Rainy Day Activities in South Shields

South Shields is a seaside town, so rainy days are part of the deal. The good news is that there is plenty to do indoors, from swimming and soft play to free museums and a world-class library. Here is your guide to keeping busy when the weather turns.

Haven Point

Haven Point on Pier Parade is the obvious first choice on a wet day. The leisure centre has a 25-metre competition pool, an 18-metre teaching pool, and leisure waters with slides, bubble sprays, and water play features that keep children entertained for hours. Adults can use the sauna, steam room, and 86-station gym.

An adult swim costs 5.20 pounds, children aged 5 to 17 pay 3.75 pounds, and a family ticket (two adults, four children) is 17.95 pounds. It is open seven days a week.

Best for: Swimming, slides, water play, sauna, and gym on the seafront — the best all-weather family venue in South Shields.

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The Word

The Word on Market Place is completely free and is one of the best rainy-day destinations in the North East, not just South Shields. The National Centre for the Written Word has interactive digital exhibits, a fabrication lab where children can create and make, a performance space, regular events, and a rooftop terrace for when the clouds clear.

The Word works for all ages — from toddlers exploring the children's area to teenagers using the gaming and digital stations. Allow at least two hours to make the most of it.

Best for: Free admission — interactive digital exhibits, a fabrication lab, events, and a rooftop terrace.

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The Dunes Adventure Island

The Dunes on Sea Road, joined onto Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, is a family entertainment centre with a massive indoor adventure soft play area themed around a pirate's galleon, ten-pin bowling, and amusement arcades. It is open daily from 10am and is a reliable wet-weather option for families with children.

Birthday parties and group bookings are also available. The centre sits right on the seafront, so if the weather improves you can head straight onto the beach or into Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.

Best for: Pirate-themed soft play, ten-pin bowling, and amusements on the seafront — open daily from 10am.

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Ocean Beach Pleasure Park — Indoor Arcades

Ocean Beach Pleasure Park is best known for its outdoor rides, but its indoor amusement arcades are open in all weather. The arcades have grabber machines, coin pushers, racing simulators, and prize games that keep children and teenagers occupied. Entry to the park is free — you only pay for what you play.

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The Customs House

The Customs House at Mill Dam has a cinema showing mainstream and independent films, a 440-seat theatre with a programme of drama, comedy, music, and pantomime, and an art gallery with changing exhibitions. Bella's Bar and Bistro serves food and drinks from 9am to 3pm and before evening shows.

A rainy afternoon at the cinema followed by food and a drink is one of the most civilised ways to spend a wet day in South Shields.

Best for: Cinema, theatre, art gallery, and restaurant in a listed building overlooking the River Tyne.

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South Shields Museum and Art Gallery

South Shields Museum on Ocean Road is free and celebrates the rich heritage of South Tyneside. Permanent displays cover local history, maritime heritage, and the town's multicultural story. There are also changing exhibitions and free family activities including treasure hunts and arts and crafts.

The museum is a short walk from Ocean Road's cafes and restaurants, so you can combine a visit with lunch at The Clifton or a curry at Cafe India.

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More Indoor Ideas

• Marsden Grotto: One of Europe's only cave bars, built into the cliff face at Marsden Bay. Atmospheric in any weather and particularly dramatic during storms
• Temple Park Centre: Swimming, badminton, squash, and fitness classes at South Tyneside's flagship leisure centre
• Cafes: South Shields has an excellent independent cafe scene — Caffe Di Bella, Sea Change Cafe, and Village Delights are all good places to wait out the rain

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For outdoor activities when the sun returns, see our guides to things to do, the best beaches, and the best walks.