Here in Glasgow we sure do get our fair share of rain, meaning that day out in the park or on a gorgeous outdoor terrace on warmer days goes from dreamy to downpour. If you and your mates were hoping for a day of fun in the city in the sun, only to have your plans scuppered by the wet weather, fear not! So as the seasons have changed and the weather is getting increasingly wetter, we’ve got you covered with a range of rainy day-friendly activities.
1. Tackle an Escape Room
Explore The Lost Tomb at Escape Rooms Scotland where the tomb has been sealed for thousands of years and you, along with an elite group of archaeologists, have been invited to evaluate the findings. Once inside, you will be amazed by what you see but one wrong move can set off a chain reaction of creaks and cracks before the doorway comes crashing down and you’re stuck inside. This escape room is perfect for beginners and a rainy day and will provide lots of fun for everybody, as the non-linear narrative puts the pressure on and everybody must be on the hunt to solve the puzzle. Can you and your team (2 to 6 players) beat the 36-minute record? Discover our guide to the best escape rooms in Glasgow here.
2. Visit these Glasgow museums and galleries
From football to the arts, architecture to design, Glasgow’s museums and galleries proudly showcase the rich heritage of the city and its inhabitants. Check out our list below to find the museum or gallery that tickles your fancy.
3. Splash around at an indoor water park
Water parks can provide an engaging activity for a rainy day, suitable for pretty much anyone not allergic to chlorine. A traditional indoor water park will make you feel like it’s proper summer with all the slides and swimming, splashing the day away like you’re on holiday. Check out our guide to the best water parks in Glasgow, and head to the ones indoors.
4. Go axe-throwing at Hatchet Harry’s
Perfect for a mate date, axe throwing is an immensely satisfying and surprisingly social activity that gives you the chance to embrace your inner Viking. Experienced throwing instructors will get you throwing like a pro in no time. Then once you’ve got the hang of it they’ll take you and your group through a tournament until the king or queen of axes is crowned. Book your session here.
5. Go to the cinema
Need to hide away from the rain for a little while? Nothing beats a classic day out at the cinema – and Glasgow has some seriously cool spots to catch a movie. From the uber-cosy Everyman that’s decked out with plush sofas and offers bar-to-sofa service, to the more mainstream Vue cinema – there’s a cinema for everyone. Check out our guide to the best independent cinemas in Glasgow.
6. Munch on unbelievable dishes at this Glasgow food hall
Big Feed has a humungous selection of the best street food in Glasgow. In fact, it’s the biggest indoor street food market in the whole of bonnie Scotland, a perfect alternative for when the rain spoils your outdoor plans. So, there’s plenty of grub to sink your teeth into. Running every weekend, it’s a great spot to gorge out on some excellent local food. But, as well as the food, there’s face-painting, board games, DJs, pints on tap, plenty of seating and so much more.
7. Get bowled over by this incredible bowling lane in a hotel
One of the latest hotels to open in the city, YOTEL Glasgow, on Argyle Street is home to a bowling alley which is open from July 28 onwards. Named after one of the brightest stars in the universe, Vega boasts a rooftop bar with views of the city and an interior inspired by Glasgow’s music scene and British pop culture with a ‘space-age’ vibe. Hide away from the rain and bowl with your mates on one of their neon-lit lanes. Book your bowling night here.
8. Sip on cocktails under one of these cosy and covered terraces
We all know the Glasgow weather isn’t great at the best of times but that’s not going to stop us from leaving the house. We may be made of strong stuff around here but we ideally don’t want the weather to cause a literal dampener on our alfresco dining experiences, and luckily there are some bars and restaurants in the city that are here to save the day. With some strong weather brewing (if it hasn’t already arrived), check out our pick of the best covered outdoor terraces to enjoy.
9. Have some adult-only fun at Fayre Play
Glasgow’s popular crazy golf venue Fore Play no longer exists, and has been replaced with Scotland’s first adult-only fairground with games experiences, Fayre Play. The venue hosts a carnival spot for adults to enjoy childish fun with some imaginative cocktails. Located at Kinning Park, Fayre Play invites visitors to indulge in some classic competitive favourites, especially with all the rain, with a Glasgweigian twist, such as Bulls AYE, Slam Drunk and Lucky Tosser. Let’s go!
10. Have a ping pong party at Hillhead Bookclub
Hillhead Bookclub has long attracted in-the-know Glaswegians when the sun decides to hide away for a while and is tucked away up in Hillhead where you can truly escape the dreadful weather. Walk in and be greeted with a welcoming bar surrounded by comfy, socially-laid out seats – where you can kick back and relax, before heading to your ping pong table and play til your heart’s content. You can also enjoy a satisfying brunch, or for something lighter a cup of soup and toastie, in between games to fuel your competitive streak, in case you needed more encouragement. They also host a monthly Ladyballs Bingo night where weegies can enjoy drag and a game of bingo.
11. Try out some of the best restaurants in Glasgow
We love Glasgow, and we adore the food it has to offer. From locally sourced Scottish dishes made with seasonal produce to pretty much any cuisine worldwide, Scotland’s biggest city has it all. Grab a smashing pizza at Nonna Said or indulge in a juicy steak at the best steakhouse in the country, sit by the window and watch the world go by as the rain is washing away. So, just give our list of the best restaurants in Glasgow a peek and pick what you fancy the most.