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We all know how frustrating it can be to plan a relaxing short break or week away, only for the forecast to show nothing but grey skies and showers. When you’re headed to a lovely destination like Wales, it can be even more disheartening – who wants to tramp along soggy beaches and huddle in the car out of the rain instead of exploring the beautiful countryside on foot?

Fortunately, this part of the world also offers plenty of great ways to spend a few hours or even a few days of dull weather – including pampering spas. Here, we highlight some of the best things to do in Wales when it’s raining, so you can still enjoy your time away.

Make the Most of Rainy Days in Wales

When you think of Wales, you probably think of the majesty of Snowdonia or the Brecon Beacons, castles and stunning coastline, or even the attractions of vibrant Cardiff. However, there is plenty more to discover.

While the rain might threaten to dampen your spirits, it’s really an excuse to head inside. Wales boasts lots of interesting museums, galleries, and indoor attractions. It’s also home to some luxurious spas, where you can unwind, indulge, and soak up some much-needed “me” time.

A relaxing spa day or overnight spa break is the perfect standalone treat or a complement to a longer stay.  So, you can make the most of your time here by focusing on wellness and relaxation.

Spa Days & Wellness Retreats in North Wales

We start with a look at some of the best wellness-related things to do in north Wales when it’s raining. North Wales is where you’ll find Snowdonia, Anglesey,  Llandudno and Colwyn Bay. If you’re coming from England, it’s just across the border from Chester and within easy reach of Liverpool.

We might be biased, but we think one of the most enjoyable and relaxing things to do in North Wales in the rain is to treat yourself to a spa day. Here are a few of our favourite venues.

Lion Quays Resort

Located just a couple of miles from the Welsh border, the Lion Quays Resort offers everything you need for a restful spa day. As well as luxurious treatments, its excellent range of facilities includes an extensive thermal suite, swimming pool, Rasul mud chamber, and plenty of relaxation spaces.

If you want to get active, you can head to the well-equipped Technogym for a workout or take a fitness class. Alternatively, the on-site bar and restaurant is the place to go for a quiet drink or delicious meal. There’s so much to enjoy here, you won’t even notice the rain is falling.

Springfield Hotel & Health Club

Head to Holywell near Flint and the River Dee for some restful downtime at the Springfield Hotel & Health Club. Look forward to spending time in the sauna and steam room or even opt for a session in the Rasul mud chamber. You might even want to indulge in a face or body treatment.

Away from the spa, you can enjoy a meal – or an elegant afternoon tea – at the on-site restaurant, then burn off the calories at the gym. If the rain stops, you are on the doorstep of Flint Castle and the pretty Clwydian Range & Dee Valley National Landscape.

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa by Kasia

Just steps from the Welsh border in Pulford, Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa by Kasia offers a tranquil sanctuary to escape the weather – or just to escape the daily routine. Lose yourself in the fantastic spa, with its terrific facilities. As well as pampering treatments and the thermal suite, there is a swimming pool and even a couples’ VIP area with a hydrotherapy bath.

You can also enjoy a drink or bite to eat at the spa eatery or the hotel’s Waterfall Lounge. If the bad weather abates, slip out to enjoy the Asian sensory garden or to explore the area, with Chester and Wrexham both an easy drive away.

Spa Days & Wellness Retreats in South Wales

South Wales is where you will find Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and the Brecon Beacons. This is a popular destination year round, with lots to enjoy, including lovely Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. From England, it’s an easy trip across the River Severn from Bristol.

Our list of wellness-related things to do in South Wales when it’s raining includes some wonderful venues, which are sure to put a smile on your face, even during the heaviest downpour.

voco St. David's Cardiff

Boasting a prime location overlooking Cardiff Bay, a few hours at voco St. David's Cardiff is the perfect anytime treat. It’s also the ideal backdrop to a rainy day spa escape. Take a leisurely swim in the indoor pool and indulge in luxurious Ishga face and body treatments, before making the most of the hydrotherapy jet pool and sauna.

Beyond the spa, the chic hotel has a fully-equipped gym and a welcoming on-site restaurant where you can linger over lunch, dinner or a drink. If you want to brave the elements, Cardiff is a short taxi ride away.

Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa

The rain might have spoiled your day exploring the Pembrokeshire coast, but your disappointment will be quickly forgotten at the Best Western Lamphey Court Hotel & Spa. Retreat to the serene spa for Elemis treatments and to relax in the spa pool, sauna, and steam room. There is also an inviting infinity swimming pool for a few lengths or a snooze on one of the poolside loungers.

In addition to the spa facilities, the hotel has a gym and lounge, with the Georgian Restaurant serving up tasty fare. If the sun makes an appearance, you can relax on the terrace or head a few miles south to the beach.

Delta Hotels by Marriott St. Pierre Country Club

Enjoy a refined spa day at the stunning Delta Hotels by Marriott St. Pierre Country Club near Chepstow. Escape to the peaceful spa to luxuriate in a Decléor treatment or two and unwind in the whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. The hotel also features an indoor swimming pool, gym, and aerobics studio.

Keep the relaxation going at the hotel’s Cast Iron Grill Restaurant or Trophy Bar. When the rain finally stops, head out for a soggy round of golf on one of the hotel’s two courses or take the short drive to the pretty Wye Valley National Landscape.

More Rainy Day Activities in Wales

If the skies simply won’t clear, here are some more things to do in Wales in the rain which are guaranteed to keep you dry and entertained:

National Showcaves Centre for Wales: Escape from the rain deep underground at this impressive 11-mile (17km) network of caves under the Brecon Beacons.

National Cycle Museum: If you’re looking for fun things to do in Mid Wales in the rain, head to Llandrindod Wells to view this interesting collection of bicycles from every era.

Corris Craft Centre: Set in the foothills of Snowdonia, this collection of craft workshops is a wonderful way to spend some time if the weather’s put paid to outdoor pursuits.

The Royal Mint Experience: Llantrisant is home to The Royal Mint, and its visitor centre and museum are among the best things to do indoors in South Wales.

National Museum Cardiff: If you’re enjoying a stay in the Welsh capital, spend a few hours discovering the eclectic exhibits at this large city centre museum.

Oriel MOSTYN Gallery: One of the more interesting things to do in North Wales indoors is to explore the latest artworks on display at this contemporary gallery in Llandudno.

Book your Welsh escape with SpaSeekers

With so much to see and do in South, Mid and North Wales in the rain, you can plan your trip with confidence that you will have a fantastic time here, whatever the weather.

Be sure to include some well-deserved pampering to your itinerary with a day or stay at one of our superb spas in Wales. If you’re a spa newbie, our FAQ articles and treatment guides will fill you in with all you need to know about enjoying a spa day or overnight spa break in Wales.

If you’re still not ready to risk encountering bad weather, we offer a range of flexible spa vouchers. They are valid for 12 months after the redemption date – so you can wait and come to Wales when the forecast promises brighter skies.

Book online today or contact us with any questions. You might also like to browse our latest spa deals in Wales.