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Indoor Activities in Yorkshire for a Rainy Day!
The unpredictable British weather can make holiday planning challenging – but not with these amazing indoor activities in Yorkshire. If you’re looking to make the best of it come rain or shine, check out our list of the best things to do in Yorkshire when it’s raining.
From museums to waterparks and wine tasting, there’s a lot of things to see and do do.
Whatever the weather may throw at you, you’re sure to find an abundance of rainy day activities in Yorkshire.
Continue reading to learn more about our favourite indoor activities in Yorkshire…
The National Railway Museum, York
Known for being one of the best indoor activities in York, the National Railway Museum is the largest railway museum in the world!
The museum houses more than 1,000 model engines, carriages and other rail equipment. Expect to see royal trains to Japan’s famous high-speed Shinkansen.
Explore the Station Hall and the iconic Great Hall, which has played host to well-known locomotives such as the Flying Scotsman over the years.
There are regular events for families here, and if you’re lucky enough to get the weather, you can explore the outdoors in the South Yard. Best of all – it’s free to enter!
Jorvik Viking Centre, York
Another hit for York, the Jorvik Viking Centre offers a multi-sensory experience, taking you on a journey through 9th Century Britain.
Here you’ll discover mannequins depicting what life was like in Viking York, including 1,000-year-old artefacts and awe-inspiring galleries. There’s also regular exhibitions displaying the latest Viking discoveries.
This rainy day activitiy in Yorkshire is a great day out for kids and is as educational as it is fun. Tickets start from £13.50 for adults, £9.50 for children aged 5-16 and £11.50 for concessions.
Sewerby Hall, Sewerby
Nestled within 50 acres of 19th Century parkland, Sewerby Hall is arguably one of the best things to do in East Yorkshire on a rainy day.
This Grade I listed house features nods to memorable eras of history, including its Georgian Core and later 19th Century additions. You’ll also find artefacts from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Featuring interactive displays, the hall is ideal for a day out with the kids.
Whilst you’re here, you can also visit Sewerby Zoo, or take a walk around the well-mainted gardens. Day tickets start from £7.00 for adults and £5.00 for children, or you can buy an annual pass for added year-round benefits.
Sea Life Scarborough, Scarborough
Get a chance to see what life is like underwater with an afternoon at Sea Life Scarborough.
Home to a huge range of exotic sea life including seals, penguins, sharks and coral reef inhabitants, there’s lots to see here!
Get up close and personal with lizards and creepy crawlies, or pay a little extra and enjoy VIP experiences such as ‘Sharks After Dark’.
That’s not all. Take the little ones to test their swing with a game at Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, or let them run off some steam inside the Rainforest Adventure.
Tickets start from £19.95 per adult at peak times, or you can save money by booking online. Additional experiences will cost more, and you can also buy annual passes.
Alpamare UK, Scarborough
Looking for rainy day activities in Yorkshire but still want to get wet? Head to Scarborough’s Alpamare UK.
With a wave pool, splash and play area, four modern slides and even an on-site spa, this is no ordinary waterpark.
If you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker, jump in a four-man tube on the Snowstorm or head down the double-tube Olympic Run. If you’re after something more relaxing, head to the on-site spa for a range of Elemis treatments.
Tickets to the waterpark start from £18.00 for adults, £14.00 for children aged 6-15 and £8.00 for children aged 1-5.
Ripley Castle, Ripley
One of the most memorable things to do in Yorkshire when it’s raining is take a trip around Ripley Castle.
Just north of Harrogate, this 14th Century castle is open for guided tours. Prices start from £5.00 for adults and £4.00 for concessions, while children go for free.
Here you can learn all about the castle’s history along with its modern-day use as a filming location for countless UK television dramas. During the colder months the castle hosts a range of fun-filled events ideal for adults, such as wine tastings and festive dinners.
When stomachs start to rumble, you’ll benefit from access to the on-site tea room along with the nearby Boar’s Head pub.
Flamborough Lighthouse, Flamborough
Flamborough Lighthouse offers one of the most beautiful indoor attractions in Yorkshire.
Be sure to wear sensible shoes for the indoor tour, led by the Corporation of Trinity House. You’ll climb 119 steps to the top, passing both living and working quarters along the way.
Those that make it to the top are rewarded with stunning views of Bridlington Bay, the North Sea and East Yorkshire’s sweeping countryside.
Tickets for this rainy day activity in Yorkshire start from £5.00 for adults and £4.00 for children.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering
While not technically an indoor activity in Yorkshire, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway nevertheless provides a roof over your head on those rainy days!
Taking visitors throughout the North York Moors National Park, the steam and heritage diesel trains run along the line between Pickering and Whitby.
On your way, you’ll see points of interest including Levisham, Newtondale, Goathland and Grosmont. The line runs a range of exciting itineraries, including the Yorkshire Express and the Seaside Special. At peak times, adult tickets are priced from £38.50 and children from £19.25.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby
If you’re stopping off in Whitby, take the time to indulge in one of the best rainy day activities in Yorkshire, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum.
Here you’ll learn all about this British explorer’s famous exploits. Study handwritten letters, paintings, drawings and ship models in this charming, homely setting.
There’s a host of scheduled events and activities to take part in, including ropemaking, creating your own compass and flax weaving. Prices start from £7.50 for visitors over the age of 16, while everybody else gets in for free!
Has our list of indoor activities in Yorkshire got you raring to head out on an adventure, whatever the weather?
Add a touch of style to your getaway with a stay in one of these wonderful Yorkshire holiday cottages.
For more inspiration on how to spend your time, give our guide on 14 free things to do in Yorkshire a read.
Images courtesy of: J Thomas – (CC BY-SA 2.0)