8 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Yorkshire

Are you worried about rainy days disrupting your holiday in Yorkshire? Fear not, our list of things to do on a rainy day in Yorkshire has you covered.

When on a Yorkshire holiday, you will stumble upon a wealth of outdoor and indoor attractions that you can visit at any time of year, even when it’s pouring with rain!

Discover 8 of the best things to do on a rainy day in Yorkshire…

1. White Scar Cave, near Ingleton

Opening times: 10:00am-4:00pm

Admission: Under 3s FREE; 3-15 £6.95; 16+ £10.75

Touring the White Scar Cave is one of the most interesting things to do in Yorkshire in the rain. Discovering Britain’s longest show cave allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, whatever the weather.

This 80-minute, information-packed tour reveals glistening waterfalls, gloomy chambers and fascinating stalactites. Even admire the far-reaching Dales scenery from the comfort of the welcoming café on-site.

Use our handy Ingleton Travel Guide to discover more wonderful things to see and do in the area.

2. Standedge Tunnel, near Holmfirth

Opening times: Mon-Fri 10:30am-3:00pm; Sat-Sun 10:30am-4:00pm

Admission: Prices vary

This unique indoor Yorkshire attraction is another way to explore Yorkshire’s compelling history without getting soaked on a rainy day. Discover Britain’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel, just north of the Peak District, a fascinating thing to do in West Yorkshire when it’s raining.

Choose either a 30-minute or a two-hour long tour of this three-and-a-half mile-long tunnel, dating back to 1811. Learn of the canal’s unusual location, its influence on the industrial revolution and more at this fun-packed day out in Yorkshire.

Our Holmfirth Travel Guide offers more ideas on how to make your holiday in Yorkshire one to remember.

3. York Dungeon, York

Opening times: Sun-Fri 11:00am-4:00pm; Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm

Admission: Prices vary

One of the most popular rainy day activities in York to take the kids to, York Dungeon is ideal for those seeking a fright. Known for being one of the many attractions that York is famous for, it’s a place that will give you a gruesome insight into York’s past, from haunted pubs and the Plague Doctor’s surgery to the execution room.

Over 18s can add a little extra to their day out in Yorkshire, with the York Dungeon Lates shows. Visit after hours and enjoy a drink or two to help the nerves and stay dry in the safety of this indoor attraction.

4. North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering

Opening times: 9:15am-7:30pm

Admission: Prices vary

Admire the National Park’s outstanding scenery from the comfort of a vintage steam locomotive. Enhance this memorable Yorkshire day out by sampling some fine dining or a spot of afternoon tea.

Experience the landscapes between Pickering and Whitby, making this a superb thing to do in Yorkshire when it’s raining. Even visit some historical and well-known railway stations, such as Goathland Station featuring in the Harry Potter films.

5. York MotorSports Village, York

Opening times: Mon-Fri 11:00am-8:00pm; Sat 9:00am-9:00pm; Sun 10:00am-7:00pm

Admission: Prices vary

Adrenaline junkies certainly aren’t short of things to do in Yorkshire when it’s raining. The York MotorSports Village offers a range of experiences for all ages and abilities, from hen/stag parties to competitions.

Aspiring drivers can choose from a number of difficulties and specifications, or even try out the exhilarating F1 simulation! The York MotorSports Village is undoubtedly one of the most fun-packed indoor attractions in Yorkshire.

6. Land Rover Experience, Skipton

Opening times: 9:00am-5:00pm

Admission: Prices vary

Experience the rolling landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales in a completely different way, in a top-of-the-range Land Rover. Get your adrenaline pumping on the 3,000-acre Broughton Hall Estate, with a number of different experiences on offer.

Get yourself behind the wheel and tackle steep hills and deep waters for the true Land Rover Experience. Our handy Skipton Travel Guide suggests even more things to do nearby, while our Skipton cottages promise a homely base.

7. National Railway Museum, York

Opening times: 10:00am-6:00pm

Admission: FREE

This free attraction in Yorkshire promises fun for all the family, an interesting thing to do in Yorkshire when it’s raining. Discover 300 vehicles and a whole host of historical artefacts – this is the perfect activity for lovers of trains and railway.

Aside from displaying British railway history, you can also explore the only Japanese bullet train outside of Japan. There’s no need to fear the weather with this superb indoor attraction.

8. York’s Chocolate Story, York

Opening times: 10:00am-5:00pm

Admission: Under 4s FREE; 4-15 £10.50; Student & Senior Citizens £11.95; Adults £12.95

This York indoor attraction is an extremely popular thing to do in Yorkshire with the children. Delve into the 3,000 history of chocolate that surrounds York, and even treat yourselves to a sample or two.

Learn how to taste chocolate like an expert and discover how some of the world-famous brands began their stories here. A rainy day spent exploring York’s Chocolate Story is sure to be one you never forget.

Stay at a cottage in Yorkshire to turn your visit into an unforgettable holiday. Use our Yorkshire Dales Travel Guide for further inspiration on things to do, places to stay and how to get to Yorkshire.

Image Credits: Johnny Longrigg –  (CC BY-SA 2.0) ; Dun.can – (CC BY 2.0); Charlie Jackon – (CC BY 2.0); Graham Hogg – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Juan Enrique Gilardi – (CC BY-SA 2.0); missy – (CC BY 2.0)