Rain is part of life in the Wye Valley. It's what keeps everything so green. But when it sets in for the day, it helps to have a plan. Here are our favourite places nearby to stay dry, from a blacksmith's forge to a sauna, with a note on each about bringing the dog.
1. Silver Circle Distillery, Penallt
We're a little biased, but everything at the distillery is indoors or under cover, so the weather doesn't matter. Book a 45-minute distillery tour and tasting, or spend a couple of hours making your own gin on a copper still with Make Your Own Gin. You can also just turn up for a cocktail at the bar; no booking needed. On Fridays, Pizza at the Farm runs from 5pm.
We're on Upper Meend Farm, about 10 minutes from Monmouth, with free parking. Children are welcome, though only over-18s can taste spirits.
Dogs: welcome inside on a lead, including on tours and gin making. We'll have a water bowl ready.
2. A long lunch at The Boat Inn, Penallt
Just down the hill from us, The Boat Inn sits right on the bank of the River Wye and dates back to around 1650. You reach it on foot (see the listing for directions): park in Redbrook on the English side and walk over the old railway bridge into Wales. Once you're in, it's the kind of cosy riverside pub where a quick drink turns into the whole afternoon, watching the rain on the river.
Dogs: welcome.
3. A fermenting workshop with The Crafty Pickle Co, near Caldicot
Spend a hands-on afternoon learning to make sauerkraut and kimchi with The Crafty Pickle Co at their fermentation kitchen on a farm in Crick, between Chepstow and Caldicot. Sessions last about two and a half hours and you take home jars of what you've made. See dates and book.
Dogs: check with them when you book.
4. A blacksmithing day at Oldfield Forge, Garway Hill
Swap the drizzle for the heat of a real forge. Oldfield Forge is a family-run blacksmiths on Garway Hill, just over the border in Herefordshire, and won gold for Experience of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards 2026. Sessions range from an introduction to forging to knife and even sword making, and are open to anyone aged seven and up. Find out more.
Dogs: check with them when you book.
5. Float in the Forest, near Lydney
If the rain has you craving total calm, book an hour in a flotation pod at Float in the Forest, on the edge of the woods near Lydney. You float in warm water saturated with Epsom salts, which is about as far from a wet walk as you can get. Appointments need booking in advance. Find out more.
Dogs: best left at home for this one.
6. Sauna and ice baths at The SELF Centre, Lydney
Warm up properly at The SELF Centre's community sauna, then try an ice bath if you're brave. It's a new wellbeing space in Lydney, next to Hot Tubs Rock on Marina Business Park. Check their social pages for session times and booking.
Dogs: best left at home for this one.
7. Clearwell Caves, Forest of Dean
An ancient iron mine just over the border in the Forest of Dean, with a series of caverns to explore underground. It's a proper adventure for children and a fascinating bit of local history whatever the weather. Book online at clearwellcaves.com before you go.
Dogs: welcome in the café, shop and around the site, but not down in the caves.
8. The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth
Reputedly the oldest working theatre site in Wales, the Savoy on Church Street shows films and hosts live shows in a beautiful listed building. Check what's on at monmouth-savoy.co.uk.
Dogs: check with the theatre before you go.
9. Chepstow Museum
A free museum in an 18th-century townhouse opposite Chepstow Castle, covering the town's history as a port and its place in the Wye Valley tourist trail. Find out more.
Dogs: check with the museum before you visit.
Before you set off
Opening days change through the year, so check each place's own website before you travel. For our current opening hours, see our Google listing, and for everything else about visiting us, including parking and getting here by bus, see Visit us.