Discover how a paint-by-numbers kit could be the perfect solution to your rainy day problems on a UK cottage holiday.
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If you’ve been on holiday in the UK before, you’ll know one thing for certain: at some point, it’s probably going to rain.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re escaping to a cosy cottage in the Cotswolds, heading for the Scottish countryside or spending a long weekend by the Cornish coast. British weather has a habit of changing its mind, often just as you’re about to head out for a walk.
But bad weather doesn’t have to mean the day’s ruined. In fact, some of the nicest holiday memories are made when you simply stay in, put the kettle on and enjoy having nowhere to be.
That’s why I always think it’s worth packing one simple indoor activity when you’re holidaying in the UK. You might not have thought of it, but a paint-by-numbers kit can be the perfect solution to your rainy day problems.
Painting is perfect for relaxation
We’ve all been there. You’ve watched the rain for half an hour, you’ve had another cup of tea (and biscuits) and everyone’s bored of doomscrolling.
Eventually, someone asks the dreaded question ‘So… what do we do now?’
Paint by numbers kits are an easy answer to this question.
You don’t need any experience, there’s nothing complicated to set up and you can spend as little or as much time on it as you like. You might enjoy sitting with it for 20-30 minutes or happily lose an entire afternoon filling in tiny sections of colour.
It’s one of those activities that’s oddly satisfying because you can actually see your progress without having to think too hard about it.
It Fits the Slower Pace of a Cottage Holiday
One of the reasons people book cottages instead of hotels is because they want to enjoy a slower pace.
You’re not rushing down to breakfast first thing or trying to squeeze every landmark into a busy sightseeing itinerary. Cottage holidays naturally leave time for quiet mornings, lazy afternoons and evenings spent chatting around the dining table.
Painting fits into that rhythm perfectly.
You can work on your masterpiece while listening to music, chatting with family or simply enjoying the sound of the rain outside. There’s no pressure to finish the picture in one sitting, and that’s part of the appeal.
Designs You’ll Enjoy Looking At
If you’re ordering a kit before your trip, it’s worth choosing an image you’ll genuinely enjoy spending time with.
A favourite landscape, a much-loved pet or even a custom kit made from a photo from a previous holiday all make great choices.
By the time you get home from this holiday, you’ll have more than just pictures on your phone. You’ll have a memento you can actually frame and display at home.
Painting Gives You a Break from Screens
Holidays are supposed to be a chance to switch off, but it’s amazing how quickly we end up scrolling through our phones or streaming a movie.
Painting naturally gives your mind something else to focus on, and there’s evidence that creative activities can help reduce stress,
You can enjoy painting even if you don’t consider yourself to be artistic. You don’t need to paint perfectly – the simple act of slowing down and concentrating on one thing is often enough to help you relax.
Easy to Pack, Easy to Enjoy
Another reason paint-by-numbers works so well for a UK cottage holiday is that the kits hardly take up any room. That’s a major consideration when you’re loading up the car for a long road trip!
Most kits come with everything you need: the canvas, paints and brushes all conveniently packed together.
That means you can just pop it into your bag before you leave. If the forecast turns out to be less than ideal, you’ll be glad you did.
A Rainy Day Doesn’t Have to Be a Wasted Day
You can’t control the British weather, but you can decide how you spend those unexpected hours indoors.
Instead of feeling disappointed that your plans have changed, spending a quiet hour or two with a paint-by-numbers kit and a drink in your cosy cottage could end up being one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.
Because sometimes slowing down is exactly what a staycation is supposed to be about!