11 Top Things to do in York When it Rains

Last Updated on 12/03/2023

While the sun isn’t always shining in Yorkshire, bad weather doesn’t need to spoil your trip! Here are the top things to do in York when it rains so you can still make the most of York city centre on a rainy day!

Keep reading to discover the top things to do in York when it rains. This ultimate guide to rainy day activities in York will give you plenty of inspiration when you next find yourself in York on a drizzly day! Don’t miss these highlights!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more here.

Things to do in York when it Rains

As much as we’d like to guarantee incredible weather on every adventure, the Yorkshire region is subject to that unpredictable weather Britain is famous for. It’s no lie that we can experience all the seasons in one day!

However, there is an advantage to living in or visiting somewhere with inclement weather – there is something for every occasion!

And rain really doesn’t need to ruin your trip to York. In fact, York is a city that is well worth visiting on a rainy day as there are so many great attractions you can enjoy despite the rain!

Here are the best things to do in York when it rains in case you are caught short on your next visit. Or think of it as inspiration when you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day in Yorkshire!

Either way, I’ve got you covered!

Things to do in York when it rains

Fairfax House

Fairfax House is a remarkable Georgian townhouse in York. It is considered one of the finest Georgian townhouses in England and is a museum dedicated to showcasing its grandeur.

The building is nestled in the historic heart of York city centre. It is located on Castlegate, between Jorvik Viking Centre and Clifford’s Tower.

Throughout the museum you can admire the richly decorated rooms and incredible stucco ceilings. It is a fantastic showcase of Georgian architecture and design. A visit to Fairfax House is a unique opportunity to taste the luxurious life of York’s wealthy Georgian population.

Fairfax House is the ideal place to pass an hour or two on a rainy day. You’ll quickly forget about the weather while you are soaking up the beauty of the building! Plus, you can spend hours delving into the fascinating exhibitions.

Address: Fairfax House, 27 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN

Price: £7.50/adult. Children under 16 visit for free with a paying adult.

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Things to do in york when it rains - Fairfax House

National Railway Museum

Whether you’re a train enthusiast or not, you cannot help but feel inspired by the ingenuity of rail travel at the National Railway Museum.

This free to enter museum houses the national collection of railway paraphernalia, with approximately 100 vehicles on display in York at any one time.

This creatively displayed museum lets you get up close to the trains, interact with some, and ride aboard others.

You can also watch engineers restoring some of these impressive engines in the workshop and learn about the impact that rail travel has had around the world.

Thanks to the sheer quantity of engines on display at the National Railway Museum, it is the perfect place to pass a rainy day! You will need a minimum of two hours for your visit, but if you really want to take everything in, you can pass half a day here easily!

Address: National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York, YO26 4XJ

Price: Free

Time needed: at least 2 hours but could easily fill half a day

York’s Chocolate Story

The city of York has a sweet side that is well worth exploring!

York is the home of names such as Rowntree’s (think Kit Kat, Aero, Fruit Pastilles, Smarties) and Terry’s of York, now most famously known for their chocolate oranges.

The city revels in its sweet history, and York’s Chocolate Story is a wonderful place to learn about it.

This interactive museum takes you through the history of chocolate, and how it made its journey to York. It explains how the city established itself as the home of chocolate when the surrounding cities relied on wool, cotton, and steel.

There are also demonstrations on the chocolate-making process. You’ll even get to try your hand at making your own sweet treats to take away with you!

I really love the variety in the experience at York’s Chocolate Story. From the immersive stroll through the rainforests of Central America, to trying your hand at chocolate decorating. You become really engrossed in following the journey chocolate took to wind up in the streets of York today.

It is easy to lose yourself in this immersive experience for an hour or so. Plus, the cafe serves a delicious selection of hot chocolates and cakes. So, if you are looking for an excuse to escape the rain a little longer, be sure to indulge in a treat before you leave!

Address: York’s Chocolate Story, 3-4 King’s Square, York, YO1 7LD

Price: £15.95/adult, £13.50/child

Time needed: 1-2 hours

York Minster

In 1215, Walter de Gray was made archbishop of York and ordered the construction of a Gothic cathedral to compare to Canterbury.

