A Rainy Day in Gosforth: Indoor Activities for All Ages

Let's be honest — it rains a lot in the North East. When the weather makes the Town Moor and Jesmond Dene less appealing, you need a plan B. Gosforth has more indoor options than you might think, from soft play and pottery painting to swimming, live theatre, and a library with free activities. Here's how to fill a rainy day without leaving the area.

Soft Play

Three options, all within easy reach. Hopscotch Play Cafe on the High Street has five play zones for ages 0–12 and a licensed cafe — sessions last up to 1 hour 45 minutes. Captain Ted's on West Avenue has award-winning pirate-themed play for toddlers and juniors, with sessions up to 2 hours. Pizza Dough Co's Playhouse at the Three Mile combines soft play (£5 per child, 90 mins) with New York-style pizza — the Feed the Family deal (£25) is hard to beat.

See our full soft play guide for details and prices.

Best for: Families with under-10s, burning off energy indoors.

Pottery Painting

Canny Crafty on Salters Road is a screen-free lifesaver on a rainy day. Choose from mugs, bowls, animals, and figurines (£10–£35 per item), paint them in your own design, and collect the fired piece 7–10 days later. Sessions last about 90 minutes and are suitable for children and adults. Pre-school themed sessions run during the week, and birthday parties can be booked. Reserve ahead at weekends and school holidays.

Best for: Creative play, ages 3+, birthday parties, something to take home.

Swimming

Gosforth Leisure Centre on Regent Farm Road has a 25-metre pool and a children's pool — plus a sauna and steam room to warm up in. Family swim sessions, lane swimming, and Swim for All are all available. A child's session costs £3.75 (£2.30 for members). The swim school runs year-round from age 3 months.

For a quieter swim, Nuffield Health has a pool, sauna, and steam room as part of membership. David Lloyd in South Gosforth has indoor and outdoor pools.

See our full swimming guide.

Best for: All ages, a morning activity followed by Ardens Kitchen next door.

Gosforth Library

Gosforth Library on Regent Farm Road is free and indoors — a rainy day essential, particularly for younger children. Under-5s Storytime runs Tuesdays (11am) and Fridays (10:30am) during term time. There's a free Lego Club for ages 4+ during term time. Beyond the regular sessions, the library has books (obviously), free WiFi, and a calm space to spend a morning. Monday–Friday 9–5, Saturday 9–1.

Best for: Free activities, babies and toddlers, Lego Club, zero cost.

Gosforth Civic Theatre

The Gosforth Civic Theatre on Regent Farm Road runs family shows, film screenings, and live music regularly. Family shows are typically around £10 per person (babes in arms free), and half-term film screenings are a reliable rainy day option. The GCT Cafe Bar is open for coffee and lunch too. Check their what's on page for the current programme.

Best for: Family film screenings, live shows, a cultural wet-weather activity.

Cafes

When all else fails, a long cafe session with cake and coffee is a perfectly valid rainy day plan. Our top picks for settling in:

[Baby Grey](https://www.babygrey.uk/) — specialty coffee, inventive brunch, dedicated work desks if you need to get something done while the kids are at school.

[Cake Stories](https://www.cakestories.com) — the pastry counter alone will improve any grey day. Eggs Benedict, pancakes, and a proper afternoon tea for special occasions.

[Ardens Kitchen](https://www.instagram.com/ardenskitchengosforth/) — the kids' area with Pac-Man keeps little ones busy while you finish a coffee. Next door to the leisure centre, so combine with a swim.

[Cafe 1901](https://1901caffe.co.uk/gosforth/) — open 7 days, dog-friendly, milkshakes for the kids. The reliable option.

See our full brunch guide and coffee shops guide.

Worth the Short Trip

If you've exhausted the Gosforth options or want a bigger day out, these are all within 15 minutes by Metro or car:

Life Science Centre (city centre) — interactive science exhibitions, planetarium, and family activities. A full day out under one roof.

Great North Museum: Hancock (city centre) — dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, natural history, and a living beehive. Free entry.

Tyneside Cinema (city centre) — independent cinema on Pilgrim Street showing mainstream and indie films in a stunning Art Deco building. The cafe bar is excellent.

Everyman Cinema (Grey Street) — luxury cinema with at-seat service, wines, cocktails, and Spielburger kitchen. Four screens showing new releases and classics.

Lane 7 (city centre) — bowling, pool, ping pong, karaoke, mini-golf, and beer pong. From £9.50 per person for bowling. A good option for older kids and teenagers.

The North East weather will always give you plenty of practice at rainy days. At least in Gosforth, you've got options.