Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Newcastle upon Tyne, England

Guided tours of the fully preserved 19th century coal waggonway and WW2 air-raid shelter. Pre-booking is essential and tickets can be booked online through our website or by telephone during office hours. Tours every day, check the website for details. Our extensive Covid-19 precautions have been assessed by Visit Britain and we have been awarded "Good to Go" certification.

From its base on Newcastle’s quayside, Live Theatre produces work as varied and diverse as the audiences it engages with. To do this it:• Creates and performs new plays of world class quality• Finds and develops creative talent• Unlocks the potential of young people through theatre.Founded in 1973, the theatre was transformed in 2007 via a £5.5million redevelopment. The result is a beautifully restored and refurbished complex of five Grade II listed buildings with state-of-the-art facilities in a unique historical setting, including a 160 seat cabaret style theatre, a studio theatre, renovated rehearsal rooms, a series of dedicated writer’s rooms as well as a thriving café and bar. In 2013 Live Theatre celebrates 40 years of making plays. A special year-long relationship with Port of Tyne to support its 40th anniversary programme recognises Live Theatre’s own strong connections to the river, the Port and the trading heritage of the region.Live Theatre is grateful for the support of Arts Council England and Newcastle City Council.

Art & design gallery in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne. The gallery showcases and sells artwork from over 150 local artists. our wide variety of local art work includes original oil paintings, acrylic paintings and watercolour paintings, as well as limited edition giclee prints and photography. We also have a wide range of glass and ceramic work alongside our range of small gifts like items. Situated on the upper level of Eldon Garden Shopping Centre we are surrounded by Shops and Cafes.

Visitors can tour this beautiful mid 17th-century Tudor house, which is best known as the site of the romantic elopement in 1772 between Bessie Surtees and John Scott, the future Lord Chancellor of England.

Reopening update We're happy to have a date for reopening in stage 3 of the government's roadmap (from 17 May) and we are getting ready to welcome you back again. We will confirm opening dates and details nearer the time. There will be new exhibitions and displays, and we will of course be implementing all of the Covid-safety measures. Until we reopen, we hope you continue to enjoy exhibition and collections content and activities on our website and social media or by joining our mailing list at mustseemuseums.org.uk. Our continued closure will have an even greater impact on our income - please support us. Thank you for your loyalty and support - it is hugely appreciated.

Re-opening on Monday 10 August 2020. More details at www.laingartgallery.org.uk. The Laing is home to an impressive collection of art and sculpture and its exhibition programme is renowned for bringing the biggest names in historic, modern and contemporary art to the North East. The Gallery has a packed programme of free events including gallery talks, family activities and artists’ events. Free entry.

Newcastle Cathedral holds the story of the City in its stones and monuments. Located in the heart of Old Newcastle, it is a medieval church building of architectural interest with a spectacular lantern tower and filled with a superb collection of monuments, ledger stones and stained glass describing interesting people and events of importance to the history of the city and the region. The collection contains work by nationally and internationally reputed sculptors and craftspeople, including glass artist Leonard Evetts, 19th century woodcarver Ralph Hedley, and sculptor EH Bailey who was also responsible for Grey's Monument, and illustrates many of the ways in which contemporary local, regional and national culture has been shaped. Look out for mermaids, wild men, Roman senators, romantic ladies or even a precious medieval stained glass portrait of Mary and the infant Christ. Open: Sun 7:30am-5:30pm; Mon-Fri 7am-6:30pm; Sat & Bank Holidays 8am-4pm. Free entry; suggested donation £5pp.

Steeped in history this imposing Norman fortress, in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, is a rugged reminder of northern England's turbulent history. This was no baron's stately home. Newcastle Castle is a grim reminder of royal authority where armies gathered and criminals were imprisoned and executed. It is where the story of Newcastle began, the reason the city got its name and has the most commanding views over the city and the River Tyne. Open for the public to explore and enjoy our rich and varied history Newcastle Castle takes the safety of public and staff very seriously. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have introduced a number of measures to keep you safe whilst you explore, discover and enjoy.