Living in the North East, you can always count on one thing - you're never too far from a rain shower. It doesn't matter what season it is, there's always going to be rain at some point.
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You can download a FREE map with all of the locations and postcodes pinned here: Download a FREE Rainy Day Ideas Map
Free Rainy Days Out in Sunderland
- Rainy Day Ideas in Consett, Country Durham
- Dog Friendly Atrractions with Indoor/Covered Areas
- Rainy Day Ideas in Northumberland
- A Guide to North East Soft Plays and Role Play Cafes
- Pubs with Indoor Play Areas in North East England
- A Guide to North East Gaming Cafes
You can download a FREE map with all of the locations and postcodes pinned here: Download a FREE Rainy Day Ideas Map
Multiple Areas
- Theatre
- Soft Play
- Play Cafe
- Dessert Cafe
- Swimming Pools
- Shopping
- Petting Farms with Indoor Play & Animal Barns
- Your Local Library
- Hot Chocolate / Ice Cream Parlour / Afternoon Tea
Key: 🐶 Dogs allowed in most indoor areas
Rainy Day Ideas in Northumberland
Free Rainy Days Out in Northumberland- FREE Barter Books 🐶
- FREE Hexham Abbey
- Woodhorn Museum
- Bailiffgate Museum
- Bamburgh Castle State Rooms
- RNLI Grace Darling Museum
- Lindisfarne Castle
- Chillingham Castle
- Heatherslaw Corn Mill & FREE Lady Waterford Hall
- Hexham Old Gaol 🐶
- Ad Gefrin Museum
- Berwick Museum & Art Gallery 🐶
- The Sill Visitor Centre
- Lobster Hatchery
- Planetarium at Twice Brewed
- Roman Army Museum
- Newbiggin Maritime Centre
- Visit the Upside Down Room and Spooky Basement at Seaton Delaval Hall
- Museum of Classic Sci-Fi
- Cragside House & Tea Room
- Wallington Hall House & Tea Room
- Paxton House
- Kielder Observatory
Escape Rooms/Arcades & Gaming/Cinemas in Northumberland
- Northumberland Escape Room (Morpeth)
- Project Escape (Hexham)
- Vue Cramlington / The Forum Cinema Hexham / Fuse Cinema Prudhoe / The Maltings Berwick
- Seahouses Amusements
- The Family Fun Centre, Spittal
Crafty/Arty Rainy Day Ideas in Northumberland
- The Creative Chicken, Bedlington
- Pot-a-doodle do Pottery, Berwick
- Hive Ten Pin Bowling Hexham / Concordia Cramlington
- Clip n Climb Ponteland / Concordia Cramlington
- Airbox Bounce
Rainy Day Ideas in NewcastleGateshead
Free Rainy Days Out in NewcastleGateshead- FREE IKEA SmaLand
- FREE Seven Stories
- FREE Shipley Art Gallery
- FREE BALTIC
- FREE Discovery Museum
- FREE Laing Art Gallery
- FREE Lit & Phil & The Common Room
- FREE Great North Museum
- FREE The Farrell Centre
- FREE Newcastle Cathedral
- Victoria Tunnel Tour
- St James’ Park Tour
- LIFE Science Centre
- Newcastle Castle
- Newcastle Cathedral
Escape Rooms/Arcades & Gaming/ Animal/ Cinemas in NewcastleGateshead
- Gorilla Bowling - bowling, karaoke, table tennis, interactive darts & pool
- Lane 7 - bowling, pool, batting cage, ping pong, darts, karaoke, arcades
- YuMe World
- Junkyard Golf
- CTRL Pad
- Four Quarters Arcade Bar
- Harry's Game Shack Newcastle
- Namco Amusements at Metrocentre
- ESCAPE Newcastle, EXIT Newcastle, Escape Key Newcastle
- Point Blank Shooting (under 18s events during school holidays)
- Everyman / North Tyneside / Cineworld/ Star & Shadow Cinema
- NERD Arcade Gateshead
- CatPawcino / Meow Cafe / Mog on the Tyne Cat Cafes
- Dog and Scone
Crafty/Arty Days Out in NewcastleGateshead
- Canny Crafty Gosforth
- Kiln Pottery Studio Gateshead
- Mr Mulligans Crazy Golf
- Metrocentre - Tree Top Golf, Bowling, Clip n Climb
- Axe Throwing (Hatchett Harrys)
- Newcastle Climbing Centre
- Climb Newcastle at The Pool Byker
- The Valley Climbing Centre
- Clip n Climb Newcastle (Benfield Road)
