Looking for the best indoor activities in Durham? A rainy forecast doesn’t have to put a stop to your family plans. County Durham is home to a fantastic range of indoor attractions, from soft play centres and museums to castles, cafés and hands-on experiences that can be enjoyed whatever the weather.
Whether you’re entertaining toddlers, school-age children or teenagers, we’ve put together some of our favourite rainy day ideas to help you make the most of your day.
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, don’t miss our guide to Things to Do in Durham with Kids: 25 Family Days Out You’ll Love.
1. Let the Kids Burn Off Energy at Thorpe Farm Soft Play
When it’s pouring outside, there’s nothing better than somewhere the children can run, climb and play while parents enjoy a well-earned coffee.
Our indoor soft play at Thorpe Farm is designed for hours of family fun, with dedicated areas for younger children and plenty of seating for adults.
While the little ones play, you can relax in our café with homemade food, coffee and cakes, making it an easy way to spend a few enjoyable hours out of the rain.
If you’re specifically searching for soft play near Durham, Thorpe Farm is just a short drive from Durham City and offers much more than just soft play.
2. Enjoy Lunch in the Courtyard Café
Sometimes the perfect rainy day is simply slowing down.
After exploring the soft play or meeting our friendly farm animals, settle into our dog-friendly café for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea.
Our menu features homemade meals, sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks, making it a great stop for the whole family.
3. Browse The Peel House
Rainy days are perfect for a little shopping.
The Peel House at Thorpe Farm is home to a carefully selected range of gifts, homeware, clothing, seasonal decorations and locally sourced products. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely browse while sheltering from the weather.
4. Visit The Bowes Museum
Located in nearby Barnard Castle, The Bowes Museum offers fascinating exhibitions, interactive displays and family trails throughout the year.
Children especially enjoy seeing the famous Silver Swan automaton, while seasonal activities provide plenty to keep younger visitors entertained.
5. Discover Beamish Museum's Indoor Exhibits
Although Beamish is famous for its outdoor streets, many of its most fascinating exhibits are indoors.
Explore traditional homes, schools, shops and workshops while learning about life in the North East through interactive displays and demonstrations.
6. Explore Locomotion in Shildon
Perfect for train enthusiasts, Locomotion is one of County Durham’s best free attractions.
Home to an impressive collection of historic locomotives and railway exhibits, it’s an excellent choice for families with children who love engineering and transport.
7. Take the Family Bowling
If the weather isn’t improving, a game of ten-pin bowling is always a crowd-pleaser.
Several bowling centres across County Durham offer family-friendly sessions, arcades and cafés, making them ideal for an afternoon indoors.
8. Visit Durham Cathedral
One of the region’s most iconic landmarks, Durham Cathedral is a wonderful place to explore on a rainy day.
Admire the stunning architecture, discover centuries of history and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while staying warm and dry.
9. Get Creative with Arts and Crafts
Many local cafés, visitor attractions and community venues host pottery painting, craft workshops and seasonal creative sessions for children throughout the year.
These activities are perfect for younger visitors looking for something different.
10. Spend the Whole Day at Thorpe Farm
Why visit just one attraction when you can enjoy several in one place?
A rainy day at Thorpe Farm can easily become a full family day out.
Start with a play in our soft play centre, enjoy lunch in the café, browse The Peel House, visit the farm animals (many of which can still be seen whatever the weather) and finish with a hot chocolate before heading home.
There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained without worrying about the forecast.
More Indoor Activities in Durham Worth Knowing About
County Durham and the surrounding area has plenty more to offer on a rainy day. Here are a few more indoor attractions worth adding to your list:
- The Spanish Gallery, Bishop Auckland: Part of the ambitious Auckland Project in the heart of Bishop Auckland, the Spanish Gallery houses an impressive collection of Spanish Old Masters alongside Faith Museum and Auckland Castle. A genuinely immersive cultural day out for families and adults alike.
- Durham University Oriental Museum: One of the North East’s lesser-known gems, this free-to-visit museum near Durham City houses collections from ancient Egypt, North Africa, and Asia. A great option for families looking for something educational and a little different.
- Lane7: For older children and adults, Lane7 offers a more energetic indoor leisure experience combining bowling, ping pong, and gaming. A short drive from Durham City and worth considering for a family adventure.
- Raby Castle: While Raby Castle is known for its grounds, its spectacular state rooms and indoor exhibitions make it a great rainy day visit for families exploring County Durham.
- Crook Hall: A beautifully preserved medieval hall near Durham City with seasonal indoor events and exhibitions throughout the year.
- Escape rooms: Several escape room venues across Durham City offer themed, immersive puzzle experiences that are perfect for older children, teenagers, and adults looking for something a little more challenging.
Why Thorpe Farm is Perfect for Rainy Days
When families search for indoor activities in Durham, they’re often looking for somewhere that offers more than just one thing to do.
At Thorpe Farm you’ll find:
- Indoor soft play
- Homemade food and drinks in the café
- The Peel House gift and lifestyle shop
- Friendly farm animals
- Free parking
- Baby-changing facilities
- A welcoming atmosphere for all ages
It’s the perfect destination whether you’re visiting for an hour or spending the whole day with us.
Come and Visit Us!
The weather might not always cooperate, but that doesn’t mean family fun has to stop.
Thorpe Farm offers the ideal combination of indoor entertainment, great food and family-friendly facilities, making it one of the best indoor attractions in County Durham.
Before you visit, why not explore some of our other family guides?
- Things to Do in Durham with Kids: 25 Family Days Out You’ll Love
- Outdoor Activities for Kids
- Soft Play Near Durham
- Durham Soft Play
- Dog-Friendly Café
Whether the sun is shining or the rain is falling, we look forward to welcoming you to Thorpe Farm for your next family day out. Get in touch here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thorpe Farm suitable for toddlers?
Yes! Our indoor soft play area is designed with younger children in mind, with age-appropriate play zones that allow toddlers to explore and play confidently. Parents can relax nearby with a coffee or a bite to eat from the café, making it a stress-free outing for families with little ones.
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend checking our website for the latest information on booking and availability, particularly during school holidays and weekends when the soft play centre can be busy. Soft play parties do require advance booking, so get in touch with our team to check dates and availability.
What else is there to do at Thorpe Farm on a rainy day?
Plenty. As well as the soft play, you can enjoy a meal or a coffee in our café, browse The Peel House for gifts and homeware, and visit the farm animals, many of which can be seen whatever the weather. It’s easy to turn a rainy day visit into a full family day out without leaving the site.
How far is Thorpe Farm from Durham?
Thorpe Farm is situated near Barnard Castle, on the border of County Durham and North Yorkshire. It’s a short drive from many towns across the county, including Darlington, Bishop Auckland, and the wider Teesside area, making it a convenient choice for families across the region.