The weather taken a distinct turn for the worse at the start of this week. After a surprisingly warm Summer and still September, it was only a matter of time before we saw... dare I say it.... rain. But do not fear. The Gazette has helped compile a handy list of things you can get up to this weekend while avoiding the damp.

1. Wotton Electric Cinema. What better way to beat the rainy-day blues than a trip to the cinema. Is there a more classic way to avoid poor weather than disappearing into another world for an hour and forty minutes? Wotton Electric cinema is a flexible multi-media, fixed seating, digital venue that is not available anywhere else in the region. Playing a wide range of films at all times, from the very popular to the more obscure, the cinema is bound to have something everyone will enjoy.

2. Thornbury and District Museum. Here’s another classic way to spend a Saturday afternoon; by taking a leisurely stroll around a museum. The latest exhibition at Thornbury and district Museum is called Walking Cheerfully over the World, an exploration of the Quaker movement in the local area. If you’re the type that enjoys a bit of intellectual stimulation in your free-time, head down to the museum and make a day of it.

3. Dursley Pool and Sport’s Centre. Here’s the only one of these five options that will see you more wet than sticking outside this weekend. Dursley Pool is currently preparing for some major development work that looks set to be complete by 2016. When finished, not only will you be able to spend the day taking a dip, but a gym and dance studio will also be on offer. In the meantime, why not reacquaint yourself with one of Dursley’s best facilities. Spend an hour or two swimming or, for the lazy, just floating on your back. This is a great one for the whole family.

4. Yate Heritage Centre. Another one for those looking to spend a rainy day expanding their mind. The centre reveals the fascinating history of Yate, from the Romans and the Saxons, the Landowners and the Manors, to Yate's bombing in World War II, and its transformation into a modern town.

5. The Pub. Bit less specific than the others but for good reason: there’s great pubs all around us. From the Old Spot in Dursley, The Falcon Inn in Wotton to The Swan in Thornbury, can anything beat spending the day with your friends over drinks and snacks?

If you've got any more suggestions on how to pass away the hours on a rainy weekend in Gloucestershire, let us know.