- Newcastle Trampoline Park
- Jump 360 Newcastle
- Jump Giants Gateshead
- InflateSpace Newcastle
- Mister Twisters Jump Centre
- Team Sport Go Karting
Rainy Day Ideas in Sunderland
Free Rainy Days Out in Sunderland
- FREE Sunderland Winter Gardens & Museum
- FREE National Glass Centre
- North East Land, Sea and Air Museum 🐶
- Souter Lighthouse
- Sunderland Bowl - Bowling/Darts/Shuffleboard and Mini Golf
- Escape Rooms Sunderland
- Laser Quest Sunderland
- Cineworld Boldon/Dalton Park
- Seaburn Amusements
- Harry's Game Shack
- Rosebud Ceramics
- Sunderland Wall
- Super Tramp Sunderland Trampoline Park
Rainy Day Ideas in Teesside
Free Rainy Days Out in Teesside- FREE Dorman Museum
- FREE Kirkleatham Museum
- FREE Mima Art Gallery
Museums / Historical Sites / Animals/ Galleries in Teesside
- Preston Park Museum & Grounds
- Butterfly World (Spring/Summer)
- Ormesby Hall
- Captain Cook Birthplace Museum
- Project Escape Middlesbrough
- Level X Middlsbrough
- Showcase Cinema DeLuxe Teesside Park
- Amusement Arcades at Redcar
- The Gaming Hideaway, Thornaby
- Amusement Arcades at Saltburn by the Sea
Active Rainy Day Ideas Rainy Days Out in Teesside
- Putter Chaos Middlesbrough
- Larry's Lanes
- Billingham Ice Rink & Forum
- Hollywood Bowl Stockton
- Rock Antics Middlesbrough
- Clip n Climb Stockton
- Jump 360 Stockton
- Team Sport Go Karting
Rainy Days Out in North Tyneside
Free Rainy Days Out in North Tyneside- FREE Stephenson Railway Museum
Museums / Historical Sites / Animal/ Galleries Days Out in North Tyneside
- Tynemouth Aqaurium
- Segedunum Roman Fort
- St Mary's Lighthouse
- Bad Cat Cafe Wallsend
- Flight Simulator Brunswick Villate
- Pirate Escape Rooms Whitley Bay
- Gutterball Arcades / Virtual Darts /Pool
- Odeon Silverlink
- JamJar Cinema
- Amuseument Arcades at Whitley Bay
- Arcade Warehouse Royal Quays
- Retro Bay Cafe Whitley Bay
- Katie's Craft House Whitley Bay
- HotPotz Pottery Whitley Bay
- Whitley Bay Ice Rink
- Gutterball Bowling & Roller Rink
- Inflata Nation Royal Quays
- Jump 360 Benton
Rainy Days Out in South Tyneside
Free Rainy Days Out in South Tyneside- FREE The Word
- FREE South Shields Museum & Animal Corner
- Jarrow Hall Museum & Hive Cafe 🐶
- Enigma Escapes
- Virtual Darts The Dunes
- Arcades at Ocean Beach
- The Customs House
- Simonside Adventure Climbing Wall
- Override Indoor Skate Park
- The Urban Factory
Rainy Days Out in Durham
Free Rainy Days Out in Durham- FREE Locomotion Shildon
- FREE Durham Cathedral
- FREE Sensory Play at Theatre Hullabaloo
- FREE Museum of Archaeology / Palace Green
- FREE Oriental Museum Durham
Museums / Historical Sites / Galleries Days Out in Durham
- Bowes Museum
- Ushaw Historic House
- National Museum of Royal Navy, Hartlepool
- Auckland Castle and Spanish Gallery
Escape Rooms/Arcades & Gaming/Cinema Days Out in Durham
- Lane 7 Interactive Darts / Pool / Batting Cage / Shuffleboard / Arcades
- Escape Rooms Durham
- Odeon Luxe Durham
- Gala Cinema
- Gaming Hideaway Bishop Auckland
- Sim King Gaming Darlington
Active Rainy Day Ideas Rainy Days Out in Durham
- Lane 7 Bowling
- Holmside Park Activity Centre
- Durham Climbing Centre
- Infinite Air Trampoline Park
- TopGear Karting
Rainy Day Ideas / Indoor Family Days Out
- Tynemouth Aquarium - Find out more here
- Locomotion Museum Shildon - Find out more here
Locomotion Shildon is a fantastic FREE museum with train displays, model railways, train rides (small charge) and a fantastic train-themed playground. It is accessible, can be reached by car or public transport and has an indoor picnic area which is always a bonus. Read our full guide to visiting here.
