What To Do in Northumberland on a Rainy Day?

Rainy Day Activities in Northumberland: The Best Indoor Things to Do When It’s Wet 

Northumberland might be famous for its sweeping beaches, dramatic castles, and rugged landscapes, but even the most beautiful corners of England aren’t immune to a rainy day. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities in Northumberland to keep the whole family entertained — from historic attractions and cosy tearooms to fascinating museums and fun-filled adventure parks. So, if the weather turns and you’re wondering how to make the most of your trip, here’s our guide to the best rainy day activities in Northumberland.

Advantages of travelling out of season

Out of season can be a great time to visit remote counties like Northumberland and Herding Hill Farm is an open all year campsite.  Advantages include:

• Fewer crowds
• Shorter queues
• Off peak pricing and entrance fees
• Crisp mornings and dark skies

Read our blog guides to:

• Benefits of Autumn Camping 
• Winter Camping

Rainy days in Northumberland don’t have to be dull, boring or expensive - just taking a walk in the beautiful countryside in wellies and waterproof coats can be an exciting and enjoyable adventure for everyone, especially for youngsters. Splashing in puddles, getting muddy, listening to the rain on your tent or caravan, or watching for rainbows can be an experience we often don’t get to enjoy, especially if we live in a town. 

But if that’s not your thing, what other rainy day activities does Northumberland have to offer? 

1. Hot Tub Accommodation

There can be no more pleasurable an experience for a rainy day activity in Northumberland than sitting in the luxury of your own private outdoor hot tub when it’s raining. We have a variety of hot tub accommodation at Herding Hill Farm including a Hot Tub Lodge and our Castle Pods. Several of our Running Water Wigwam Cabins all have their private outdoor hot tubs. 

2. Warm Up in Cosy Cafés, Tearooms, and Pubs

When the rain pours, there’s no better way to embrace the weather than by indulging in a hearty meal or afternoon tea in one of Northumberland’s many welcoming cafés and pubs. Some of our facvourite recommendations throughout the county are:

• The Milecastle Inn - just half a mile from our Northumberland campsite entrance serving great home-cooked food and real ales
• Once Brewed Bakehouse - located at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre which also has a series of exhibitions and a living roof and is a great starting point for Hadrian's Wall walks
• Hexham Abbey Refectory Cafe - read our blog on What to do in Hexham
• Barter Books – One of the UK’s most beautiful second-hand bookshops in Alnwick. Settle down with a book by a roaring fire and enjoy a slice of cake in the Station Café. 
• The Running Fox Bakery – With locations in Felton, Kirkharle Courtyard, Longframlington, Longhoughton and Powburn, this is the perfect stop for artisan bread, homemade cakes, and steaming coffee.
• The Joiners Arms - at Newton-by-the-Sea this charming country pub with a roaring fire and a fantastic menu, is ideal for a rainy lunch and later walk it off on the glorious Embleton Beach, stunning come rain or shine

3. Discover Fascinating Museums and Galleries 

Rainy days are perfect for exploring Northumberland’s rich history and culture and museums are a great choice for indoor activities in Northumberland. Whether you love local heritage or hands-on science, there’s something for everyone.

• Woodhorn Museum, Ashington – Once a working coal mine, this award-winning museum offers interactive exhibits on mining heritage and changing art displays
• Berwick Museum and Gallery – Learn about Berwick’s turbulent history through engaging displays and fascinating artefacts
• Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum – A unique and quirky choice for a rainy day, showcasing the world’s largest collection of bagpipes
• The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre – A brilliant indoor experience at Hadrian’s Wall, where you can learn about the landscape, geology, and wildlife of Northumberland National Park

4. Hadrian's Wall Museums

Whilst most Hadrian's Wall museums are best enjoyed from outdoors there are a number of museums with indoor exhibitions to enjoy as a rainy day activity when the weather is poor.

