Things to do when it rains

A little bit of rain never hurt you … but if you don’t fancy getting soggy, here’s some great ideas of things to do when it rains in the North East!

Take a short drive to the coast and visit Tynemouth Aquarium or show off your ice-skating skills at Whitley Bay Ice Rink.

Kids big and small love the amusement arcades at Whitely Bay.  Follow it up with ice-cream or fish and chips and it’s a winner all round!

The hip area of Ouseburn near Newcastle has lots to keep you amused on a damp day.  Seven Stories Children’s Centre for Books, Ouseburn Farm and Victoria Tunnel Tours are top of the list.

Fancy a railway experience?  Check out the Stephenson Railway, Locomotion Shildon or Tanfield Railway – hop on board for a great afternoon out.

Creatives among you could try ceramic painting – there’s lots to choose from but we love Hotpotz in Whitley Bay.  Or throw yourself a pot at The Kiln or The Pottery Experience!

Why not relax in a comfy seat at one of the independent or chain cinemas nearby.  Try out the Jam Jar Cinema in Whitley Bay or the iconic Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle.

The Theatre Royal in Newcastle has some amazing shows on offer.  There are plenty of smaller theatres to enjoy too – why not try Tynemouth Priory,  Northern Stage or The Customs House.

Kids all love softplay or trampolining – adults can relax with a coffee and cake while the kids wear themselves out!  Why not try Round the Twist or trampolining at Airboxbounce.

Adventurers could try axe throwing, an escape room, gaming cafe or take to the air in a flight simulator.

Bowling, indoor golf or clip n climb are always a good choice.  Try Gutterball at North Shields, Mr Mulligans in Newcastle or Concordia at Cramlington.

We are totally spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and art galleries.  Laing Art Gallery, Baltic, Discovery Museum, Hancock Museum, Shipley Art Gallery can all be found nearby.

Why not try one of or local sports centres?  Concordia Cramlington, the Lakeside Centre at Killingworth or Waves at Whitley Bay (with real waves!).

 A bit further afield history buffs will enjoy Bowes Museum, Beamish or the North East Land Sea and Air Museum.

National Trust/English Heritage fans will love exploring one of our local stately homes.  Seaton Delaval Hall is less than 10 minutes from Burradon Farm!  Or you could try Cragside, Wallington or Belsay.

Love castles?  Lindisfarne, Bamburgh, Warkworth and of course Newcastle Castles are all worth a visit!

Take a trip to The Sill on Hadrian’s Wall to learn more about Northumberland’s landscape, culture and heritage.  Or book a tour at Ad Gefrin, the North East’s newest Whiskey Distillery, complete with gift shop and bistro.

Kids will love the LIFE Science Centre in Newcastle.  Immerse yourself in their space zone, domed planetarium or play zone for an afternoon of educational fun!

At the end of a busy day you can head home to put your feet up in one of our cosy cottages – ready to plan your next adventure!