EASILETS UNPACKED : Rainy Day Plans in York

Explore York’s Indoor Treasures

Rain doesn’t have to dampen your day in York — in fact, some of the city’s best experiences happen indoors. Whether you're seeking shelter from a storm or looking to dive deeper into York’s rich history and culture, these indoor gems are full of warmth, wonder, and a dash of drama.

York Minster – Breathtaking Beauty, Inside and Out

One of the most iconic cathedrals in the world, York Minster is the perfect place to escape the rain and soak up centuries of history. Step inside to marvel at the Great East Window — the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the UK — and explore the atmospheric crypt below. If the weather improves, you can even brave the tower climb for sweeping city views. Quiet, contemplative, and grand — it’s a must, whatever the weather.

JORVIK Viking Centre – A Ride into the Past

Not your average museum — JORVIK is an immersive, ride-through experience that brings Viking-age York to life. Travel in a slow-moving time capsule through a reconstructed 10th-century settlement, complete with lifelike figures, sounds of daily life, and even the smells of the era. After the ride, explore real artefacts unearthed right on the site. It’s interactive, educational, and surprisingly fun — especially for families and history buffs.

York Castle Museum – Step Into Another Era

Housed in a former Georgian prison, this museum is like a time-traveller’s playground. Wander through Kirkgate, a recreated Victorian street complete with shopfronts, carriages, and cobbles. Peek inside Edwardian drawing rooms, wartime kitchens, and fashion exhibitions spanning the centuries. The museum also includes the original prison cells where notorious highwayman Dick Turpin was held — making it one of the city’s most atmospheric and wide-ranging museums.

Barley Hall – Medieval York Behind the Scenes

Hidden just off Stonegate, Barley Hall is one of York’s best-kept secrets. This stunning medieval townhouse was rediscovered under a derelict office block and painstakingly restored to its 15th-century glory. Wander through timber-framed halls, grand banqueting rooms, and interactive exhibitions — often themed around medieval life, magic, or the plays of Shakespeare. It’s quiet, cosy, and full of character — a great place to escape the crowds.

DIG: An Archaeological Adventure – Hands-On History for Kids

Created by the team behind JORVIK, DIG is a hands-on archaeological experience where kids (and curious adults) can grab a trowel and excavate real replica dig sites. Learn about Roman, Viking, medieval, and Victorian finds — with expert guides on hand to help little ones unearth artefacts and understand the past. It’s fully indoors, family-friendly, and a great way to turn a rainy day into a mini adventure.

The York Dungeon – Dark, Dramatic & Full of Laughs

Ready for some thrills? The York Dungeon is a theatrical walk-through attraction packed with jump scares, live actors, gruesome tales, and just the right amount of humour. You'll meet characters like Guy Fawkes, visit plague-ridden streets, and experience the horror of the courtroom. It’s spooky but fun — and definitely more entertaining than your average history lesson. Best suited for older kids, teens, and brave-hearted adults.

York Theatre Royal or City Screen Picturehouse – Rainy Day Culture Fix

Looking for something a little more relaxing? York Theatre Royal offers a fantastic programme of drama, comedy, and family shows in a beautiful historic venue. Meanwhile, City Screen Picturehouse is an indie cinema by the river, complete with cosy bar, comfy seats, and a great mix of mainstream and arthouse films. Both make ideal rainy-day escapes — especially when followed by drinks or dinner nearby.

Stay Dry & Shop Till You Drop

Rainy days are the perfect excuse for a bit of retail therapy — and luckily, York offers plenty of warm, dry places to browse, buy, and treat yourself. Whether you’re after high-street favourites, artisan gifts, or designer discounts, here’s where to shop in comfort when the weather’s not on your side:

Shambles Market (Covered Stalls)

Right in the heart of the city, Shambles Market is a local favourite — and many of the stalls are covered, so you can shop without getting soaked. Browse handmade crafts, vintage finds, independent food vendors, and delicious baked goods. Grab a warm treat from one of the street food stalls or pick up a locally made souvenir — it's York at its most charming, even in the rain.

Coppergate Shopping Centre

Tucked between the city centre and Clifford’s Tower, Coppergate is York’s only fully covered shopping centre. It’s home to high-street names like Fenwick, Flying Tiger, Primark, and The Body Shop, making it ideal for a quick retail fix. Plus, you’re only a short stroll from JORVIK and the Castle Museum, so it’s easy to combine shopping with a bit of indoor sightseeing.