Building began in 1220 and the structure was declared complete and consecrated in 1472. York Minster has seen numerous restorations during its lifetime, but it remains true to its Gothic roots.

The minster’s architecture is stunning, but the real gem in the building is the breath-taking stained-glass windows.

Some of the stained glass in York Minster dates back as far as the 12th century. In total, the minster has a spectacular 128 awe-inspiring colourful windows.

York Minster is a peaceful retreat from the bustling city on any day. However, it is an especially magical sanctuary on a rainy day. If you’re looking for things to do in York when it rains, don’t miss the opportunity to step inside York Minster and admire this beautiful building.

Address: York Minster, Deangate, York, YO1 7HH

Price: £12.50/adult, children 16 and under go free with a paying adult

Time: 1 hour

York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum is the place where you can see 400 years of York’s history under one roof.

Experience everything from recreated Jacobean dining rooms and life-sized Victorian streets to life on the front line in the First World War and the swinging Sixties.

The museum acts like two museums in one. The first half is famous for its collections of costume, textiles, military, and social history. Follow a fascinating trail of York through the ages as you revisit key times in the city’s past.

The second half of the museum is dedicated to the former use of the building, York Castle Prison.

These museum buildings were once a Georgian Prison. On your visit, delve deep into the cells and meet former residents of questionable character. It is your opportunity to see what a day in the life of a prisoner was really like.

York Castle Museum is the perfect place to explore on a rainy day in York. There are so may wide-ranging exhibitions underneath one roof, that you’re sure to find something to appeal to everyone’s interests.

It is easy to spend half a day at the museum if you’re taking the time to admire each display. This makes it the perfect place to avoid the rain on your visit!

Address: York Castle Museum, Tower Street, York, YO1 9RY

Price: £13/adult, £6.50/child (advance booking online prices, entry valid for 12 months)

Time needed: 2-3 hours

Jorvik Viking Centre

The Jorvik Viking Centre celebrates York’s proud Viking history. Following an archaeological dig in 1972, over 40,000 unusually well-preserved Viking artifacts were unearthed. They give a uniquely detailed insight into the life of these people who inhabited York between 866-954 AD.

At the Jorvik Viking Centre, you can see what the original archaeological site would have looked like in the exact location the discoveries were made.

You can also take a ride around York at the time of the Vikings. As you sail through the city, you will observe life-like animated mannequins as they go about their daily life to get a flavour of what it meant to be a Viking.

There is also a room displaying the artifacts that were discovered at the dig, giving you a real insight into Viking York.

My favourite thing about Jorvik is the ride through Viking York. This 20-minute animate ride wouldn’t appear out of place at Disney World. It is a really engaging way to learn about York’s Viking history, no matter what your age!

With so many different exhibitions and interactive displays at Jorvik Viking Centre, it is the ideal place to spend a couple of hours on a rainy day. You’ll have so much fun; you won’t even notice the bad weather!

Address: Jorvik Viking Centre, 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT

Price: £13.50/adult, £9.50/child

Time needed: 1-2 hours

York Dungeon

Despite York’s pretty exterior that we see today, it is a city with a dark history.

York Dungeon takes you on a journey through 2000 years of the city history. Using live actors, immersive sets, and all your senses, it will highlight stories the city would rather forget.

Experience what life would have been like for visitors at York Castle Prison, the torture chamber, and the plague house.

You will even meet some of York’s famous faces. Guy Fawkes who notoriously attempted to blow up the houses of parliament, and Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman.

Scaring yourself silly at York Dungeon is the ideal distraction on a dark and drizzly day! Immersing yourself in the creative display and coming face to face with the frightening characters is guaranteed to take your mind off the weather!

Address: York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD

Price: £17.95/adult, £15.95/child (advance booking online prices)

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Treasurer’s House

The grand historic house of Treasurer’s House is tucked behind York Minster. The impressive house and gardens welcome visitors through the spring and summer months.

This historic building was bought by Frank Green in 1897. He elaborately decorated the town house in anticipation of a particularly important royal visitor.

Today you can explore this beautiful building and gardens or take a tour to learn the history in more detail. It is a charming place with a fascinating history to explore!

Although the gardens may be a write off in a downpour, they can still be enjoyed during a shower. Plus, you can still admire the beauty of the house, even if it is tipping it down outside!

