Bank holiday rain? Here's the upside

As the Met Office warns of a damp bank holiday and unsettled half-term forecast, online searches for “bank holiday weather” have jumped by 111% in the past 24 hours - with many Brits turning their attention to rainy day activities, up 50% according to search trends.

UK holiday provider Parkdean Resorts has responded by sharing expert advice on how to embrace the wetter weather, enlisting health expert Dr Sham Singh to reveal the surprising benefits of walking in the rain.

“Nature exposure, even on less-than-perfect days, has been proven to elevate mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine – the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating happiness and emotional stability,” said Dr Singh.

“Rainy walks also help build resilience, improve sensory mindfulness, and reduce stress through calming white noise.”

According to Dr Singh, just getting outside can support mental health, especially as many people tend to withdraw indoors when skies turn grey.

And if you’re staying local, Exeter has no shortage of rainy-day options:

• Tenpin Exeter – for bowling, arcade games and pool

• Underground Passages Tour - A fascinating, all-weather experience beneath the city. These medieval passages were originally built to bring water into Exeter!

• Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) – free family-friendly exhibitions indoors

• Exeter Picturehouse – perfect for a cosy afternoon film

• The Exploding Bakery Café – a warm spot for coffee and cake

• Red House Mysteries – escape room fun out of the rain

• Indoor climbing at The Quay Climbing Centre - Ideal for older kids and adults, this gives a physical outlet on a rainy day - and it's all under the roof of a converted Victorian warehouse

For more weekend events, check out Exeter Living’s 5 fun things to get up to in and around Exeter.