York Designer Outlet (McArthurGlen)

Just a 15-minute drive (or a hop on the Park & Ride), York Designer Outlet is a rainy day dream for bargain hunters. With over 100 designer brands under one large roof — from Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein to Lindt and Le Creuset — it’s easy to while away a few hours in style. There’s also a covered food court, cafés, and a small indoor play area for kids.

Monks Cross Shopping Park & Vangarde Retail Park

If you’re after big-name brands and plenty of choice, head to Monks Cross, where covered walkways link stores like Primark, New Look, Boots, and TK Maxx. Right next door, Vangarde Retail Park offers M&S, Next, John Lewis, and a selection of casual restaurants like Vallado Lounge — ideal for a warm meal or coffee after your spree. You’ll even find mini golf if the kids need to burn off some energy indoors.

Stay In & Get Cosy

Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. When the rain sets in and the city slows down, there’s something wonderfully indulgent about staying in. Pop on the fairy lights, slip into your comfiest socks, and let your Easilets apartment become your sanctuary — warm, stylish, and perfectly equipped for a night of pure relaxation.

🍽️ Takeaway Favourites We Love

No need to venture far for great food — York’s vibrant food scene comes straight to your door. Here are some of our go-to takeaway spots for rainy days in:

Shambles Kitchen – Known for their hot pulled pork wraps, chicken rice bowls, and smoky specials. Hearty, flavour-packed, and guaranteed to warm you up.

Yuzu Street Food – Japanese-inspired bao buns, crispy gyoza, and rich katsu curries, available via Deliveroo or Uber Eats. Fresh, fun, and packed with umami.

Efes  – Turkish classics done right. Think juicy grilled meats, mezze spreads, and fluffy flatbreads. Great for sharing straight from the box.

Drake’s Fish & Chips  – Traditional British comfort food done properly. Crispy battered fish, golden chips, mushy peas, and a splash of vinegar — perfect on a cold night.

Red Chilli or Mumbai Lounge – Craving spice? These two local favourites serve authentic Chinese and Indian dishes with bold flavours and generous portions.

Add a Little Extra

Make your night-in feel extra special with a few local touches:

Swing by M&S Food, Sainsbury’s Local, or the indie stalls at Spark York to pick up wine, snacks, desserts, or something indulgent.

Your Easilets kitchen is fully equipped — so warm up those goodies, pour a glass, and serve up your stay-in feast in style.

Light a few candles, wrap yourself in a blanket, put on a good film or playlist, and listen to the soft tap of rain on the windows — it’s cosy season, and you’re winning at it.

Rainy Day Fun for Kids

Rainy days don’t have to mean moaning, screen time, or soggy shoes — York is packed with brilliant indoor activities that keep little ones (and not-so-little ones) entertained, inspired, and out of the drizzle. Whether your crew loves crafts, chocolate, bowling, or brainteasers, here are our top picks for family-friendly fun under cover:

National Railway Museum

Big trains. Big fun. And it’s free!
Let the kids explore real locomotives, sit in a bullet train, or marvel at Queen Victoria’s luxurious carriages. There's a hands-on play area for younger children, interactive exhibits for budding engineers, and a café for grown-ups to grab a warm drink. A timeless family favourite for all ages.

York’s Chocolate Story

History has never been so delicious.
Take an interactive tour through York’s sweet past — learn how chocolate shaped the city, try your hand at making your own treats, and (best of all) sample as you go. Great for kids, grandparents, and anyone with a sweet tooth.

The Hole in Wand (Wizard Golf)

Mini-golf meets magic.
This 9-hole wizard-themed adventure in Coppergate brings spellbooks, potions, cauldrons, and magical mayhem together in a family-friendly setting. Great for ages 3+ — and adults will secretly love it too.

Puttstars Mini Golf (Vanguarde)

Rain can’t stop play here.
A bright, modern indoor mini-golf experience perfect for kids and competitive families alike. With food options like Vallado Lounge just steps away, it's easy to turn it into a full afternoon outing.

The Puzzling Place of Professor Kettlestring

York’s quirkiest new attraction!
Located on Merchantgate, this indoor maze of illusions, puzzles, and visual tricks will wow the whole family. Walk through a sideways living room, shrink in size, float in mid-air (sort of), and snap hilarious photos you’ll laugh at later. Clever, creative, and great fun for all ages.

Hollywood Bowl (Vanguarde Leisure Park)

A rainy-day classic.
Ten-pin bowling, ramps and bumpers for the little ones, arcade games, and a retro-style diner — this is a one-stop entertainment spot. Bonus: it’s right next to several restaurants, so you can pair strikes with snacks.

