Ten things to do in Yorkshire on a rainy day

Don’t be stumped if you’re searching for things to do in Yorkshire on a rainy day – scroll down to find a tempting selection of days out. The natural beauty of this county can be enjoyed whatever the weather. 

You can survey it from the vantage point of a lighthouse, go down to marvel at it from a cave or tunnel or seek shelter in one of the Yorkshire castles, full of historic wonder, to peep out at it from one of the windows. 

There’s plenty to do indoors too: spend a wonderful day at one of Yorkshire’s activity centres and learn about the county’s history in an interactive museum before heading back to a cosy holiday cottage to plan your next day of fun. For even more inspiration take a look at the best things to do in Yorkshire, whatever the weather.  

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Ingleborough Cave

While you dodge the showers during a rainy day in North Yorkshire, discover a natural wonder made by raindrops. Venture deep underground at Ingleborough Cave, a spectacular cavern first discovered in 1837, to find incredible stalagmites and stalactites created over millennia by dripping ceilings and subterranean streams. Bring your dog too to this easily navigable wander through a geological marvel.

Back on the surface, if there’s a break in the clouds, head up to the top of Ingleborough, Alfred Wainright’s favourite of the three peaks – it’s every Yorkshire person’s duty to climb it. Reward yourself afterwards at The Old Sawmill Café with a restorative lunch or cake.

You may be asking yourself, 'Stalactites and stalagmites – how to remember which is which?' Well, stalac-TITES hold on tight as they hang down. A delicate 10cm stalactite takes over 1000 years to form, which puts the few days of your Yorkshire holiday in perspective.

Jorvik Viking Centre

You can thank Yorkshire’s wonderfully rich soil for this magnificent tribute to the Vikings. In 1976, when building work was planned on Coppergate, one of York’s main streets, archaeologists nipped in first and discovered 200 years of Viking history perfectly preserved by the peat underground. Precious artefacts and important clues as to how Vikings lived, ate and worked were recovered and brought to life in Jorvik Viking Centre, an interactive exhibit that’s more like a film set than a museum. 

You travel around in a ‘time capsule’ car passing through street scenes complete with authentic smells and animatronic characters who describe life in the 10^th century. There’s even a glass floor that provides a glimpse of that first archaeological dig nearly 50 years ago. A truly immersive experience. 

Skipton Castle

When you arrive in Skipton, there’s no doubt as to where the castle is – this superb example of medieval architecture stands proudly at the entrance to the town, overlooking Eller Beck, which will no doubt be in full spate if it’s rainy. It’s hard to believe that this Skipton fortress was built 900 years ago as it’s in perfect condition – the magnificent stone walls and tower have protected the interior courtyard and rooms for centuries.

The history is fascinating – it managed to stand strong while under siege during the Civil War, at one point using sheep fleeces to protect against cannonball fire – and it’s brought alive by informative guides throughout, from the dungeon to the watchtower. If you’ve brought your dog along, they can explore both the interior and exterior on a lead, and have a ramble through the surrounding woodland too if there’s a sunny spell. 

Xscape Yorkshire

You’ll forget all about the weather inside Xscape Yorkshire, a mighty complex in Castleford. It offers all the activities under the sun (!) and with plenty of restaurants and cafes, including Heavenly Desserts, a café devoted to all things sugary, you could easily spend a full day there. The kids and big kids will love the go-kart track and prehistoric-themed adventure golf and there’s ten-pin bowling and an escape room too. 

In Snozone, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding or just have a half-hour session sledging in real snow. For a gentler day, you can amble around the shops or check out the latest releases at the cinema. There’s something for everyone and it's such an easy way to ‘xscape’ the elements.

Standedge Tunnel

When it’s raining, seek shelter, but shelter with a difference – in Britain’s longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel. Standedge Tunnel was built in 1794 at considerable cost and effort to link Marsden and Diggle in the Pennines and it took 17 years before it was operational. The tunnel is so narrow that there is no towpath – historically the canal boat was ‘legged’ or pushed along by people lying on their backs with their feet on the ceiling, but now it’s a slightly easier journey on a modern barge. There’s a 30-minute-long ‘discovery’ tour of the tunnel or a longer 2-hour-long tour between Marsden and Diggle. The boat is crewed by enthusiastic volunteers who go out of their way to make the whole journey interesting and informative for all the family.

