I appreciate it's not always possible but it really amazes me that covered outdoor spaces or porches aren't more common in this country.
Even here on a hillside in Aberdeenshire there are loads of days when it's lovely to sit outside with a bit of shelter from the rain, BBQs can continue even if the heavens open and, back on topic, it's great for drying washing outdoors without having to worry about the rain. Ours is in daily use.