Entry is free for National Trust members, which makes a rainy day the ideal opportunity to put your membership use. Check out this review to see if a National Trust membership is worth investing in for you.

Address: Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL

Price: £9.90/adult, £5.00/child, free for National Trust members

Time needed: 1-2 hours

Things to do in york when it rains - Treasurers House

Merchant Adventurer’s Hall

This beautiful timber-framed building can be found right in the centre of York.

A fraternity of York citizens constructed the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall to provide a base for charity, worship, and business. Today, it is a fascinating museum where you can learn more about the Merchant Adventurers and their role in York’s history.

The museum offers an insightful audio tour, which guides you around the building. You’ll see stunning rooms such as the undercroft, chapel, and great hall.

As if the rooms weren’t incentive enough, they each hold a collection of fascinating artefacts that have been collected by the Merchant Adventurers over the last six centuries!

An hour or so will fly by while you lose yourself in the impressive collection of artefacts in this stunning building. It is also a sight that is often overlooked by visitors to York, so a rainy day is the perfect opportunity to finally check it off your York bucket list!

Address: Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Fossgate, York, YO1 9XD

Price: £6.50/adult, children 16 years and under visit for free with a paying adult.

Time needed: 1 hour

Brew York

If you want to taste a local tipple, head to Brew York Craft Brewery. Whether you visit The Tap Room or the Beer Hall, you’re going to be spoiled for choice when choosing your perfect pint.

Observe the original brewery from The Tap Room. Or visit the Beer Hall which boasts 40 taps and the widest selection of beers, lagers, and ciders in York. It also offers a selection of delicious Asian street food as the perfect companion for your pint.

You can even take a tour of the brewery to pass the time! And the best part is you can simply stay here for one pint, or spend hours here sampling a few beverages. It is the ultimate place to hide away on a rainy day in York!

Address: Brew York, Unit 6, Enterprise Complex, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TT

Price: Free to enter

Time needed: 1 hour – half a day

York Designer Outlet

York Designer Outlet is located just outside the city and is the ideal place to pick up a bargain!

There are over 120 stores with discount prices on big-name brands. There are also several food outlets where you can get a bite to eat during your visit.

York Designer Outlet is easily accessible from York city centre via a short drive or a bus ride. It makes the perfect escape from the city on a rainy day.

If you’re looking for things to do in York when it rains, York Designer Outlet is a fantastic location away from the city centre for some retail therapy. You can spend anything from a couple of hours to an entire day here, depending on how much time you want to spend searching for bargains!

Address: York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Avenue, York, YO19 4TA

Price: Free to enter

Time needed: 2 hours to a full day

Save money for a rainy day with the York City Pass

If you want to save money on the best things to do in York on a rainy day, be sure to pick up a York City Pass.

The York City Pass is your ticket to over 20 top York attractions at one bargain price. Many of these recommended rainy day activities are included in the York City Pass, such as the Jorvik Cantre, York Dungeon, York Minster, Fairfax House and many more. See a full list of included attractions here.

This means that you can make the most of your rainy day in York without breaking the bank. It is an ideal solution to see the best of York in bad weather.

Things to do in York When It Rains

So, here are the best things to do in York when it rains. What is your favourite rainy day activity in York? Let me know in the comments below!

And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!

Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!

Until our next adventure,

Related Articles

P.S. Love it? Pin it!

If you like this guide to the best things to do in York when it rains, be sure to follow Get Lost on Pinterest. That’s where I’ll be sharing all my great North Yorkshire travel guides.

6 thoughts on “11 Top Things to do in York When it Rains”

  1. I just love York, but I love history and could spend ages in the Jorvik Viking Centre. Thanks for sharing the other places. Hopefully on my next visit it will rain so I can stay indoors!

    Reply
    • The Jorvik Centre is one of my favourite places to visit in York – it is so fascinating! I hope you get a rainy day to visit soon!

      Reply
  2. I would go visit the beautiful timber-framed building which can be found right in the centre of York. What a great idea!

    Reply
    • Merchant Adventurer’s Hall is absolutely beautiful! The audio tour was fascinating too! I hope you have the opportunity to visit soon!

      Reply

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy