Weymouth and Bournemouth Among Top Three Beaches in the Country to Visit on a Rainy Day

• Bournemouth beach has been crowned the UK’s most rainproof beach by Parkdean Resorts
• Psychologist shares the benefits of embracing a rainy holiday

April holidays have plenty to offer for Brits, whether that’s lighter evenings, warmer temperatures as well as blossoming nature. However, one thing we’re unable to rely on for a UK break is predictable weather as showers tend to appear, dampening a staycation.

The majority of Brits aren’t put off by a spot of rain, though, with over two in three (70%) saying they would persevere with their holiday plans even if heavy rain were forecast, according to a recent study by Parkdean Resorts¹. 

According to Met Office data, it rains between 170 and 180 days per year on average in the UK, meaning we’re likely to see rainfall almost every other day². Despite this, three-quarters (76%) of Brits said they’re planning a staycation this year, whatever the weather. 

In an effort to embrace the reality of less-than-perfect British weather and to help those planning a spring break, the team at Parkdean has created their ‘Rainy Day Index’ – drawing on multiple data sources including Met Office data, geographical information and shelter opportunities to unveil the most rainproof UK beaches to visit. 

Those looking for the most rainproof beach in the UK should consider a holiday to Dorset’s coast – with Bournemouth’s seven miles of coastline scoring the highest in terms of natural shelter and nearby indoor facilities to take cover.

The south coast dominates the top spots, so considering a Devon or Dorset staycation will pay off if you’re hoping for a beach break that’s great no matter the weather. The north coast of Wales also proves to be very sheltered, with two destinations in the top 10. 

The team at Parkdean has partnered with practitioner psychologist Dr Ravi Gill, to highlight the benefits of getting outside, come rain or shine and would encourage Brits to embrace a rainy break. 

Enjoying a rainy holiday is all about mindset, Ravi explains: 

“Unpredictable weather is often the biggest psychological hurdle of a UK holiday, but interestingly, it’s usually not the rain itself that disrupts the experience. It’s the expectation of sunshine.

“A holiday isn’t ruined by rain. It’s shaped by how we respond to it. Let go of perfection: shift your mindset from “Perfect weather” to “Flexible fun” – disappointment often comes from a mismatch between expectation and reality. If we mentally attach the holiday to blue skies, anything else feels like a loss. Instead, frame the trip around experiences rather than weather, using phrases like “we’re going to explore, we’re going to slow down and rest”. 

Ravi suggests that seeing rain as a negative is a learned behaviour, so if you don’t let poor weather dampen your mood, your children are also more likely to follow suit:

“Children, particularly under eight, respond more to adult emotional cues than to the weather itself. If adults signal frustration, children absorb it. If adults frame rain as adventure, it becomes one.”

Often, going on a family holiday in the UK feels like you need to be productive or constantly doing something to “make the most of it”. However, Ravi suggests reframing this mindset to focus on feeling rested and relaxed, particularly if plans change due to weather: 

“We forget rest doesn’t need sunshine. In fact, rain can help slower, indoor moments often allow deeper conversations, board game evenings or afternoon naps – genuine nervous system down-regulation.”

Anthony Reilly, Marketing Director at Parkdean Resorts commented: 

“The Great British weather loves to keep us on our toes, but rain shouldn’t dampen the spirits or limit the range of things you can do on holiday. We’ve made sure our parks are ready for anything, so if it rains, you can keep busy inside with the kids – whether that’s a swim, a round of indoor mini golf, an escape room challenge, exploring the arcades, or enjoying live entertainment. There’s a peace of mind that comes with knowing the fun doesn’t stop if the sun decides to take its own short break.

“Beyond our parks, the UK’s holiday destinations offer plenty to enjoy in any weather, whether it’s scenic coastal walks between showers, cosy cafés or indoor attractions for all the family. Some of the best memories are made in unexpected moments; it’s all about embracing the experience and making the most of time spent with loved ones, come rain or shine.”

To read the full Rainy Day report, or to book a Spring holiday, visit the Parkdean website. 

¹ 500 UK men and 500 women were surveyed using the platform Onepulse on their thoughts about British holidays as well as whether they have a staycation planned for this year.

² https://climatedataportal.metoffice.gov.uk/datasets/TheMetOffice::annual-count-of-10mm-rainfall-days-1991-2020/about