Rainy Day Activities in East Yorkshire

Because it will rain at some point, and you'll want a plan.

East Yorkshire gets its share of rain. It's not the wettest part of England by any means, but a week's holiday here will almost certainly include at least one day when the weather isn't cooperating. The good news is that there's plenty to do indoors. World-class aquariums, medieval churches, country houses, theatres, and museums are all within easy reach of the cottage. A rainy day can turn out to be one of the best days of your trip if you know where to go.

The Deep, Hull

The Deep is Hull's landmark aquarium, sitting at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary in a striking modern building. It's one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in Europe, and it's the single best rainy-day destination in the area.

The main tank is enormous, home to sharks, rays, sawfish, sea turtles, and thousands of tropical fish. You descend through the building on a series of ramps, watching the marine life through huge viewing panels. There's also a penguin enclosure, a coral reef display, and a section on the deep ocean. Children love it, but it's genuinely interesting for adults too.

Allow 2-3 hours for a visit. The cafe overlooking the estuary is a decent spot for lunch. Hull itself has improved enormously in recent years and is worth exploring if you have time. The Old Town around the Museum Quarter has some fine buildings and good independent shops. The Deep is about 25 minutes from the cottage. Our East Yorkshire attractions guide covers more of what Hull has to offer.

Beverley Minster and the Treasure House

A rainy day is actually a fine time to visit Beverley Minster. The vast interior feels particularly atmospheric when the weather outside is grey. You can spend a good hour examining the medieval carvings, the Percy Tomb, and the misericords (look for the carved scenes under the choir seats, some of them are wonderfully bizarre). Entry is free.

Combine it with the Treasure House, Beverley's museum and art gallery, which is just around the corner. The museum covers local history from Roman times onwards, and the art gallery hosts changing exhibitions alongside a permanent collection of work by local artists. Entry is free. The building also houses the library and archives, useful if you're interested in researching the area's history.

St Mary's Church at the other end of town is also worth a visit. The ceiling paintings and the famous "rabbit" carving are highlights. After that, duck into one of Beverley's independent cafes for tea and cake. See our Beverley town guide for more suggestions.

Historic Houses

Two country houses within easy reach of the cottage make excellent rainy-day visits. Burton Agnes Hall, about 20 minutes north-east, is an Elizabethan manor house with a fine collection of art, including Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings that you wouldn't expect to find in a remote East Yorkshire house. The gardens are good too, if the rain eases.

Sledmere House, about 20 minutes north, is a Georgian house with elaborate interiors restored after a fire in 1911. The library is particularly impressive. The estate also includes the Wagoners Memorial, commemorating the local men who served with the Wagoners' Reserve in the First World War. Both houses have seasonal opening hours, so check before visiting.

Theatre and Cinema

The East Riding Theatre in Beverley is a small professional theatre in a converted Baptist chapel. It produces a mix of new writing, classic plays, comedy, and music throughout the year. The quality is high for a venue this size, and the intimate space makes for a good evening out. Check their programme and book ahead for popular shows.

For cinema, the Parkway at Flemingate in Beverley shows current releases and is about 15 minutes from the cottage. Hull has larger multiplexes and an IMAX at the Vue in the city centre.

Craft Centres and Shopping

Beverley's independent shops are a good rainy-day distraction. The streets between the Minster and St Mary's are lined with bookshops, galleries, antique dealers, and specialist food shops. It's the kind of browsing you can't do online.

Driffield, about 15 minutes north of the cottage, has a smaller but pleasant town centre with a weekly Thursday market. The Driffield Navigation, a restored canal, has a heritage centre worth a look.

For something more hands-on, look for pottery workshops and craft studios in the area. Several local artists and makers run classes and open studio events, particularly during the summer months.

Making the Most of a Wet Day

A good wet-day plan combines one or two bigger attractions with a leisurely lunch. The Deep in the morning followed by lunch in Hull's Old Town, then the drive home through the Wolds. Or Beverley Minster and the Treasure House in the morning, a good pub lunch, then a film at the Parkway in the afternoon.

And don't rule out walking in the rain entirely. The Wolds in a light drizzle can be beautiful, with the chalk paths turning white against the green fields and the mist sitting in the valleys. Pack waterproofs and embrace it. You'll have the paths entirely to yourself.

For more ideas on things to do in the area, see our family days out guide.