The summery weather we have been experiencing has suddenly gone into hiding as the weather forecast in York for this week is mostly rainy, damp and windy.
With summer just around the corner you’d want to spend your days out in the sun sunbathing, having picnics or enjoying a pint in a beer garden.
However, your plans for this week don’t have to be ruined as there are many indoor activities you can do in the meantime.
Keep these activities in mind during the summer when there is another week or day of bad weather in York.
The Hole in Wand
Make your way down to The Hole in Wand located in Stonegate shopping centre for a magical game of mini golf.
Your experience will be more than enchanting as you get to play nine holes surrounded by a mystic wizarding theme. Not only that but you get to solve puzzles and riddles along the way.
There is even a dark hole where a ‘Light Spell’ is casted by trainee wizards to illuminate the way and awaken spirits that lie within the hole.
After a long competitive game of mini golf, you can head down to the wizarding tavern to wind down and be served with cauldron cake, potions or poisonous potions for the adults.
There is a maximum of six people per group and each pass starts from £7.49. Make sure to book in advance right here.
This is a wonderful activity for families and those who are fans of the wizarding world. It will be a day to remember that you will forget about the coldness that awaits outside.
Tenpin York
Take a little trip down to Clifton Moor Centre on Stirling Road for a game or two at Tenpin York.
An appropriate option for a date night or family outing as there are 28 indoor lanes, meaning there is always room for you to play as many games as you want to avoid the rain.
Don’t be worried if you’re hungry as they serve multiple food options, such as pizza and burgers, to reenergise you for your next round of bowling. There is also a bar as soon as you enter where you can buy alcoholic drinks or you could order it straight to your lane.
The best thing about Tenpin York is that it isn’t just a bowling alley as it provides other entertainments, consisting of laser tag, pool, table tennis and so much more! They even play Sky Sports so that you don’t miss out on the latest sporting events.
They have a popular deal called Tenpin Tuesdays where every Tuesday, bowling and drinks are 50% off! Students also get a discount off standard-priced bowling but make sure to bring your student ID in order to use this deal.
Tenpin’s lowest weekday prices for each person is £4.40 for one game, £6.70 for two games and £8.75 for three games.
Tenpin’s lowest weekend prices for each person is £5.65 for one game, £8.25 for two games and £11.25 for three games.
Click here to book yourself in for a game of bowling!
York’s chocolate story
If you love chocolate then run to York’s Chocolate Story on King’s Square and take part in the classic guided tour.
Did you know that the origins of chocolate comes from the rainforests of Central America? That’s right, on this tour you get to learn all about the history of chocolate and how they are made now in York. These include your favourite treats, such as Terry’s Chocolate Oranges and KitKats.
The next activity of this tour is to create your own chocolate lolly! Bring out your creative side as you can design your lolly however you want. You also get to choose your own toppings, packaging and are given chocolate samples along the way to taste.
Once you are finished with your chocolate making tour, explore the gift shop that provides you with a variety of tasty chocolates and treats or find yourself in their café.
This tour takes place everyday from 10am till 5pm and you can either pre-book or pay on the day.
Pre-booking prices for adults is £16 and £20 on the day.
Pre-booking prices for ages 4-15 with an adult is £14.50 and £18.50 on the day.
Pre-booking prices for a family of four is £60 and £70 on the day.
Children under four get in for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
It is recommended to pre-book your delicious experience!
York cinemas
If you want to relax on a dark and stormy day, go to any cinema in York and treat yourself to a new film!
There are four great cinemas in York to choose from.
If you want a premium experience, go to Everyman on Blossom Street as it is a luxury cinema with four cinema screens. The seats are incredibly comfortable and you can even order food and drinks to where you’re sat, not just popcorn and coke but burgers and cocktails from the Spielberg kitchen!
A cinema to go to after exploring the city centre and historic buildings is the City Screen Picturehouse on Coney Street. It is just a few minute walk away from the York Minster and is at the heart of the city. There is a cinema cafe-bar where you can drink a warm coffee if you’ve arrived before your movie has started. The buildings strong and old character makes the experience worthwhile.
Catch a bus down to Cineworld at York community stadium on huntington street. It’s a popular choice amongst students as it provides student discounts and comfortable seats that recline. Family and food deals are available too. It also has modern amenities such as IMAX, VIP seating, 4DX, ScreenX and Superscreen.
Vue at Clifton Moor Centre on Sterling Road is another cinema that requires transportation to get there. The reclining seats allow you to immerse yourself in a film, whether it’s 2D or 3D. The surround sound also adds an extra touch to your experience. Vue is an accessible and inclusive cinema as they have two available wheelchair spaces in every screen and welcome assistance dogs.
Make a decision on which cinema suits you best and enjoy a relaxing evening with popcorn at hand!
Mindlock Escape Rooms
If you like to challenge your brain, you’ll love this escape room on Tower Street right opposite Clifford’s Tower.
Each room is themed and contains puzzles for you to figure out and finish in order to get out in time. You are able to book a room that is only for your team as Mindlock does not mix groups.
The games are designed to allow two to six players in one room and it is recommended that you should be eight or older to play. The themes include Viking Valhalla, V90, the Dark Arts and Cluedo. Although, 12 players can play Cluedo as there is two identical rooms, which both need to be booked out.
The total price for two players is £50, three players is £60, four players is £72, five players is £80 and six players is £96.
An interesting fact is that Mindlock was nominated in a list created by York Press readers for the top ten indoor family entertainment venues in the city! That means this is an experience you need to participate in.
