Now that September is upon us and the summer is well and truly drawing to an end, we find ourselves with a barren expanse of wet autumnal days and dreary winter weeks stretching ahead of us.

However, there are hundreds of ways to massively improve this bleak half of our year. Whilst these eight things I offer will not change the weather, they may perhaps remedy the boredom of gazing longingly at a rain streaked window hoping for the clouds to part.

1. Get baking - This one is not only great fun but it is also incredibly rewarding (depending on your competence in the kitchen).

2. Play a game (with no batteries) – Board games are infamous in family wet weather scenarios and can sometimes lead to heated disputes over the finer, more ambiguous laws of the game. However board games, like Monopoly or Scrabble, are a lot of fun and can last for absolutely hours! They can also be played by many or few people meaning they are very versatile when the heavens open.

3. Indoor camping - Whilst 'pillow forts' and 'blanket tents' may seem quite childish, they are actually extremely fun to make. They also help you to relax and help you get warm and cosy.

4. Have a movie marathon in your home cinema - This one is really easy and is one of the best ways to spend a day. You simply choose your favourite film, close the curtains to make it dark, get some popcorn to enhance the cinema atmosphere and get cosy. It's often fun to watch a whole series of films. Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Harry Potter are absolute classics that are perfect for a long rainy day.

5. Revel in the rain - It can also be fun to don your waterproofs and wellies and brave the weather. Whether this involves going for a walk, cycling or simply jumping in as many puddles as possible, it is a great way to get out and have fun - regardless of the weather.

6. Read - Books act as an escape for many people and are often so immersive people forget their surroundings and live in their books. So, what better way to escape the rain than to curl up on your favourite chair with a good book?

7. Play card games - I see card games as a transferable skill. If you learn one game with someone then you can play it anywhere with anyone else. Card games only require people and a card deck which makes them incredibly versatile and great for travelling and going on holiday (as I found out over a washed-out week in France). Popular card games include poker (not necessarily with real money!), gin rummy, racing demon and many others.

8. Create something - Creating something is often time consuming and rewarding. Whether you are writing something, composing a piece of music, painting a picture or simply creating something from scratch, you can still enjoy yourself.

Joe Hamilton, 16, Wolterton