What to do on a rainy day.
As we live in the UK, the chances are that when you are on holiday there is a good chance that there will be a rainy day or two when you are away. Here we suggest a number of places in North Yorkshire that you can visit when the heavens open. Don’t forget, that at Cliff House Holiday Cottages, we have an indoor heated swimming pool and a games room for the enjoyment of our guests come rain or shine!
The Scarborough Fair Collection
How about a little nostalgia ? Just 25 minutes drive from Cliff House is The Scarborough Fair Collection. This fantastic working collection of Vintage Fairground Rides and Mechanical Organs includes two ‘Mighty’ Wurlitzer Organs. One of which is played every Thursday. They even have a ballroom and host tea dances every Wednesday afternoon! For the small (or even big children) there is a chance to ride on the Golloping horses, drive the dodgems, throw things at the coconut shy and try their muscles on the strength tester. Trip Advisor rates this as the number 2 thing to do in Scarborough.
For more details visit – https://www.scarboroughfaircollection.com/
Ryedale Folk Museum
An open air museum with over 20 historic buildings set over 6 acres (so you might want to take a brolly if it’s a proper rainy day!). Many of the buildings were relocated to the Museum in the 1960s and 70s. You feel as if you step back in time as you wander in and out of the historic buildings finding out about life in the past
You’ll be able to see the thatched Manor House which has huge crucks rising to the ceiling, a reconstructed Roundhouse, traditional workshops, a photography studio, cottages from different ages and even a vintage chemist and village store.
You feel as if you step back in time as you wander in and out of the historic buildings finding out about life in the past.
For more details visit – https://www.ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk/
Yorkshire Air Museum
More than a century of aviation history in one place. The Museum’s collections span across the entire history of aviation. From Sir George Cayley’s Glider (did you see the signs in Brompton – on the road to Scarborough commemorating him ? ) through aeronautical history all the way to supersonic jets.
Some of the planes are outside but there are also big hangers and indoor exhibits including the Bomber Command exhibit and a wartime cinema.
The museum is dog friendly too.
For more details visit – https://yorkshireairmuseum.org/
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Why not while away the rainy hours on a steam train?
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the world’s greatest heritage railway experiences, and one of the earliest and most historic lines. The line is 24 miles of Yorkshire scenery from Pickering to Whitby. The station at Pickering is a 1930’s themed station, along the route is Goathland, which became Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film – also those that remember “Heartbeat” will recognise the station. Arriving at Whitby you can explore the narrow streets of the old town and bustling harbour or climb up the steps to Whitby Abbey.
For more information visit – https://www.nymr.co.uk/
Visit York
York is only 50 minutes away by car or you can take the train from Malton. In York there is plenty to see and do all year round. Did you know that York was the Capital of the Roman Empire for a (very) short period as Constantine the Great (him of Constantinople fame) became Emperor whilst in Roman York. Here’s our two top picks for rainy day –
The National Railway Museum
The National Railway Museum is home to lots of iconic trains and locomotives and covers more than 300 years of railway history. You can see how it all began with a replica of George Stephenson’s Rocket. Admire the fastest steam train in the world, the Mallard, and climb aboard the Japanese Bullet Train (it’s the only one outside Japan!)
Most exhibits are indoors in a vast open hall.
Entrance is free although they appreciate donations.
For more details visit – https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/
Jorvik Viking Centre
Sometime after the Romans came the Vikings who settled widely in Northern England. The Jorvik Viking Centre is named after the Old Norse name for the city of York, and brings ancient York to life. Take a ride through scenes of the city with life size mannequins, animatronics, sounds and even smells. After the ride there is a chance to explore the meticulously researched museum with exhibits beautifully presented and friendly guides available to answer any questions and explain the details.
For more information visit – https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/
Don’t forget!
At Cliff House Holiday cottages we have our own indoor heated pool as well as an indoor games room. In our games room as well as table tennis and pool, we have a small honesty shop with a collection of sweets and kitchen essentials such oil, salt, pepper and tomato sauce. Additionally we have a collection of games, toys and books to borrow. Perfect for whiling away a rainy day!
For more details about our pool visit here.
