Best Activities for a Rainy Day in York
THE 10 BEST Indoor Things to Do in York on a Rainy Day
Best Activities for a Rainy Day in York
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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170 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
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Showing results 1-30 of 170
What travellers are saying
- Joanne.Cheshire, UK142 contributionsAnother visit here, love it, we knew it was under construction before we arrived, will look forward to returning once all the work is done.Written 14 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- fairfax1969Gillingham, UK118 contributionsWe recently visited York Castle Museum in early October 24. It was an very enjoyable experience! This museum truly offers a captivating journey through time, bringing York’s rich history to life in such a unique way.
The exhibits are incredibly well-curated, and we especially loved the recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, which transports you right into the past. Walking through the cobbled streets, peering into the shop windows, and hearing the sounds of a bygone era was such an immersive experience. Every detail was so carefully thought out, making it feel like we’d stepped into the 19th century.
The museum covers a wide range of periods, from Victorian life to the swinging 1960s, and the way the displays are set up makes history accessible and engaging for all ages. The prison cells section, with stories of crime and punishment, was another highlight – both fascinating and a little eerie!
The staff were friendly and informative, always happy to share extra details about the exhibits. We spent several hours here, and it felt like we could have easily spent more time exploring everything. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about York’s past, York Castle Museum is a must-visit. It offers a perfect mix of interactive exhibits, detailed displays, and an educational yet fun. Highly recommend a visit. Plus it gets you out of the rainWritten 13 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Terry CBicester, UK542 contributionsTotally blown away with the sheer scale of everything in this magnificent building. Particularly impressive was the amazing stained glass windows. Can’t really describe the experience but suggest you don’t miss the chance to see it for yourselves.Written 14 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lorna B1 contributionOur tour guide, Giulia, was great - flawless delivery of history and information with humour (with a difficult small group where half refused to engage!). The information was interesting. The hands-on chocolate bit was quite simple - just decorating a chocolate lollipop. Children would like it I'm sure, but quite simple. It was interesting seeing the KitKat info but had been hoping to be able to try or at least buy some of the more unusual flavours available across the world (Baked Potato flavour?!). Maya who made the chocolates did a good job, though again quite simple and just watching rather than being able to try ourselves. All in all, great presenter, interesting info, quite expensive but nice way to spend an hour.Written 14 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CourtneyManchester, UK57 contributionsIt’s gets very busy so make sure you pre-book in advance, otherwise it will be sold out. The experience was really good. Staff were knowledgeable and shared lots of good information. The first part was very impressive as it was a little ride that takes you around a Viking sort of town which features smells as well that would have probably been around then.
To see actual artefacts from the Viking era was great. Was fairly short so don’t expect a long experience but was definitely worth the money for the ride alone.
Use blue light discount if you have it and make sure to have your proof as they did ask to see my blue light card.Written 27 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Freddie BCoalville, UK145 contributionsExcellent collection of aircraft alongside many historical airfiled buildings. We sat down to watch a talk presented in the chapel about the mechanics of flight, and it was very interesting.Written 6 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- James C1 contributionWhen for my daughter birthday for a day out there was 14 of us a mix of all ages from 1 years old all the way up to 40+ and everyone had a fantastic day and always do here there is something for most ages to do and have fun food and drinks was good as always and a fair priceWritten 14 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lynn MillsLiverpool, UK1,252 contributionsI had no idea this bunker existed! I booked our tickets online (so much easier). Three of us set off on a two hour car journey from Liverpool.
We were greeted by our guide, Sean/Shaun. Taken up the steps to the bunkers' canteen. Our guide gave us a health and safety briefing and then left us to watch a short video. Then, we were taken on a tour of the bunker.
Sean was so knowledgeable and explained everything from when it was built up until it was decommissioned. Explained how English Heritage took it on.
A fascinating tour which lasts about an hour. Photography is allowed.
A great little visit. It wasn't a huge bunker like Hack Green, but it's still interesting and worth a look.
They have a very small gift shop. They have toilets and free parking. The tours run every hour.
We loved it. Big thanks to all the staff 👏Written 12 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - T-SGlobetrottersPreston, UK3,806 contributionsCompared to other similar offerings in the North of England the York outlet is one of the best. Free parking, very good selection of shops that cover a wide range, not just the ubiquitous line of sports shops seen in many outlets. It isn’t too big, but enough there to meet most shoppers needs.Written 4 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ronnie WrightAberdeen, UK3 contributionsVery interesting and very informative guided tour from our guide Mary Day. A handy add-on to nearby Clifford's Tower and York Castle Museum.Written 5 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Martin S55 contributionsVery much enjoyed looking round this part of English history. The guide was knowledgable, pleasant and a credit. Would recommend this if you’re visiting York. Complete with ghost tales!!Written 12 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ketchuprequiredCalgary, Canada351 contributionsThis is a beautiful building and the historical information is excellent. Just some feedback for them is that the stacks of modern blue chairs along both sides of the upper hall room ruined the atmosphere and the photos. I don’t see them in other photos so there must be room to store them elsewhere - we were disappointed in that.Written 21 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Penny P2 contributionsWe had a great time We attended 3 of the Pastport museums and this was the favourite of all 3 of my children! The guy leading our session was great with my SEN children. They asked a lot of questions and he was patient and responsive. They loved the interactive learning experience of digging and “finding relics.”
We will definitely return as soon as possible!Written 17 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Chris MWetherby, UK1,675 contributionsThe last time that we used this station we were travelling to Aberdeen and returning from Inverness. It is a large and busy station. The taxi drop-off point is under cover as is the walk to the LNER 1st Class Lounge on Platform 3. There are no ticket barriers at this station. The lounge provides a warm place to wait for your train. The link between platforms is either by subway accessed by steps and lift or by an overhead footbridge. The lifts are quite small, but they were out of order for some platforms anyway. Therefore transferring cases involved stairs, whichever route was selected. There are ample arrival/departure boards and the departure platform was marked with positions for each coach on the train, to enable reserved seats to located easily. On return the station was extremely busy, which involved stairs for suitcases again. The pre-booked pick-up car park has a short waiting period limit, which can cause issues if trains are late. Overall, a busy but functional station providing travel across the UK, but it would have been good to have serviceable lifts, or better still an easier alternative.Written 27 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tmm01Woolavington, UK405 contributionsFascinating visit. Lots of exhibits of interest. Lots of hands on things for kids.
A look at Yorkshire through history.
A lovely couple of hours spent on a rainy afternoon.Written 27 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.