- Bowes Museum - Find out more here
The Bowes Museum is a large museum in Barnard Castle with a wide range of exhibitions. Check out their website to see what's on at the moment. - IKEA Gateshead Småland
Children aged 3-10 can enjoy a FREE 45 minute indoor play session at Småland. You can't book and they do close to new bookings once they're at capacity so get there early.
- Head of Steam Museum Darlington - Find out more here
The Head of Steam Museum is a small but perfectly formed train museum with hands on exhibitions for kids. It is accessible and can be reached by public transport or car (see their website for information). You can see photos from Head of Steam & find out more in this blog post (we visited as part of a Wildlife Warriors Trail).
- Angry Birds Golf / Clip n Climb / Namco at the Metrocentre - Find out more here
The Metrocentre is always a good shout on a rainy day. As well as shopping / going out for a meal, you can enjoy Angry Birds Golf, Clip n Climb or bowling/amusements/soft play at Namco. Read our full review of Angry Birds Golf here. The Metrocentre is easy to reach by car or public transport.
- Ceramic Painting
Available at Crafty Corner South Shields, Pot-a-Doodle-do Berwick, Canny Crafty Gosforth, HotPotz Whitley Bay & The Creative Chicken at Kirkharle - The Word & South Shields Museum & Gallery - Find out more about The Word here and South Shields Museum here
We like to combine a visit with both of these attractions which are easy to reach by car or public transport and both FREE. There is a brand new exhibition opening at South Shields Museum on 17 May (Sheila from Shields, her cat and the rainbow).
- Victoria Tunnel, Ouseburn - Find out more here
Book a tour and experience life in a Victorian Waggonway. A good one to combine with a trip to Seven Stories / Ouseburn Farm / Ouseburn.
- Soft Play
Soft Play is always a good rainy day option and they could definitely do with our support this year. Our favourite is The Fun Shack. - Segedunum Museum & Roman Fort - Find out more here
We love visiting Segedunum - it is somewhere which is very easy to visit via public transport (it's across the road from Wallsend Metro and Bus Station). The viewing tower offers magnificent views of the fort and Tyne, there is a small playground and gardens, cafes and various Roman displays and hands-on activities.
From the end of May, there is a new escape room style outdoor adventure game with characters in costume to try too (book online in advance).
Segedunum is a good museum to visit alongside Richardson Dees Park which is fantastic and just a short walk away.
- Sunderland Winter Gardens - Find out more here
- Roman Army Museum - Find out more here
The Roman Army Museum is on Hadrian's Wall and managed by Vindolanda Trust - you can buy a discounted/combined ticket to both if you'd like to make a day of it. The museum is all indoors so ideal for visiting when the weather isn't so great. It features galleries explaining life as a Roman Soldier, a Roman School and more. If you are looking for somewhere to eat nearby, try Twice Brewed Inn or The Sill (the Sill is also worth popping into, it is free and mostly indoors).
The Roman Army Museum has free dedicated parking and you can access by the AD122 bus. - Amusement Arcades
This is a brilliant fall-back idea if you need to get out of the house, they usually require no pre-booking. We like Whitley Bay arcades as they are our closest. - Climbing Walls
A fab activity for tweens and teens, there are a few clip n climbs in the North East plus various independent climbing centres. Most will be busy during school hols and I would recommend booking in advance. - Flight Simulator & VR Gaming - Find out more here
This centre in Brunswick Village offers a range of VR gaming experiences, 4D racing and flight simulators. The minimum age for most experiences is 8+ but please double check on booking. A fab rainy day option for tweens and teens. - Trampoline Parks
Another popular choice for rainy days (again, they do get booked up in advance in school holidays so try and book early if you can). Our favourite is AirBox Bounce in Cramlington. - Ten Pin Bowling
Ten Pin Bowling is a good rainy day option - we like Concordia Cramlington, Gutterball (opposite Royal Quays) and Lane7 in Newcastle. I recommend booking as far in advance as you can. - Shipley Art Gallery - Find out more here
An art gallery sharing various exhibitions. Check out their website to find out what's on now. - Bailiffgate Museum & Barter Books - Find out more about Bailiffgate Museum here and and more about Barter Books here
These two attractions are both indoors and less than a 5 minute walk from each other so ideal to combine.
