Cymru, the land where rain never sleeps – staying entertained while sheltered indoors

Cymru – the land of rolling hills, rugged coastlines and never-ending rain, better known to the English as Wales. Cymru enjoys plenty of rain – an average of 40 to 80 inches annually – which can transform the landscape from beautiful to a beast of floods and bogland. Although the life-giver to its plant life, these sudden downpours can force people to take shelter indoors, often for days at a time.

Being indoors doesn’t have to dampen your spirits, however, so here’s a list of ideas to keep yourself entertained while taking shelter:

Rich folklore

Cymru is rich in history and heritage that is embodied in its literature and folklore, handed down from generation to generation. On rainy days, add the following to your list of must-reads:

• Mabinogion tales: A collection of legends, myths and folklore. Some of the UK’s earliest recorded prose, its name is derived from the word ‘mabinogi’ meaning ‘tales of youth’. These tales explore a variety of themes, from love and destiny to honour and magic, steeped in otherworldly creatures and supernatural abilities.
• The legend of King Arthur: Although covered in the Mabinogion, the Arthurian tales deserve their own spot on the list. Almost certainly Cymru’s most iconic tale, the adventures of Arthur, Merlin and the knights of Camelot have captured the imagination of people the world over, and still inspire stories and adaptations to this day. You’ll find yourself lost in the question – man or myth?
• The legend of Gelert: The cautionary tale of Prince Llywelyn and his dog Gelert explores the consequences of hasty judgement and loyalty. Discussing this any further would spoil the plot, but this enduring tale certainly deserves a spot on anyone’s reading list.

Online games

Probably the most popular indoor pastime, gaming has found a comfortable niche in most people’s daily lives. Stocking your phone with a few apps or bookmarking a few games online has never been easier, and can be a quick way to pass time when the weather pulls a sudden 180.

• Puzzles: According to recent studies, engaging in puzzle games can improve problem-solving skills and cognitive functions such as With games like Sudoku and other puzzles usually available for free in one form or another, it’s a no-brainer.
• Spins: A popular pastime that is often left undiscussed is the online casino. Once you’ve found yourself a secure and trusted site, these platforms can offer a huge variety of games to players looking to add a wager to their gaming experience. Responsible gambling is key, so if you fancy a spin, set yourself limits and play in moderation.
• Competitive: For those looking to pit themselves against other players, many competitive games exist online and most of them are available for free. The most popular genres are FPS (first-person shooter), MOBA(mobile online battle arena) and BR(battle royale).

Cook a classic

A rainy day provides the perfect excuse for cooking and eating comfort food. There is no better way of getting lost in a culture than exploring its traditional and customary foods.

• Snacks: Bara brith or speckled bread. Simply soak a mixture of dried fruits in tea overnight, then combine with flour, sugar, eggs and spices before baking until golden and fragrant. Sliced and served with butter, this delicacy is a great way to vanquish a cold and wet afternoon.
• Dinner: Hearty cawl is a stew loaded with seasonal vegetables and a choice meat – usually lamb or beef. Brown your diced meat, combine with your chunky vegetables, add stock and simmer until tender. Best enjoyed with some fresh crusty bread, it’s a perfect winter warmer.
• Sweets: Welsh cakes – for this popular treat, simply combine flour, sugar, butter and currants into a dough, flatten, cut into rounds and cook on a griddle until golden brown on both sides. Enjoyed warm with a cup of tea, its subtle spices will warm you from the inside out.

Heritage

The living scenery and history in Cymru is spectacular, but climbing mountains in sites like Snowdonia’s National Park or Bannau Brycheiniog may be out of reach for all but the hardiest of climbers in bad weather.   No matter, we also have many wonderful castles to explore, from visiting iconic Conwy Castle in the North, to historic Cardiff Castle in the South, many castles offer indoor entertainment on bad days.

However, if it’s too bad to leave your cosy cottage, that’s ok.  Cymru’s rich heritage seeps into the very walls of every home, keeping you company on even the dampest days.