Rain might be part and parcel of a break in Yorkshire, but it certainly doesn’t have to spoil your day.
If you’re staying at Akebar Park and wake up to grey skies, there are plenty of rainy day activities in North Yorkshire within around 30 minutes of the park. From cinemas and museums to chocolate, castles and activities for younger children, you can easily turn a wet-weather day into one of the highlights of your stay.
Here are some of our favourite things to do when the Yorkshire weather isn’t playing ball.
1. Catch a Film at The Station Cinema, Richmond
Around 20 minutes from Akebar Park
Richmond is always worth a visit, but on a rainy day we’d recommend heading straight for The Station.
The beautifully restored Victorian railway station is home to an independent cinema, café, gallery and local businesses, making it somewhere you can easily spend a couple of hours without worrying too much about the weather.
Catch a film, stop for coffee and cake and then, if the rain eases, head into Richmond town centre for a browse around the shops.
Good for: Couples, families and teenagers.
2. Visit The Big Sheep & Little Cow, Bedale
Around 15 minutes from Akebar Park
If you’re looking for rainy day activities in North Yorkshire with children, The Big Sheep & Little Cow in Bedale is a great option.
The attraction combines animals with indoor play, making it particularly handy when the weather isn’t on your side. It’s close enough to Akebar that you don’t need to commit to a long drive either.
The Big Sheep & Little Cow
Good for: Families with younger children.
3. Discover Richmondshire Museum
Around 20 minutes from Akebar Park
While you’re in Richmond, you could also visit Richmondshire Museum.
Tucked away just off the market place, the museum tells the story of Richmond and the surrounding area through local exhibits and collections.
It’s a good option if you want something relatively relaxed to do for an hour or two before heading for lunch or exploring some of Richmond’s independent shops.
Richmondshire Museum
Good for: Couples, families and anyone interested in local history.
4. Watch Chocolatiers at Work in Leyburn
Around 10 minutes from Akebar Park
Chocolate and rainy days seem like a pretty good combination to us.
Inspired Chocolate is based at Leyburn Business Park and produces artisan chocolates right here in Wensleydale. Visitors can see chocolatiers at work, browse the shop and, most importantly, pick up something sweet to take home.
It’s also very close to Akebar, so it’s ideal if you don’t fancy travelling far in bad weather.
Good for: Almost everyone – especially chocolate lovers!
5. Explore Bolton Castle
Around 25 minutes from Akebar Park
A little rain can actually add to the atmosphere when you’re exploring a medieval Yorkshire castle.
Bolton Castle is one of the area’s most impressive historic attractions and has plenty to discover inside the castle itself.
Once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, the castle has centuries of history to uncover and makes a great alternative to the usual rainy-day cinema trip.
There are outdoor areas too, so we’d still recommend bringing a waterproof if you want to explore everything.
Good for: Families, couples and history lovers.
6. Spend a Few Hours at Kiplin Hall
Around 25 minutes from Akebar Park
For a slower-paced rainy afternoon, head to Kiplin Hall.
This historic Jacobean house is filled with fascinating rooms, collections and stories spanning hundreds of years.
Although its gardens are lovely when the weather behaves, the house itself gives you plenty to explore when it’s raining.
Good for: Adults, couples and older children.
7. Have a Cinema Day in Northallerton
Around 25 minutes from Akebar Park
Sometimes you just need to accept that it’s raining, order some popcorn and settle in for a film.
Northallerton is home to an Everyman cinema, making it a great option for a particularly wet afternoon or evening.
You could combine your film with lunch, dinner or a little shopping in Northallerton to make a full day of it.
Good for: Couples, families and teenagers.
8. Brave The Forbidden Corner
Around 20 minutes from Akebar Park
We’ll admit this isn’t completely indoors, but a bit of drizzle can make The Forbidden Corner even more entertaining.
The Forbidden Corner is a labyrinth of tunnels, underground chambers, follies, strange statues, hidden passages and surprises near Middleham. There are plenty of underground sections where you’ll escape the rain, although you’ll definitely want waterproofs for the outdoor parts.
It’s worth remembering that admission is by pre-booked ticket, so check availability before setting off.
Good for: Families, groups, couples and older children.
9. Explore Leyburn’s Shops, Galleries & Cafés
Around 10 minutes from Akebar Park
You don’t necessarily need a major attraction to fill a rainy afternoon.
Leyburn is only a short drive from Akebar and has independent shops, cafés, galleries and local businesses to discover. The town’s visitor information highlights attractions including Inspired Chocolate, Ceramic Inspirations, Leyburn Arts Centre and local galleries.
Park up, have a wander between the showers and find somewhere cosy for coffee and cake.
Good for: Couples and adults.
10. Head Back to Akebar for Lunch at The Friars Head
Of course, you don’t have to leave Akebar at all.
A rainy afternoon is a pretty good excuse for a long lunch, a drink and a catch-up at The Friars Head.
Find yourself a cosy table, order something good and watch the Yorkshire weather do its thing outside.
And if the clouds clear later? You can always head back out and explore.
What Are the Best Rainy Day Activities Near Leyburn?
If you’re staying around Leyburn, some of the easiest wet-weather options include Inspired Chocolate, Richmond’s Station Cinema, Richmondshire Museum, The Big Sheep & Little Cow, Kiplin Hall and Bolton Castle.
Most are within approximately 10–30 minutes of Akebar Park, which means you don’t have to spend half your rainy day sitting in the car.
What Can You Do With Children on a Rainy Day in North Yorkshire?
For younger children, we’d recommend starting with The Big Sheep & Little Cow, while older children and teenagers might prefer a trip to The Station Cinema in Richmond, The Forbidden Corner or a cinema trip to Northallerton.
If the forecast looks mixed rather than completely wet, attractions such as Bolton Castle and The Forbidden Corner work particularly well because you can combine indoor and outdoor exploring.
Don’t Let a Rainy Day Stop You Exploring North Yorkshire
One of the best things about staying at Akebar Park is the amount there is to see and do nearby – whatever the weather.
From historic houses and castles to cinemas, chocolate and family attractions, there are plenty of indoor activities in North Yorkshire to keep everyone entertained.
And when the rain finally stops, you’ll have the Yorkshire Dales right on your doorstep ready to explore again.
Planning your stay at Akebar Park? Take a look at more of our local guides to discover walks, market towns, family days out and some of our favourite places to visit around North Yorkshire.