Bailiffgate is an award winning museum which mostly shares the history of Alnwick and the surrounding areas. There are two floors of permanent exhibitions to enjoy and the top floor is a gallery which changes throughout the year.
Barter Books is the most wonderful second hand book shop with a mini train which runs above the bookshelves, a nice children's section and a brilliant tearoom (part of an old train station) and ice cream kiosk.
Alnwick is easy to reach by car or public transport. Dogs are welcome in Barter Books.
- Swimming
Another classic rainy day option! Our favourite pools are Concordia in Cramlington, PaddlePod Shiremoor, Waves Whitley Bay and South Shields. I always think WaterWorld Prudhoe looks fun too. - Butterfly World & Preston Park Museum, Stockton-on-Tees - Find out more about Butterfly World here and Preston Park Museum here.
Butterfly World and Preston Park Museum share the same site so it is easy to visit both on the same day. Indoor options include Butterfly World, Preston Park Museum, the cafe by the playground, the Victorian Tearooms and Old Fashioned Sweet Shop. Preston Park has a large free car park and is accessible by public transport. - Whitley Bay Ice Rink - Find out more here
Whitley Bay Ice Rink is open for lessons and skating. It's easy to reach via public transport / car too. - Hatchet Harry's, Newcastle - Find out more here
Hatchet Harry's in an indoor axe throwing centre just behind the Centre for Life. It is suitable for over 8s and you can book family sessions. We loved our visit a few years ago and would recommend. Things can get competitive though! Hatchet Harry's is accessible by public transport (Central Station is the closest) or car. - Baltic - Find out more here
Baltic is a large, contemporary art gallery on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside. It is free to visit and always worth a look. My kids always enjoyed the speedy lifts and the viewing platform which offers fab views of the Quayside. You can combine with a visit to the Sage next door too. Both have lots of space and child-friendly cafes with lush views. - Seven Stories, Ouseburn - Find out more here The museum/gallery are currently closed.
- Discovery Museum, Newcastle - Find out more here
The Discovery Museum is running some fab events over half term (some need to be pre-booked so please check their website for information) and you can visit their galleries and exhibitions which are perfect for a rainy day. I like to combine with a trip to the Great North Museum and Exhibition Park for a brilliant free day out in Newcastle. The museum is easy to reach by public transport, Newcastle Train Station is just a short walk away. - Great North Museum, Newcastle - Find out more here
A trip to the Great North Museum is a brilliant free option. At the moment you can view their permanent exhibitions including a replica T Rex, model of Hadrian's Wall and their popular Ancient Egypt exhibition alongside 'Other Worlds : The Art of Atomhawk' which is available until the beginning of September. This design studio is based in Gateshead and contributed to films and video games such as Guardians of the Galaxy & Minecraft. The museum is easy to reach by public transport with Haymarket Metro and Bus Station being just a short walk away. - Climb St Mary's Lighthouse, Whitley Bay - Find out more hereIt is free to visit the island but at the moment, you do need to book to visit and climb the lighthouse. Please check crossing times before visiting. The Facebook linked above will have the most up to date information.
- Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle - Find out more here
You do not need to book to visit the free areas of Laing (the free exhibitions, cafe and shop) so this is a fab option if it's raining and you fancy a trip out but have nothing booked. The Laing Art Gallery is in Newcastle City Centre and easy to reach by public transport. - The Gate - Find out more here.
