trip. Located in the heart of Gloucester, the cathedral has been used for worship since 679 AD. Take in the remarkable structure, then check out the tours and exhibits to learn about its history.

During your visit, climb to the top of the tower to see 360-degree views of the cathedral and the surrounding city. Then head to the Tribune Gallery where you can learn about the cathedral's history and architecture through interactive exhibits. Gloucester Cathedral also offers a Discovery Guide with the best activities for families.

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection houses an impressive number of automobiles, motorbikes, toys and trailers from every trend in motoring during the 20th century. You are bound to run into a few nostalgic pieces to remind you of your own favorite vehicles.

As you enter each exhibit, you'll feel like you're stepping back in time. You can wander around a blacksmith shop from the days of the first automobiles or explore the Paved Paradise exhibit to learn about some 'groovy' automobiles from the 1960s and 70s. The toy collection will also take you on a walk down memory lane with classics and old favorites that visitors of every age are sure to love.

Sudeley Castle is one of the best surviving Tudor castles open to visitors. Nestled in the Cotswold Hills, Sudeley Castle has played a part in many important events throughout Britain's history but was most notably tied to Henry VIII and his wives.

When you arrive at Sudeley Castle, you will be struck by how beautiful the castle and surrounding lands are. In fact, when the weather allows, there are ten gardens to visit on the property. Inside, you can walk through the castle rooms to learn about the famous inhabitants who lived there. There are also exhibitions that cover the castle's history from the 15th century through the Tudors and up to the present day.

The Everyman Theater is a great spot for after-dinner entertainment. The theater is located on Regent Street in the center of Cheltenham. Since its opening in 1891, Everyman Theater has hosted a variety of performances from ballet, opera, comedy, dramas, musical performances and more. They even have traditional family pantomime shows.

Everyman Theater has two performance spaces - the large auditorium, which can seat 670 guests, and the smaller Irving Studio Theater for more intimate performances. Make it a full night out and book reservations at the cafe, lounge, or restaurant for a bite to eat before the show. Everyman Theatre's schedule is constantly changing with touring performances, so check their schedule before your visit.

At the Clearwell Caves, you can explore nine mining caverns filled with exciting discoveries. They are easy to reach, located just 1.5 miles south of Coleford in Gloucestershire. The Clearwell Caves have been mined for iron ore for thousands of years and are still used by Freeminers today. As you walk the caverns, you'll find fun exhibits such as the Skeleton Pool, Pitch Theater Chamber and Children at Work.

If you're feeling even more adventurous, Clearwell Caves offers a few semi-deep and deep-level caving adventures throughout the year. These are not always available, so check the schedule before visiting.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railroad operates a heritage railroad with steam and diesel trains through the Cotswolds. The train runs 28 miles through Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, offering spectacular views of some of the Cotswolds' best scenery, including quaint villages and the Malvern Hills. This is a great way to enjoy large stretches of Cotswolds' famous views in a short amount of time.

If you ride the full line, you can hop on and off at the six different stations and continue on any train that day. Tickets are also available for half or parts of the line if you're short on time.

Chastleton House gives visitors a glimpse into what country life was like for families over almost 400 years. Located in Chastleton, Oxfordshire, Chastleton House was built in the early 1600s and was owned by the same family until 1991. Since then, the National Trust has restored the house and gardens to their original glory.

Inside the house, the rooms are almost exactly as Irene Whitmore Jones, the last private owner of the house, left them. You'll also view the art collection, including 2 Crystoleums, and learn about the house's restoration and preservation. On days with better weather, you can stroll through the stunning gardens, just as the original inhabitants would have.

Cotswolds Distillery uses traditional methods and equipment to craft the finest whiskeys and gins. This rural distillery is located in Stourton and has shops in both Bourton-on-the-Water and Broadway. The distillery is the perfect rainy-day activity while you're in the Cotswolds. Hide from the weather while taking a masterclass or participating in a tasting. Cotswolds Distillery also offers tours where you can learn how they've perfected their single malt whiskeys and dry gin.

After visiting the distillery, stop by the Still House Cafe to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Then, grab a bottle on your way out to take home. Cotswolds Distillery uses some of its profits to help protect the beautiful Cotswolds landscape.