What to do in Yorkshire on a rainy day

Rain doesn’t have to mean an end to the day’s entertainments when on holiday, there are many great sheltered attractions that can be enjoyed no matter what the weather is like. So if you’re wondering what to do in Yorkshire on a rainy day and keen for some inspiration, look no further.

Escape the rain underground

Nature’s splendour is all around you in Yorkshire – and that includes underneath you too! There are some spectacular caves to be visited in this county. White Scar Cave situated within the Yorkshire Dales National Park is the UK’s longest show cave and boasts a variety of stunning rock formations which can be seen during the very guided tours on offer.

Ingleborough Cave is a striking show cave near Clapham that features beautiful calcite flows, stalactites and stalagmites amongst its eye-catching formations. Guided tours of the cave demonstrate the incredible natural delights on offer and are a great way to combine learning and fun on a rainy day.

Discover the delights of Yorkshire’s museums

Ever wondered what it’s like being inside a mine? Well you can find out if you visit the National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield, which offers a fascinating underground tour led by guides who are former miners. The underground tour provides insight into mining from the Victorian period to modern times. There is plenty on offer aboveground too, as the museum is home to informative galleries and exhibitions as well as interactive displays that will intrigue kids and adults alike.

A visit to the Museum of Victorian Science provides entertaining insight into physics in the 19th century. A wonderful collection of instruments associated with x-rays, the electric telegraph, the electrostatic generator and many more items can be seen during a tour of the museum, along with live demonstrations and explanations of the instruments that are sure to spark the imagination.

Have an amazing time in a historic building

Widely viewed as the finest stately home in Yorkshire, there is no denying the fact that Castle Howard is a magnificent sight to be seen. Construction of the house started in 1699 but the house sustained significant damage in 1940 as a result of a fire. However, careful work has restored it to the beautiful building it is today. The house contains an impressive collection of artwork including paintings, sculptures and statues, as well as fine collections of furniture and ceramics, all of which offer entertaining explorations during wet weather.

Fountains Mill which is located within the Fountains Abbey estate was constructed in the 12th century and was used as a mill up until 1927. Today you can explore the mill’s exhibitions as well as get some first-hand experience of the tasks that were performed in the mill by trying your hand at grinding corn yourself.

Keep the kids happy

If your kids tend to run away screaming from creepy crawlies, the Creepy Crawlies Adventure Playsite is guaranteed to be a different matter. There is tons of fun stuff to do here no matter what the weather is like. The entertaining indoor play centre includes massive slides, ball canons, an inflatable obstacle course, a play frame, musical instruments, dressing up and puppets to name a few, along with separate play areas for babies and toddlers. There is also an animal farm and outdoor play area for kids to explore if the rain lets up.

Families who are looking for a way to combine fun and learning can enjoy plenty of both at Eureka!. This excellent museum contains numerous hands-on exhibits aimed at children aged 0 to 11 where they can learn about the human body, sound, music and global climates as well as explore a mini town square, helping them to discover the world around them in an engaging and interactive way.

Behind-the-scenes brewery tours and the wonders of nature

If you don’t mind venturing out into the rain then you’ll be well rewarded by a visit to one of Yorkshire’s many beautiful waterfalls which look particularly magnificent during a rainy period. There are numerous gorgeous waterfalls to choose from and the walks to the waterfalls are a great way to see the county’s splendid natural landscapes.

If the only liquid you feel like experiencing is a refreshing pint then consider going on a brewery tour. The Black Sheep Brewery as well as Theakstons are both situated in Masham and offer great insight into the brewing process, from how ingredients are chosen to a first-hand look at the brewing equipment.

Attractions to whet your appetite during wet weather

From drizzles to downpours, these enticing Yorkshire attractions are the perfect way to spend a rainy day in Yorkshire. With excellent museums, intriguing historical buildings, exciting enticements for children and awesome natural attractions, a lack of sun doesn’t mean a lack of fun.