- VR gaming and arcades at YUME World
- Virtual Darts at WonderBar (we loved this and highly recommend)
- Escape Room
- CTRL Pad at The Gate
- Selfie Central
- Game of Throwing
- CineWorld
- Mr Mulligans Crazy Golf - Find out more here
Mr Mulligans is a popular themed indoor golf course next to the Gate in Newcastle. They are due to reopen on 17 May and bookings are now being taken. Mr Mulligans is easy to reach by public transport (train/bus/metro to Newcastle City Centre) or car. - National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool - Find out more here
I have personally not visited this museum but I have heard lots of good reviews and might be worth a visit if like us, you've not been and fancy something new. - Newbiggin Maritime Centre - Find out more here
Newbiggin Maritime Centre is small but shares life in the historic fishing village. There is a lovely cafe and it is right by the sea too. They have lots of fab info on their website re: access and the museum is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Newbiggin bus terminal is a 2 minute walk from the centre. - Quasar Amusements South Shields - Find out more here
We love playing Laserforce here - an indoor multi level laser tag arena which is fab for young and old. South Shields is easy to reach by public transport and car, you can combine with The Word / South Shields Museum / the arcades / Dunes Soft Play & Bowling on a rainy day. - Oriental Museum Durham - Find out more here
This museum is devoted to the archaeology, art and cultures of North Africa and Asia.
Heading into Newcastle.........?
Rainy Day Ideas in Newcastle
- YuMe World in the Gate - VR gaming, arcades & amusements. No pre-booking required.
- Try an Escape Room - there are options in the Gate or on Westgate Road
- Enjoy at Teppan-yaki lunch at Fujiyama
- Play a round of crazy golf at Mr Mulligans
- Treat yourself to a luxury cinema date at Everyman on Grey Street
- Visit LIFE and Discovery Museum
- Visit The Common Room
- Visit Baltic & the Sage - both FREE
- Indulge in Kids Afternoon Tea. Cake Stories and the Vermont Hotel both offer children's options
- Try axe throwing at Hatchett Harrys
- Visit Seven Stories and Ouseburn Farm
- Take a guided tour of the Victoria Tunnel followed by lunch at The Cluny
- Book a board game table at Meeple Park
- Book Bowling / Mini Golf at Lane 7
20+ Rainy Days Accessible By Public Transport
1 - Discovery Museum, Newcastle
- How to get there: The Museum is a 5-minute walk from Newcastle Central Station (trains, bus and metro).
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: www.discoverymuseum.org.uk
2 - Inflatanation, Royal Quays
- How to get there: Go North East 19 Bus
- Cost: From £5.99
- Find out more here: https://www.inflatanation.com/locations/newcastle/
3 - The Word, South Shields
There are permanent engaging exhibitions, hands-on fun with tablets around the building, glorious views of the Mouth of the Tyne (with binoculars you can try), lots and lots of books to read, interactive displays and regular additional activities too.
Don't miss the LEGO Metro Train at the entrance.
- How to get there: Via Bus, Metro or Ferry.
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: www.theworduk.org
4 - South Shields Museum
Don't miss the history of South Tyneside and Creature Corner featuring live reptiles and small animals.
- How to get there: Via Bus, Metro or Ferry
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: www.southshieldsmuseum.org.uk
5 - Tynemouth Aqaurium
There are regular animal talks and feeds throughout the day - don't miss the sharks!
- How to get there: Via Metro (Cullercoats) or Bus. Save £2 on admission if you show your ticket when travelling via Public Transport
- Cost: From £7.95
6 - Great North Museum, Newcastle
There are changing temporary exhibitions on the top floor providing a new reason to visit plus a Planetarium and a fantastic free/low-cost events programme.
- How to get there: Via Bus or Metro (Haymarket)
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
7 - Clip n Climb Concordia, Cramlington
Clip n Climb in Concordia Leisure Centre in Cramlington features dozens of climbing challenges and experiences. No previous experience is required as a full training and safety briefing is provided.
Tackle the Lightning Crack, take on your friends and challenge them to a head to head race or try the Leap of Faith. There's a bowling alley, soft play and swimming pool in the centre too if you want to make a day of it.
Tackle the Lightning Crack, take on your friends and challenge them to a head to head race or try the Leap of Faith. There's a bowling alley, soft play and swimming pool in the centre too if you want to make a day of it.
- How to get there: Via Bus or Train (Cramlington Station)
- Cost: From £8
- Find out more here: www.clipnclimbcramlington.co.uk
8 - Sunderland Museum Winter Gardens
Visit Wallace the Lion, the first Nissan Car to be produced in Sunderland and take in the ship-building galleries in the museum before enjoying over 2000 plants in Sunderland Winter Gardens.
