8 fun things to do in Newcastle on a rainy day

SHOOT ‘EM UP*

Where? Point Blank Shooting, 117 Newgate Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5RZ

*Disclaimer: not really.

But having an indoor virtual shooting range as one of the fun things to do in Newcastle really does come in handy for weather like this.

A trip to Point Blank Shooting can see you blasting all your concerns to kingdom come – all under cover, while eating pizza and drinking cocktails from your own private shooting booth.

The Point Blank team will direct you to your booth and accompanying 132-inch screen, where you’ll learn how to use their tech, what’s in your personal armoury (the AK-47 is hella fun), and how to smoke the leader board. Which, let’s face it, is fun whatever the weather.

How much? From £10.00

GET CRAFTY

Where? Newcastle Arts Centre, 67 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SG

When the rain’s pouring outside, it feels kinda wholesome to be tucked up in some artist’s studio indulging mind, body and spirit in a little creative self-care.

Crafting ticks all the boxes come rain or shine and Newcastle Arts Centre is one of our favourite places to do it. Whether it’s clay moulding or life drawing, calligraphy for Christmas or summer oil painting, they’ve got a course to suit whatever your artistic sensibilities.

August’s workshops are all sold out, but next up in September is Ceramic Sculpture. Harry Potter fans should keep an eye out for ‘Making Mandrakes’ in October, too.

How much? From £15.00

PLAY ARCADES… WITH ALCOHOL

Where? Four Quarters Arcade Bar, 54 Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1PG 

Bursting at the seams with original arcade machines and classic gaming consoles – plus an ever-rotating range of cocktails and craft beer – Four Quarters is the ideal rainy-day bolthole in which to indulge your inner nerd.

A visit to this arcade-bar is easily one of the most nostalgic things to do in Newcastle, with a chance to revive your love for everything from Pac Man and Space Invaders to Guitar Hero, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sega Rally.

Having cut their teeth in London, the Four Quarters team have worked closely with local breweries here in the North East to nail their Newcastle offering – meaning all you need to worry about is smashing that high score…

SMASH STUFF UP 

Where? Smash Space UK, 58–60 Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7JE

We all can feel how much the weather impacts our mood. We mean, it’s no coincide that Seasonal Affective Disorder boils down to SAD, is it?

And it’s weird how when life seems to be conspiring against you, weather and all, purposefully breaking things reallymakes you feel better.

We’re not just talking about a case of: oops, you’ve scratched a little paint off, here. We’re talking full-scale, aggressive destruction. With intent.

Newcastle’s one and only “rage room” does exactly what it says on the tin – and we’re here for it. Book Smash Space UK and you’re allowed 15 minutes “smash time” to release your tension and destroy all manner of glass bottles, laptops, phones, plates, mugs, tiles and furniture. It’s easily one of the most satisfying things to do in Newcastle.

And it’s all in a super-safe way – meaning you don’t need to stress about de-stressing.

How much? From £12.50pp 

ARRANGE SOME FLOWERS

Where? The Flower Folk, 20 Brentford Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3DH

It doesn’t matter how dreary it is looking out of the window… if you can add a pop of colour and life inside, you’ll instantly cheer yourself up.

That’s why, when the clouds gather, we often find ourselves booking onto one of The Flower Folk’s workshops, which change with the seasons.

Their floristry masterclasses are a great, all-round introduction to arranging, while their dried wreath-making courses are ideal for seasonal decorating, especially at Christmas.

Next to try on our list is their cyanotype printing workshop, where you learn how to make beautiful botanical art prints using pressed flowers and foliage.

How much? From £30.00

HIT SOME BALLS  

Where? Parklands Golf Club, High Gosforth Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 5HP

It’s outdoors, it’s exercise and it’s actually most soothing in the rain…

It’s golf.

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about heading out on the fairways in this downpour. But if you’re head’s feeling a little stuffy or you’re frustrated at not being able to get out on your weekly run, a trip to the driving range is one of those things to do in Newcastle that you never knew you needed.

There’s just you, a golf club and any number of golf balls in your own booth to have a go at. No-one watching, no-one comparing and no-one scoring. So, it doesn’t really matter if you’re no good at it. Just be prepared for that feeling of ultimate satisfaction when you hit that one great shot.

How much? £5.00 for 50 balls 

PAINT AND SIP

Where? The Paint & Sip Party Co., venues across Newcastle 

Fancy something different from your usual things to do in Newcastle? One that doesn’t involve quite so much soggy bar-hopping?!

The Paint & Sip Party Co. are all about encouraging more of us to try our hand at something different, get a little messy and unleash some creativity. And because it’s not their first rodeo, they also recognise that the best way to release our inhibitions is to let us drink while we do all that.

In their two-hour classes, you’ll find all materials provided and no experience necessary. They’re focused less on the art itself and more on laughter, music and having plenty of fun while you (loosely) focus on creating your own kind of masterpiece to take home.

How much? From £19.95

THROW SOME AXES

Where? Hatchett Harry’s, Unit 9 Forth Goods Yard, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3PG

It’s hard to blow off steam when you’re stuck indoors, right?

Well, not necessarily. Picture whatever it is that’s really stressing you out – your boss, your boyfriend, your housework – squint a little, and hurl a really sharp object full-pelt at it. It’s bound to make you feel better.

And you can do it in Newcastle’s first indoor axe-throwing range.

Book a beginner’s 90-minute session and learn how to throw up to six different ways, including some snazzy trick shots, with competitive challenges and games throughout. We promise it’ll keep you dry, entertained and release your frustration in no time.

How much? From £21.00

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