Top rainy day activities in Newcastle

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I have a lot of family and friends based around the Newcastle area, and we are actually planning to head further North on holiday next year – so these ideas could come in VERY handy!

Unfortunately for us, no matter what time of year it is, you can’t guarantee the weather in good old Blighty. So what can you do if you’re staying in Newcastle and want to pack in as much as possible without getting soaking wet? Take a look at these suggestions:

Namco Funscape

No visit to the Newcastle area is complete without a trip to the fun packed Namco Funscape at the Metro Centre in Gateshead. With bowling, dodgems, soft play, an arcade, a diner and much more, you’re sure to find something to suit family members of all ages. Of course while you’re at the Metro Centre, why not visit the shops, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes there, perhaps even take in a film at the Odeon Imax Cinema and, if there’s a break in the rain, you can enjoy playing in the playground outside.

Farne Islands

If you want to see nature at its best and don’t mind taking a brolly incase it rains, you really can’t afford to miss the Farne Islands. Situated just off the coast near Bamburgh Castle, you’ll get to marvel at the huge array of sea birds here, including a colony of 37,000 pairs of puffins. If you’re lucky, you might even see a seal or two. Back on dry land and to escape the rain, a trip to Bamburgh Castle is a must. One of the largest inhabited castles in the country, Bamburgh is set atop a hill overlooking the beautiful Northumberland coastline. Despite it being lived in, you can still explore and get a real feel of the place, from the gatehouses to the stables. Kids can pretend they’re knights and ladies as they visit the impressive keep or that they are the King of Siam himself, helping to carve some of the intricate carvings in the Kings Hall.

Blue Reef Aquarium

This hugely popular aquarium in Tynemouth, is well worth a visit. With its great collection of sea creatures and some fantastic opportunities to watch feeding time throughout the day, it’s a day out the kids will love. Along with the usual fish, rays, seahorses and sharks, you’ll find a few more unusual inhabitants of this particular aquarium. There’s the playful Californian Sea Lions, the UK resident Harbour Seals, Green Iguanas, Asian Short Clawed Otters and even Cotton Top Tamarin Monkeys. You can see all of these animals and sea creatures being fed and even join in the fun at the rock pool for an encounter with some of the creatures you’ll find in rock pools around the UK.

The Dunes

On South Shields sea front, you’ll find The Dunes, a fantastic kids play area that’s crying out to be explored. From soft play to bowling, a family arcade, all you can eat meals and even Sunday carverys, it’s somewhere you can spend a whole day if you need to get out of the rain.

With everything there is to do in the Newcastle area, come rain or shine, you can guarantee the kids wont be bored. So find a Travelodge in Newcastle and head to this action packed city for your next family holiday.

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