East Yorkshire is just as prone to typical British weather, and sometimes on the East Yorkshire Coast the weather can be even more unpredictable, which can mean we have our fair share of grey days, rainy days and sea fret. And when you’re here for the day or a few days it’s handy to know what to do and where to go - especially to keep the kids occupied - so here are some ideas to keep everybody happy when the weather is not the most ideal. 

 

1.  William’s Den, North Cave
William’s Den is a unique play space constructed from responsibly sourced wood and is suitable for children of all ages and with outdoor and indoor areas, it's suitable for all types of weather. The indoor space is built within a huge barn and is like being outdoors when you’re inside! There are eyries to explore, rope bridges to cross, a tree-house, slide, and even an indoor beck to paddle in! 
And when everyone’s exhausted from running, climbing and jumping head to The Kitchen Table for fresh food made from locally sourced ingredients. Serving a selection of treats including homemade icecream, wood fired pizzas and a childhood favourite - the fish finger sandwich - everyone will be satisfied and recharged ready to play again!

 

2. East Riding Leisure Centres
With Leisure centres across East Yorkshire, there’s plenty of pools to splash about in. East Riding Leisure Bridlington boasts a fun learner pool alongside an incredible splash zone. Perfect for kids to find their feet in the water, have fun and explore. With two daredevil slides as well, the kids - and adults - will certainly be worn out. Refuel at cafe vibe with fresh food, snacks and cakes. This way, it’ll be fun to get wet! 


If getting wet still isn’t for you, then perhaps you’ll be a fan of the clip ‘n’ climb walls at East Riding Leisure Bridlington. Suitable for anyone over the age of 4, the 6 climbing walls offer a different challenge on each. Race against the clock to see who can make the top first, or conquer the wall with moving pegs - to make the climb even more of a challenge.

 

3. Wellies & Waterproofs!                                                                                       

They say there’s “no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing”, so how about going with the flow, donning your wellies and waterproofs, and exploring some of our fabulous footpaths? It’s the perfect excuse to splash in the puddles, and mess about in the mud! Rain or not you’ll find some beautiful views, and choosing walks with woodland areas will offer a bit of natural shelter to eat your picnic snacks. How about Burton Bushes, which contains ancient woodland?


After jumping in muddy puddles till your wellies are full of water there really is only one remedy - cake. More exercise means you can enjoy more cake, right?! After a quick pit stop to dry off, head to one of the region’s excellent, independent, foodie businesses for a sweet treat. And don’t forget to invite the Teddy Bears to join you for an indoor picnic. Download the East Yorkshire Local Food Network brochure for some foodie inspiration.
 
4. Sewerby Hall and Gardens
When the weather’s not sure what it wants to do or is set to brighten up later then head to Sewerby Hall and Gardens. Take cover in the Hall and learn how life was in the early 1900’s for the residents and workers of the house. Grab a discovery pack and let the kids explore the house searching for clues with a magnifying glass.


The lovely Clock Tower cafe on site, has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. With fresh food and sweet treats, it’s ideal for lunch or a quick treat stop.


Should the weather brighten up take a stroll through the beautiful grounds and gardens, including a woodland trail and an outdoor childrens play area. Then explore the zoo and meet the pigs, parrots and penguins!  During summer months, choose an event day full of entertainment for the kids in the House and Orangery.

 

5. Treasure Island Mini Golf Bridlington
Nestled amongst Bridlington’s arcades is the Treasure Island Mini Golf, an indoor crazy golf with a pirate theme suitable for children of all ages. Once you’ve competed against the family to complete all the holes try the Haunted House next door - if you dare.


Bring all the 2ps you can find and head for the amusements after and perhaps round the day off with an icecream!

 

6. A wealth of East Riding Museums to explore!
Get to know East Yorkshire a little better and visit one of the region’s museums. Learn about the history of towns and villages in East Yorkshire, what it means to be a town by a harbour, the history of the guildhall and how East Yorkshire’s past is told through paintings. 


Take part in the ‘5 Things to Discover’ challenge, where there are five activities for families with young children to enjoy at each museum: Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Treasure House, Beverley Guildhall, Skidby Windmill and Goole Museum.

 

7. Take a trip to a Lighthouse
Challenge the family to climb one of the two lighthouses in East Yorkshire. Withernsea Lighthouse is a staggering 144 steps to the top, while Flamborough Lighthouse is119 steps, with panoramic views of the East Yorkshire Coast at the top of both the reward is definitely worth the effort! While in Withernsea enjoy the museum on the ground floor or take a guided tour of the Flamborough Lighthouse and learn what life is like working and living in a lighthouse. Don’t forget to stop for a sweet treat when you’ve returned from the dizzy heights of the lighthouse at the nearby cafes.

 

8. John Bull’s World of Rock & Candy Kingdom
A tradition, a seaside favourite and an absolute must-have on a visit to Bridlington is a stick of rock -  but how is it made? Visit Bridlington’s own confectionery company John Bull’s World of Rock and see just how this sweet treat is created. Take the kids next door to Candy Kingdom soft play, suitable for children from 0-12, and let them run, jump and play till their worn out and in need of a little rock pick-me-up.

 

9. Bugtopia Hornsea – Hornsea Freeport
Hornsea Freeport is an outlet shopping village, perfect to grab a bargain and keep out of the showers. There’s also plenty for the kids to do including the Beach Cove indoor soft play and Bugtopia. Experience a tropical rainforest in East Yorkshire and see the plants, parrots, invertebrates and other creatures that inhabit it while walking through the Jungle Trail. Learn more about them from the Expert Explorers and even have a chance to handle an animal!

 

10. Jump Inc, Beverley
Bounce away a grey day at Beverley inflatable theme park, Jump! With a tots area for under 4’s and the main arena suitable for everyone - adults included - it’s the perfect way to let off steam, have fun and test your limits. Jump is on two levels, one of the first of it's kind, and twice the layers must be twice the fun, right! - and is packed full of activities including the drop slide, unclimbable ladders and a wibbly wobbly gladiator duel podium.