Rainy day & indoor activities in Scotland

Step out of the rain and into a world of discovery at one of Scotland’s fascinating museums and galleries. Take a closer look at the incredible exhibits, from the Lewis chess pieces to the ground-breaking cloning experiment, Dolly the Sheep, at the National Museum of Scotland. In Glasgow, gaze at astonishing paintings by Rembrandt and Van Gogh, alongside a WWII Spitfire at Kelvingrove. Smaller museums bring to life intriguing stories. Trace the life and victories of the Formula One champion at the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns or uncover Scotland’s industrial heritage, from the Museum of Lead Mining in Wanlockhead to Verdant Works in Dundee.

Explore Scotland's museums and galleries

Step aboard and discover the stories behind Scotland’s most historic vessels, the voyages they made around the world and the crews who sailed them. Peek inside the cabin where Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott slept aboard RRS Discovery in Dundee. In Edinburgh, stroll the decks of The Royal Yacht Britannia, and see the pristine state rooms where Queen Elizabeth II entertained world leaders from Sir Winston Churchill to Nelson Mandela. Or board Glasgow’s Tall Ship Glenlee, the UK’s only Clyde-built steel sailing ship still afloat, which circumnavigated the globe four times.

Discover Scotland's historic ships and boats

If you can’t beat the rain, you might as well get in the water! With the UK’s longest coastline, hundreds of islands and countless rivers and lochs, Scotland was made for watersports. Catch Atlantic waves on a surfboard in Thurso, paddleboard or canoe across Loch Tay or tackle the white-water rapids of the rivers Tummel and Findhorn. Go canyoning in the Highlands, clambering, sliding and plunging through rocky gorges and waterfalls. Or why not try coasteering? climb and jump from rocky sea ledges, discovering hidden sea caves and coves.

Make a splash with watersports in Scotland

There are heaps of indoor activities to keep the whole family entertained on rainy days. Bounce across giant inflatables and trampolines at an Innoflate or AirHop adventure park or discover marine life below the waves at aquariums like Deep Sea World in Fife. Enter the topsy-turvy world of optical illusions at Camera Obscura in Edinburgh, or head north to the Inverness Castle Experience for immersive Highland storytelling told through state-of-the-art touchscreens and a special children’s audio trail. For more history, head to Stirling Castle to meet costumed guides and dress up as Tudor-era lords and ladies in the Vaults while having a shot at medieval musical instruments, jester jokes and tricks, and hands-on period arts and crafts.

Discover family days out in Scotland

Discover the extraordinary world around us indoors. At Dundee Science Centre, interactive exhibits beckon inquisitive minds of all ages to investigate, experiment and play. Build with giant blocks and a crane or experiment with an augmented reality sandbox. In Edinburgh, journey through 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history from the Big Bang to the present day at Dynamic Earth or watch the Falkirk Wheel – the world’s only rotating boat lift – spin from inside its indoor visitor centre. At Mills Observatory in Dundee, peer through powerful telescopes at the Moon, planets and stars. Or step aboard Concorde and other extraordinary aircraft at the National Museum of Flight which charts the story of over a century of aviation.

Discover Scotland's science centres

If walls could talk, Scotland’s historic buildings could tell some fascinating tales. Explore places of worship ranging from the vast medieval Glasgow Cathedral to the Italian Chapel on Orkney, a WWII labour of love built by Italian POWs. Get a taste of the high life at stately homes and castles. Gaze up at the glimmering 80-ft-high vaulted celestial ceiling of the mansion of Mount Stuart, marvel at the silver-plated staircase of Manderston House, and wander the grand state rooms of Scotland’s largest inhabited house at Floors Castle. See inside a 17th century merchants house on the Royal Mile and the stunning Hill House designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh alongside the humble birthplaces of great Scots, from Robert Burns to Andrew Carnegie.

Discover Scotland’s historic buildings

Escape the rain with an underwater odyssey at one of Scotland’s aquariums. At SEA LIFE Loch Lomond, meet April, a rescued turtle from the Maldives, alongside 1,500 other creatures. At Deep Sea World, ride the moving walkway through the underwater tunnel as sand tiger sharks glide above. You can also spot vibrant tropical fish, colourful amphibians such as poison dart frogs, seahorses and, outdoors, a lively group of harbour seals. At St Andrews Aquarium, sharks and stingrays share the spotlight with reptiles, tarantulas and other creepy-crawlies, as well as playful otter and meerkat families.

Go under the sea at Scotland’s aquariums

Get out of the rain and watch the curtain rise on a matinee or evening performance in one of Scotland’s many theatres. From major touring musicals to ballet, opera, and homegrown theatre – get your cultural fix at an array of venues spread the length and breadth of the country. See what’s on at Edinburgh’s newly renovated Kings Theatre, watch original drama and contemporary dance at the prestigious Dundee Rep Theatre, or enjoy a night out at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, nestled amid the stunning scenery of Highland Perthshire, with an exciting programme shaped by its artistic director, acclaimed actor and Perthshire-local Alan Cumming.

Find a theatre performance

Dry off in a cosy pub and bar. Listen to the rain patter against the windows while enjoying a classic pint of Tennents or Belhaven lager. If you’re looking to broaden your palette, why not choose a classic ale, distinctive craft beer or tangy sour from a local microbrewery, or cocktail infused with local Scottish flavours. From centuries-old historic inns with coal fires to buzzing city bars, there are plenty of spots where you can sip your favourite tipple while enjoying good conversations, live music and maybe even a week dram or two. Teetotal? No problem. Now’s the time to taste Scotland’s iconic, orange-flavoured soft drink, Irn-Bru.

Find a traditional Scottish pub

Grab a bag of popcorn and enjoy a couple of hours of silver screen escapism. In addition to major cinemas chains showing the latest marvel blockbusters, Scotland boasts an array of characterful independent venues where you can enjoy arthouse fare alongside cult favourites and homegrown cinema. There’s the Bo’ness Hippodrome – the oldest purpose-built cinema in Scotland – with its silent film festival as well as Edinburgh’s Cameo, beloved of cinephiles including Quentin Tarantino. Other unique indie establishments include the small, community-led Birks Cinema Trust in Aberfeldy, Dundee Contemporary Arts, and Mareel, the creative hub of the Shetland Isles.

Enjoy a trip to the cinema

Follow the scent of malted barley and arrive at the door of one of the more than 70 whisky distilleries in Scotland which welcome visitors. Once inside, learn how Scotland manages to make the most of its plentiful rainfall, turning water into uisge-beatha (Gaelic for ‘the water of life’).  See the shiny copper pot stills, mash tuns and other equipment used in the complex and lengthy whisky-making process, before discovering how years of maturing in oak casks infuses the spirit with its distinct flavour and character. Cap off the tour in time-honoured fashion with a complimentary dram or two.  

Explore Scotland's whisky distilleries

This list was created by VisitScotland to showcase a range of experiences. It isn’t ranked in any specific order.