- How to get there: Via Sunderland Metro Station (100m) or Sunderland Interchange Bus Station (500m)
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk/sunderland-museum-winter-gardens
9 - Life Science Centre, Newcastle
From the experiment and curiosity zone to science shows and a planetarium. It's difficult to get bored here!
- How to get there: Via Bus, Train or Metro (Central Station)
- Cost: From £7.50. Kids go free when travelling via Public Transport
- Find out more here: www.life.org.uk
10 - Mr Mulligan's Space Golf, Newcastle
Mr Mulligan's is right next to the Gate so perfect to combine with a cinema trip or a bite to eat.
- How to get there: Via Bus, Train or Metro (Central Station or Haymarket)
- Cost: From £2
- Find out more here: www.mrmulligan.com/newcastle
11 - Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
The Tyneside Cinema is the last operating News Theatre still operating as a Cinema today. This independent cinema runs lots of events for families from a popular egg and spoon club at their bar cafe in the holidays (complete with classic cartoons) to Bringing in Baby Screenings and a Children's Film Club.
- How to get there: Via Bus or Metro (Haymarket or Monument)
- Cost: From £5
- Find out more here: www.tynesidecinema.co.uk
12 - Wet n Wild, Royal Quays (Now Closed)
Swimming is a fab choice for a rainy day and Wet n Wild with its flumes, slides, lazy rivers and wave pools is somewhere you can definitely spend the full day and get your money's worth.
- How to get there: Via Bus (Go North East 19)
- Cost: From £6.95
- Find out more here: www.wetnwild.co.uk
13 - Dunes Soft Play and Bowling, South Shields
- How to get there: Via Bus or Metro
- Cost: From £2
- Find out more here: www.dunesadventureisland.co.uk
14 - Baltic and The Glass House, Gateshead Quays
Kids will love exploring the various galleries and exhibits at the Baltic and the fantastic views from the viewing platform and lifts. The Sage is home to a nice little cafe and small play area that's free to use too.
- How to get there: Via Bus, Metro or Train (Gateshead Interchange or Central Station)
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: http://baltic.art and www.sagegateshead.com
15 - Bailiffgate Museum, Alnwick
- How to get there: Via Bus (Alnwick Bus Station)
- Cost: From £1
- Find out more here: www.bailiffgatemuseum.co.uk
16 - Seven Stories, Newcastle
The seven-story building is packed with hands-on exhibitions based on children's books, lots of books and interactive activities, craft areas, storytelling sessions, dress-up opportunities and plenty of opportunities to discover new books.
- How to get there: Via Metro or Bus
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: www.sevenstories.org.uk
17 - Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend
Inside you'll find lots of Roman facts and hands-on fun. There's a fantastic viewing tower with glorious views over the Tyne and fort. The entrance fee is definitely worth a visit.
- How to get there: Via Bus and Metro (Wallsend)
- Cost: £5.75 per adult, children are FREE
- Find out more here: https://segedunumromanfort.org.uk
18 - Thought Foundation, Gateshead (Now Closed)
The Thought Foundation in Birtly, Gateshead is a place where creativity and play are both encouraged and nurtured.
There are galleries and exhibitions, a calendar of special events, a play zone and imagination station for ages 0-5 years, a fab community cafe serving healthy food and a gift shop selling unique and beautiful items.
The Thought Foundation is a lovely place to provoke thought and inspire.
- How to get there: Go North East Angel 21 Bus
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: http://www.thoughtfoundation.co.uk
19 - Barter Books, Alnwick
Barter Books is one of the UK's largest second-hand bookshops and a fantastic place to hide away on a rainy day.
Enjoy a hot chocolate and biscuits by the roaring fire or something more substantial in the station cafe, browse the vast collection of children's books, barter your old books for new and watch as a toy train travels around the ceiling.
Enjoy a hot chocolate and biscuits by the roaring fire or something more substantial in the station cafe, browse the vast collection of children's books, barter your old books for new and watch as a toy train travels around the ceiling.
- How to get there: Via Bus
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more here: www.barterbooks.co.uk
20 - Lane 7, Newcastle
Lane 7 is our favourite bowling alley in the North East. It's trendy and also home to crazy golf, ping pong and karaoke too so lots to fill your day! The food is cracking too.
