What to do on a rainy day

After a summer in which we’ve been spoilt with weeks of hot, sunny days, it might feel like quite a shock as autumn and winter set in. But even if the clouds are bursting, there is enough to keep us entertained both indoors and out.

Go swimming

If you want to get some exercise but are put off by the idea of going for a stroll with an umbrella, why not go to the pool? 30 minutes is all you need for a decent, all-over-body workout. You can go at your own pace, stretch and strengthen those muscles, burn calories and it’s also a great way to relieve stress.

Gaming

Escape your dreary confines and head somewhere exotic, mystical or visit your very own gaming palace. Video games can take you back or forward in time, to countries across the world and keep the mind active through an array of challenges, but if you fancy something a bit more daring, you can be sure there’s a whole host of games online to keep your mind off the rain. Players can enjoy movie-inspired Jumanji, explore Egypt in Book of Ra, or stick to classics like Poker.

Baking

There’s a lot to inspire would-be bakers on and off the screen, with easy-to-make online recipes and scientific and technique-focused cookbooks galore. Whether it’s a mille-feuille from scratch or simple but delicious flapjacks that can be made with the kids, there are hundreds and thousands of treats that will make your home smell heavenly on a rainy day. There are online baking courses as well as blogs sharing alternative recipes for gluten or dairy-free cakes and, as the festive season is approaching, perhaps it’s time to make that Christmas pud!

Indoor markets

London is full of indoor markets, some sweeping, others more intimate, where independent sellers can display their wares and shoppers can find a real bargain. The bustling Wood Street Indoor Market in Walthamstow, open Tuesday to Saturday and every first Sunday of the month, offers everything under one roof, including food stalls, antiques and curiosities, art, vintage clothes and toys, so you could easily spend all day there exploring, buying or visiting the art galleries. For foodies, there’s Borough Market of course, and then there is Marylebone’s Alfie’s Antiques Market, which has five floors showcasing 75 specialist dealers as well as a roof-top café with panoramic views – but taking a coffee break up there might depend on how stalwart you’re feeling.

The editorial unit