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Indoor activities in Yorkshire

Apr 27, 2022
Indoor activities in Yorkshire

If you’re visiting Yorkshire for the weekend from York or Harrogate and the weather takes a turn for the worse, don’t worry. There is plenty to keep you entertained even in those rainy afternoons. From fascinating museums and art galleries to historic residences and indoor adventure parks – it's never a dull day in the county. Here we’ve highlighted some of the best indoor activities for adults and children to make your stay in Yorkshire extra-fun.

Jorvik Viking Centre

Found just a short walk from York train station, travel in time back to AD960 to discover the history of the Vikings. You can take a ride through the remains of a 1,000-year-old Viking settlement and explore the gallery for a fantastic collection of Viking artefacts. You don’t need to be a history buffer to love this place – it's a great attraction all-around.

Ripley Castle

This Grade-I-listed building is found just outside of Harrogate and dates back to the 14th century. The castle has been the seat of the Ingilby baronets for centuries and is today open to the public, offering great tours and experiences. Learn all about the family history and the gunpowder plot, and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the palace’s tearoom.

York Motorsport Village

An exciting race-themed indoor go-karting centre, York Motorsport Village is all about adrenaline and good fun. There is a wide selection of racing packages, from F3 junior go-karts to F2 petrol karts and F1 pro fleets for children aged 13+. Your children will feel like real F1 drivers thanks to high-tech virtual reality simulators.

The National Railway Museum

Passionate about the history of British railways? You’ve come to the right place. Yorkshire’s National Railway Museum is located in York’s heart of the action and is home to 300 years of railway history. Learn about the record-breaking Mallard and the Shinkansen – the only Japanese bullet train outside Japan. And to take your experience to the next level, why not enjoy a cup of tea on one of the beautifully restored carriages?

Hotel Chocolat

What better way to spend a rainy afternoon than smelling and tasting chocolate? Leeds’ Hotel Chocolate is the ultimate destination for chocolate lovers. Here, you can discover how this treat made its way from Central America to Europe and participate in one of the workshops to create your own chocolate masterpiece.

Eureka!

Give your children a day they won’t forget. Eureka! is home to more than 400 interactive exhibitions and six zones designed to let their imagination run wild. They can discover how music is created, learn more about the human body and experience the evolution of technology first-hand. Eureka! is all making learning fun.

The Deep

Who doesn’t love a day at the Aquarium? The Deep is home to over 3,500 animals, including sharks, turtles, jellyfish and a colony of friendly Gentoo penguins. There are various viewing windows to admire the sea creatures from all angles and discover how they go about their daily lives. At the Deep, the ocean won’t feel so far away.

Xscape

Young thrill-seekers will be in their element here. You’ll find everything from snow slopes, rock climbing walls, an aerial assault course and an indoor skateboard park to entertain adults and children. And if you fancy a game of golf, there are two mini-golf courses to help you improve your skills.