The Yorkshire coast is beautiful in almost any weather. In fact, there’s something rather atmospheric about watching the waves roll in beneath a grey stormy sky.
If rain arrives during your stay at Low Costa Mill, don’t write off a day at the seaside. There are plenty of attractions along the Yorkshire coast where you can escape the weather and still have a fantastic day out.
A little drizzle, or even a full-on British downpour, is all part of a UK break. Thankfully, the Yorkshire coast has far more to offer than sandy beaches and sunny seaside days. From museums and historic attractions to independent shops, cafés and places to explore indoors, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the coast whatever the forecast.
Don’t let a bit of drizzle put you off the seaside. If you’re looking for rainy day activities on the Yorkshire coast, here are some of our favourite ideas for making the most of a grey day.
Looking for ideas closer to Low Costa Mill? Take a look at our guide to rainy day adventures near Pickering.
Dive into SEA LIFE Scarborough
If you’re looking for an escape from the rain, head to SEA LIFE Scarborough.
This popular aquarium is home to an amazing variety of underwater creatures. Discover colourful fish, fascinating sea life and creatures from around the world. Look out for the beautiful blue-spotted stingrays and keep an eye above you for sharks swimming overhead.
The Ocean Tunnel is particularly impressive, giving you the feeling of walking beneath the waves as marine life swims around you.
It’s a great choice when the weather isn’t cooperating, especially for families who want to spend a few hours somewhere warm and dry.
Meet the Animals at Playdale Farm Park
Just south of Scarborough, Playdale Farm Park is a great option for families with younger children.
It’s much more than a traditional petting farm, with plenty of indoor activities alongside its outdoor attractions. Depending on the season, children can enjoy animal handling, meet guinea pigs and feed some of the farm animals.
Inside, there’s a straw barn that’s perfect for climbing, a sandpit with diggers and a large soft-play area.
Weather permitting, there are plenty of outdoor activities too, including go-karts, frisbee golf and a zip line. There’s also a farm café, making it easy to stop for lunch and stay a little longer.
With so much to do under cover, Playdale Farm is a handy choice when the Yorkshire weather has other plans!
Step Back in Time at the Scarborough Fair Collection
The Scarborough Fair Collection is one of those places you might easily drive past without realising what lies inside.
This fascinating collection brings together vintage fairground rides, steam engines, classic vehicles and arcade machines, you’ll find everything from fairground organs and mechanical machines to vintage cars, motorbikes and penny arcade games.
Take a spin on the beautifully restored Golden Galloping Horses, originally built in 1893, or have a go at some traditional fairground games.
With so much nostalgia under one roof, it’s a great rainy-day attraction for families and grown-ups alike.
Have Some Family Fun at Olympia
For a more traditional rainy-day treat, head into Scarborough for some indoor entertainment at Olympia Leisure.
Downstairs, you’ll find arcade games, penny machines, grabber games, children’s rides and plenty of skill games to keep everyone entertained. Upstairs, Olympia Bowl has 12 bowling lanes and drinks and pizza on site.
It’s an easy option when you want somewhere to spend a few hours without worrying about what the weather is doing outside. Why not challenge the family to a game of bowling before heading off for something to eat in Scarborough?
For the Grown-Ups: Whitby Distillery
If you’re looking for something a little different, head to Whitby for an afternoon at Whitby Distillery.
The distillery offers visitors the chance to discover more about the craft behind its spirits and the story of Whitby Gin. Take a tour to give you an insight into the distilling process, with the opportunity to sample the finished product.
It’s a lovely option for couples or groups of friends looking for something a little different from the usual seaside attractions.
And, of course, you can pick up a Whitby Distillery souvenir bottle or 2.
Back at the Cottage
Of course, you don’t have to fill every minute of your holiday with days out.
Bring a few books, pack some games, or borrow one from our collection, and enjoy a games session. A rainy afternoon can still feel like a proper holiday when you aren’t rushing from one place to the next.
And back to Low Costa Mill, there’s always our heated indoor swimming pool waiting for you. Sometimes, a swim followed by a cosy evening in your cottage is exactly what you need after a day exploring.
Or Get Wet and Enjoy It!
And if you’re heading to the coast, a little rain doesn’t have to keep you away from the water! Why not embrace the weather and try something a little more adventurous?
The North Yorkshire Water Park, near Scarborough, offers kayaking, wakeboarding and paddleboarding. There are also AquaParks packed with giant inflatable obstacles, including slides, trampolines and jumps.
Of course, you don’t have to get in the water to enjoy the coast. Sometimes a windswept beach walk, followed by coffee and cake somewhere cosy, is just as much fun.
So, whether you’re watching the waves, exploring indoors or getting thoroughly soaked, the Yorkshire coast can still make a brilliant day out.
Whatever the weather decides to do, there is plenty to discover from Low Costa Mill.
And sometimes the best holidays aren’t the ones with wall-to-wall sunshine. They’re the ones where you come back with muddy shoes, rosy cheeks and stories to tell.
Take a look at our holiday cottages and start planning your next North Yorkshire escape.
