What is there to do in Ponteland when it rains?

Indoor options in and around Ponteland include Ponteland Leisure Centre (pool, gym and sports hall), the library at the civic hub, Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens with its indoor animal areas, and Dobbies Garden Centre with its café and seasonal events.

Is Kirkley Hall Zoo good in the rain?

Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens, just outside the village, has indoor animal areas and barns as well as outdoor grounds, so a shower need not spoil a visit. It is an engaging half-day out for younger children in particular.

Where can I take toddlers on a wet day near Ponteland?

Ponteland Leisure Centre's warm learner pool suits toddlers, the library runs children's story times, and Dobbies offers a sheltered wander and café. Newcastle's museums and the coast's aquariums are a short drive away.

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A Rainy Day in Ponteland: Indoor Things to Do

When the Northumberland weather closes in, here is where to go: indoor ideas for a rainy day in and around Ponteland, from the leisure centre and library to Kirkley Hall and Dobbies.

Ponteland.live·10 September 2026

Northumberland weather has a habit of turning, and when the rain sets in it helps to have a plan. Happily, Ponteland and its surroundings have plenty to keep families and visitors busy indoors, from the pool to a garden centre with a difference. Here are our ideas for a rainy day in and around Ponteland.

Ponteland Leisure Centre

The Ponteland Leisure Centre on Callerton Lane is the obvious rainy-day starting point. As well as a swimming pool with a warm learner pool for little ones, it has a gym, fitness studios and a sports hall, so there is something for all ages whatever the weather. See our swimming guide for pool details and lessons.

Best for: Best for: burning off energy in the pool or sports hall, whatever the weather.

Ponteland Library

Right at the civic hub alongside the leisure centre, Ponteland Library is a warm, free place to spend an hour or two. Children's story times, a good range of books and a quiet corner make it a reliable rainy-day standby, and it costs nothing to join.

Best for: Best for: a free, cosy hour with the kids or a good book.

Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens

Just outside the village, Kirkley Hall Zoological Gardens is a family favourite, and its indoor animal areas mean a shower need not spoil the day. Home to a wide range of animals across its grounds and barns, it is an engaging half-day out for younger children in particular.

Best for: Best for: animal encounters that carry on even when it rains.

Dobbies Garden Centre

Dobbies at Ponteland is much more than plants. With a large store, a café and regular seasonal events, it makes an easy, sheltered outing, and its calendar of family activities is especially busy around the school holidays and Christmas.

Best for: Best for: a sheltered wander, a coffee and seasonal family events.

Cafés and a leisurely lunch

When all else fails, Ponteland's cafés and bakeries are made for a rainy day. Settle in with a coffee and a cake at one of the village's breakfast and brunch spots, or plan a longer lunch at one of the best restaurants in Ponteland.

Further afield

If you fancy a short drive, Newcastle's museums, cinemas and indoor attractions are close by, and the coast at Tynemouth and Whitley Bay has aquariums and indoor play. For more ideas in fine weather too, see our guide to things to do in Ponteland.

Got a favourite rainy-day spot near Ponteland? Get in touch.