- How to get there: Via Bus, Train or Metro (Central Station)
- Cost: From From £5 per activity
- Find out more here: http://lane7.co.uk
21 - The Fun Shack Newcastle
I normally don't tolerate soft play centres very well, especially on rainy days but the Fun Shack is my one exception to the rule. It is HUGE and I love how much there is to do for kids here.
Heidi and Jack absolutely love it here and although it's loud and busy, you get 1.5-2 hours play which I think for what's on offer is really good value. There are also Fun Shacks in Stockton and Seaham.
Heidi and Jack absolutely love it here and although it's loud and busy, you get 1.5-2 hours play which I think for what's on offer is really good value. There are also Fun Shacks in Stockton and Seaham.
- How to get there: Walkergate Metro Station
- Cost: from £4.95
- Find out more: https://www.funshack.co.uk/newcastle/home/
22 - Palace Green Durham
- How to get there: Durham Train Station / the Cathedral Bus from Durham City Centre (or walk)
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more: https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/
23 - The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum is huge and somewhere you can easily spend a whole day. There are ever-changing exhibitions and there is lots and lots of hands-on fun for kids too.
- How to get there: Arriva bus 75/76 from Darlington to Barnard Castle
- Cost: From £5
- Find out more: https://www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk
24 - Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral is absolutely stunning and well worth a visit. There is a small charge for the open treasure exhibition or you can visit the cafe if you'd like to extend your visit. Part of Harry Potter was filmed here!
- How to get there: Durham Train Station / the Cathedral Bus from Durham City Centre (or walk)
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more: https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/
25 - Stephenson Railway Museum
Stephenson Railway Museum is a small but fun museum in North Tyneside. Dedicated to everything to do with trains you can climb aboard a carriage, learn about the history of trains or play with a train table.
There are train rides on certain days too. Check opening hours before visiting as they aren't open every day.
There are train rides on certain days too. Check opening hours before visiting as they aren't open every day.
- How to get there: 310 bus from Newcastle, 42 bus from Wallsend, 19 bus from Percy Main
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more: https://stephensonrailwaymuseum.org.uk/
26 - Jarrow Hall
Jarrow Hall is a Roman Museum with a hidden upstairs play room for children - expect dressing up, a book corner and small soft play area. If the weather clears up there's a farm outside too.
- How to get there: Bede/Jarrow Metro or Go North East 27 Bus
- Cost: From £3
- Find out more: https://www.jarrowhall.org.uk/
27 - The Gate
The Gate is free to visit and there's lots to keep kids occupied including giant game tables, a state-of the art cinema, gaming rooms and more
- How to get there: Bus/Train/Metro to Newcastle Central Station/Haymarket
- Cost: FREE
- Find out more: http://www.thegatenewcastle.co.uk/
28 - Metrocentre
intu Metrocentre's offerings to families have really improved over the past few years. There's a climbing wall, train rides, free soft play area, Namco soft play, bowling, arcades, Treetop Golf and more. Sign up to their Family Club for offers and discounts.
- How to get there: Bus/Train
- Cost: FREE
29 - Better Leisure, Newcastle (now Gorilla Bowling)
Better Leisure is hidden inside of intu Eldon Square (access via the Grey's Dining Quarter). There's a bowling alley, climbing wall, soft play, trampoline park, squash courts and more.
They often run excellent bundle deals via their Facebook page.
They often run excellent bundle deals via their Facebook page.
- How to get there: Bus/Metro/Train to Newcastle City Centre
- Cost: Varies
- Find out more: https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/newcastle/eldon
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5 - Follow North East Family Fun on the following platforms :
Thank you for your support as always.
Please follow social distancing rules & Government guidelines , respect the local area, leave no trace, take litter home, park responsibly and if somewhere is busy on arrival, please consider leaving and returning at a later date.
Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)
Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere.
Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published.
Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)
Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere.
Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published.
Let me know if you have any places to add to my list
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Fantastic ideas. I like that you can get to them all via public transport as neither my fella or I drive. You have given me some great ideas for the school holidays x
ReplyDeleteMuseum's are a godsend when it's raining! You seem to have quite a few interesting ones around there!
ReplyDeleteGreat selection, popped on to look for somewhere to go in this terrible weather. Thanks!
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