• Birdoswald Roman Fort - the longest remaining stretch of the Wall. Dive into the Story of the Wall at the indoor exhibition or grab a bite in the cafe
• Chesters Roman Fort - one the Roman Empire's most northern outposts and the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain. The museumholds a collection of around 2000 Roman finds, including a world class assortment of Roman Altar Stones. 
• Housesteads Roman Fort will take you back to the Roman Empire as you wander the barrack blocks and the hospital, peer into the oldest toilets you'll ever see, and admire the stunning panoramic views. There are also several excellent walks from here. National Trust Visitor Centre
• Roman Army Museum - Discover what life was like as a Roman soldier with multi-sensory displays on Roman army life and an immersive film "Eagles Eye"
• Vindolanda - wide collection of Roman artifacts, including the famous Vindolanda writing tablets

5. Explore Castles and Historic Buildings 

Northumberland is home to more castles than any other county in England, and many of them are perfect indoor activities in Northumberland when the rain sets in. Here are some of our facvourites: 

• Hexham Abbey - combine a stroll around Hexham's Market Place with this stunning building that dominates the town of Hexham
• Alnwick Castle – Step inside one of the UK’s most iconic castles. Explore the lavish State Rooms, discover centuries of history, and even follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter, as parts of the films were shot here
• Bamburgh Castle – Perched dramatically on the coast, Bamburgh Castle offers fascinating exhibitions and beautiful interiors. The on-site museum tells stories of Vikings, kings, and battles
• Cragside – A National Trust treasure, Cragside near Rothbury is the Victorian home of inventor Lord Armstrong. It’s packed with quirky gadgets, art, and history — an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon. Read about more National Trust Sites in Northumberland in our blog.

6. Get Active Indoors 

• Indoor Adventure Playparks - Walby Farm Park is open all year round and with plenty of indoor activities including Milecastle 62, a three-level Roman wooden fort with turrets, ropes and slopes, trunk beams, slides, poles and tunnels to tire out the younger generation. Airbox Bounce at Cramlington and Jump 360 in Newcastle are indoor adventure parks with trampolines
• Ten Pin bowling - at the Hollywood Bowl in Carlisle or Namco Funscape at Gateshead. With state-of-the art bowling lanes, the whole family can have fun together. Children can also run, jump, slide and explore in Pacman Play, the ultimate in kids soft play
• Swimming - Glendale Leisure  have a private pool, located 5 minutes from Herding Hill Farm (you can either arrange the booking yourself or speak to Reception). There is also lane swimming at the Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham. At Prudhoe Waterworld you can ride the slide, plunge in the splash pool, go wild in the waves, paddle on the beach or battle the inflatables.  

Alternatively, why not bring along some Board games and relax in your tent, motorhome, caravan, Wigwam cabin or Lodge and have some good old-fashioned fun for all the family.

7. Science Museums

Whether your interest lies in transport, the science or history there is plenty to investigate and learn about in Northumberland. 

• Solway Aviation Museum near Carlisle Airport has a collection of aircraft, artefacts and displays from WW2, the Cold War and space travel
• Life Science Museum at Newcastle explores the weird world of science using hands-on and fun interactive activities. Also spend time finding planets and distant constellations in the North’s biggest planetarium. 
• Want to know how many of the televisions shows you know, and love are created and filmed take a tour at the BBC Newcastle Studios. You can dress with props, explore the host of interactive elements in creating a tv or radio programme or try vision mixing or sound effects.
• Tynemouth Aquarium – A short trip from southern Northumberland, this fantastic aquarium is home to sharks, seals, and tropical fish. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for indoor activities near Northumberland.
  

8. Indoor Activities in Northumberland: Cinemas

After all the talk of exercise it may just be a relaxing, dry couple of hours you are looking for and what could be better than catching up on the latest Movies at one of the cinemas in the area? The Odeon at The Metro Centre, Cineworld in Newcastle, Vue at Gateshead and Vue at Carlisle all offer a wide range of different films giving movie magic for all the family.

9. Enjoy the comfort of your own accommodation

Fancy a day of cosy relaxation from the comfort of your Wigwam cabin, lodge, tent, campervan or motorhome? There is no better indoor activity than wrapping up warm and getting the board games out. Make sure you stock up on plenty of drinks and snacks! We think a hot chocolate makes the perfect accompaniment to a rainy day in Northumberland. There are a range of board games for all the family in our indoor campers kitchen.

Make the Most of Rainy Days in Northumberland 

A little rain doesn’t have to spoil your plans. From historic houses and fascinating museums to cosy cafés, aquariums, and adventure parks, there’s no shortage of rainy day activities in Northumberland to suit every taste and age. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, family, or solo traveller, you’ll find plenty of indoor activities in Northumberland that turn even the greyest day into a memorable one. So pack your umbrella, embrace the weather, and discover the charm of Northumberland — rain or shine.