Tenpin York (Clifton Moor)

Action-packed and indoors.
Older kids will love the combo of bowling, laser tag, and a fully loaded arcade — all under one roof. Great for burning off energy while parents grab a coffee and join in the fun (or watch from the sidelines!).

Rainbows Ceramics (Fossgate)

Perfect for a calm, creative escape.
This cosy city-centre pottery painting studio lets kids (and adults!) paint mugs, animals, plates, or seasonal ornaments. It’s soothing, screen-free, and you’ll walk away with a lovely personalised souvenir of your stay.

Cosy Cafés & Tearooms

Rainy days call for something warm, comforting, and sheltered. York is packed with delightful cafés and tearooms perfect for curling up with a hot drink and a treat. Here's our refreshed list:

Bettys Café Tea Rooms (St. Helen’s Square)

York’s quintessential tearoom. With silver tea services, exquisite pastries, and an elegant 1930s heritage interior, it’s the perfect rainy-day indulgence. A traditional full-afternoon-tea feels extra special when the weather dampens outside—though a quick Fat Rascal and pot of tea does the trick, too.

SOPHiE (formerly Dyls)

Riverside Reboot, Now under new ownership, the iconic riverside motor house has been refreshed and rebranded as SOPHiE. Expect the cozy, quirky charm of Dyls with fresh energy—think riverside views, warm drinks, and a sense of community that’s hard to beat, even when the river’s rising.

Bison Coffee House (Bishopthorpe Road)

Located on the vibrant "Bishy Road". Bison is a local favourite for good reason: excellent coffee, relaxed vibes, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With plenty of seating, this is the kind of café you could happily hibernate in on a rainy day.

Brew & Brownie (Museum Street)

A tiny gem with big flavour. Known for lazy morning pancakes, rustic-chic interiors, and artisan brews, it's the sort of spot that always has a queue on a wet day—but the reward of a warm drink and delicious cake is always worth it.

Spring Espresso (Lendal & Fossgate)

One of York’s best-loved coffee stops. Spring Espresso is small but mighty — known for top-quality coffee, home-baked cakes, and a laid-back vibe. Their Fossgate branch feels particularly snug when it’s raining outside.

The Fossgate Social

A relaxed, candle-lit café by day and cocktail bar by night, this indie hangout is perfect for rainy afternoons. Grab a slice of cake or a grilled cheese and watch the rain fall on Fossgate — one of York’s most characterful streets.

Kiosk (at Spark York)

Housed inside a repurposed shipping container, Kiosk offers a warm welcome with artisan coffee, pastries, and lunch plates. You’ll be dry under the covered seating at Spark, and there’s a buzzing creative atmosphere that makes it feel like a community hub.

Robinsons Café (Bishopthorpe Road)

Neighbourhood brunch at its finest. Robinsons serves some of the best brunch dishes in York — all with a cosy, minimalist feel. Think maple bacon French toast, hot coffee, and friendly service — perfect for waiting out a downpour.

FortyFive Vinyl Café (Micklegate)

Coffee, cake, and records — what’s not to love? This cool little café is part record shop, part hangout, and full of character. On rainy days, it's great for discovering new music while sipping a flat white.

Partisan (Micklegate)

A beautifully curated mix of art gallery, brunch café, and bistro. Partisan is full of charm — with seasonal dishes, twinkling lights, and an ever-changing menu of cakes and specials. Ideal for foodies and creatives alike.

Gatehouse Coffee (Walmgate Bar)

Enjoy coffee in a medieval tower! Gatehouse Coffee is literally set into the city walls at Walmgate Bar, with small, rustic interiors and unbeatable character. On a rainy day, it’s one of the cosiest spots in the city.

Whether you're sipping hot chocolate in a cosy café, exploring Viking history underground, or curled up with a takeaway and a film in your Easilets apartment, rainy days in York are anything but dull. In fact, they offer the perfect excuse to slow down, discover something new, and see the city in a softer, more intimate light.

At Easilets, we believe that great stays are about more than just sunshine and sightseeing — they’re about feeling at home, whatever the weather. Our thoughtfully styled holiday homes are made for days like these: warm, welcoming, and perfectly placed to explore York’s hidden indoor gems (or stay in and enjoy the quiet).

So if the skies turn grey, don’t worry. Just grab a brolly, embrace the drizzle, and make the most of all the cosy corners York has to offer. You might just find your favourite memories are made in the rain.