Huddersfield Splash Park

Here’s one place you don’t mind getting wet, Huddersfield Splash Park at Huddersfield’s leisure centre. Much more than a swimming pool, more of a water park, there’s a great variety of watery activities to explore, depending on your mood. Try the Sidewinder and Flume slides for adrenalin-filled fun or meander down the Lazy River in a bubble seat if you prefer to take things at a slower pace. It's the perfect way to make the most of a rainy day in West Yorkshire.

Little ones will love the surprise of the water buckets and there’s also a great café to fill up in after all that splashing. If your kids prefer to stay dry, there’s also the Reef Fun Zone at the same venue, with a ball pool and slides, as well as Dare2Air inflatable theme park with bouncy fun galore.

Tropical Butterfly House

If it’s bucketing down, head straight for the Tropical Butterfly House where there’s so much to see undercover, including much more than just butterflies! Located in a beautiful indoor rainforest, the eight species of exotic butterflies are free to roam. You can spot blue morpho and glasswing butterflies living in harmony with tropical birds, terrapins, ducks and leaf-cutter ants. Be sure to visit the nocturnal area to see the glow-in-the-dark scorpions. 

If it’s still drizzling, dash across to the Farm Barn to check out the adorable Guinea Pig Village and meet the classic farmyard animals. Top tip: Lottie’s Café with its charming circular dining pods can be visited without paying for park entry – perfect for a quick cuppa if you’re in the area.

As there are areas of the park that could be better enjoyed in dry weather, there is a ‘rainy day pass’ on offer to return for free when it’s sunny.

National Coal Mining Museum

You can’t come to Yorkshire without visiting a coal mine – the engine room of the industrial revolution. Caphouse Colliery was mining coal for almost 200 years before it was closed in 1985. It reopened as a museum in 1988 to celebrate the rich history of coal in Yorkshire and now you can enjoy learning all about this demanding and important industry. 

Above ground, at the National Coal Mining Museum, there are fascinating interactive displays to discover the reality of life as a miner, including the mechanical workings that ran the mine. The fun continues below ground during a tour, where you’ll descend 140 metres to get a taste of how it was at the coalface, guided by an ex-minor who provides vivid insights into his day-to-day experience.

The Deep

In Hull’s regenerated docks, the striking architecture of The Deep gives you a flavour of what lies within. At the cost of £52 million back in 2001, this sensational aquarium captures all the elements of marine life. The dazzling Tropical Lagoon of Light teems with a rainbow of fish while the breathtaking Endless Oceans exhibit has Europe’s deepest viewing tunnel at nine metres. Be sure to time your visit with the feeding sessions so you can see divers hand-feed sharks and rays. 

Talking of feeding time, the main café has fantastic views of the Humber waterfront and is open to all, not just The Deep visitors. 

Flamborough Lighthouse

The last lighthouse keepers left in 1996 but this glorious white tower between Filey and Bridlington still remains a vital beacon to sailors, with its automated flashing light visible for 18 nautical miles. Situated on dramatic cliffs, it’s well worth a visit when the weather’s too atrocious – just to imagine yourself as the lonely inhabitant in this isolated spot. 

Climb the 119 steps to the top of Flamborough Lighthouse (be sure to wear sensible shoes, not flip-flops) for magnificent views of Bridlington Bay and beyond. Keep your eyes peeled for seals bobbing below and puffins that swoop down from their cliff-top burrows. You may also be lucky to spot porpoises and dolphins.

Map of rainy day attractions in Yorkshire

Find the best things to do on a rainy day in Yorkshire.

Plan your Yorkshire getaway

This glorious northern county should certainly be on your tick list of holiday destinations, and although, like the rest of the UK, it can be known for its downpours, it still provides plenty of things to do in Yorkshire when it’s raining. 

Take a look at these comfortable places to make home (and dry off!) during your stay.