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Guide · Indoors · All ages · Chester

Rainy day things to do in Chester

Chester copes with rain better than most cities, because the medieval Rows let you walk much of the centre under cover. For a dry afternoon with something to show for it, paint pottery, a canvas or a mosaic at Pictura on Eastgate Row North: a table is two hours, no experience needed, and pottery pieces start at £18. Chester Cathedral, the Grosvenor Museum and Storyhouse are all good indoor options nearby too.

By Pictura Chester · Updated

Book a tableSee What’s On

Get creative at Pictura

We’re a creative café on the Rows at 5 Eastgate Row North, and a wet day is exactly what we’re for. Every table booking is two hours, whatever you’re making, and it suits little ones, teens, grown-ups and grandparents alike. Our tables are for creating, so pair your coffee with an activity.

  • Paint your own pottery: hundreds of bisque pieces, from mugs and plates to figurines, with pieces from £18. We glaze and kiln-fire it, ready in 4 weeks. In a hurry? Quick Fire is £5 per person and it’s ready within 48 hours.
  • Paint a canvas: it goes home with you the same day.
  • Sculpt with clay: self-guided, with high-quality clay and tools.
  • Decorate a letter with decoupage, or make a mosaic. Both go home the same day.
  • Refuel with artisan coffee, hot chocolate, 12-inch pizzas, milkshakes and ice cream, ordered at your table.
Book a tableSee the café
The Pictura café and studio with pastel walls, pink chairs and shelves of pottery
The Pictura café and studio on Eastgate Row North.

Before you set off

  • Book ahead in the holidays. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability, but we recommend booking, especially at weekends and in school holidays.
  • Opening hours: Mon closed · Tue–Fri 10am–6pm · Sat–Sun 10am–5pm. We’re closed on Mondays.
  • Getting here: the Rows have steps, so step-free access is via Godstall Lane, opposite the cathedral. Bringing a pram? Call us on 01244 328976 before you come.
  • Parking: we don’t have our own. The closest car parks are Tesco, Linen Hall, the New Market and Delamere Street, and we’re about 10 minutes’ walk from Chester station.
  • The dog can come too, as long as they’re friendly, house-trained and on a lead.

More indoor ideas in Chester

Make a day of it. These are all a short walk from us; check their own websites for opening times before you go.

  • Walk the Rows. The covered galleries along Eastgate, Watergate and Bridge Street keep you mostly dry between shops and cafés.
  • Chester Cathedral. Just across from Godstall Lane, with plenty to explore indoors.
  • Grosvenor Museum. Free, and full of Chester’s Roman history.
  • Deva Roman Experience. An indoor reconstructed Roman street off Bridge Street, good for children.
  • Storyhouse. Chester’s theatre, cinema and library in one building, with a café.
  • Chester Market. An indoor food market for lunch (it’s closed on Mondays).

Half-term and school holidays

Book a table in the school holidays so there’s room for everyone. Painted pottery can take a little longer to be ready in school and seasonal holidays, so add Quick Fire if it’s a present, or choose canvas, decoupage, mosaic or air-dry clay to take home the same day. Our events change through the year, so check What’s On. Celebrating something? See kids’ party ideas by age.

Stuck indoors at home instead? Our creative kits bring a bit of Pictura to the kitchen table.

Rainy day FAQs

What can you do in Chester when it’s raining?

Walk the covered Rows, visit Chester Cathedral, the Grosvenor Museum, the Deva Roman Experience or Storyhouse, or paint pottery, a canvas or a mosaic at Pictura on Eastgate Row North.

Is Pictura good for children on a rainy day?

Yes. No experience is needed and our activities suit all ages. Canvas, decoupage, mosaic and air-dry clay go home the same day, and painted pottery is ready in 4 weeks.

Do I need to book a table?

Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability, but we recommend booking, especially at weekends and in school holidays. A table booking is two hours, whatever you’re making.

How much does pottery painting cost?

You pay for the piece you choose, and pieces start from £18. Quick Fire is £5 per person if you want it back within 48 hours.

Is Pictura open on Mondays?

No, we’re closed on Mondays. We’re open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm.

Can you post my painted pottery?

No. Painted pottery is collection only. Once you get the email saying it’s ready, pop in during opening hours within 2 weeks. No appointment needed.

More questions? See all our FAQs or call us on 01244 328976.

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