Let us be honest - it rains in the North East. Quite a lot. But a wet day does not mean a wasted day. Across North Tyneside, Newcastle, and the wider region, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors when the weather is doing its worst. The trick is knowing your options before the rain starts.
Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres
Swimming is one of the best all-round exercises, and North Tyneside has a good spread of pools. The water supports your weight, making it gentle on joints while providing excellent resistance for building strength and cardiovascular fitness.
Waves Leisure Centre in Whitley Bay is the flagship facility, with a 25-metre pool, learner pool, and a programme of aqua aerobics and adult swim sessions. The Parks Leisure Centre in North Shields and Hadrian Leisure Centre in Wallsend also offer swimming alongside gym facilities and exercise classes.
Most North Tyneside pools offer discounted sessions for over-60s and multi-visit passes that reduce the cost. If you have not swum for a while, our guide to North Tyneside swimming pools covers each pool in detail, including accessibility, session times, and what to expect.
Gym and Exercise Classes
North Tyneside's leisure centres offer a range of exercise classes specifically suited to adults over 50. These include:
- Gentle exercise classes: Low-impact sessions focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance
- Chair-based exercise: Seated workouts suitable for those with limited mobility or balance concerns
- Yoga and Pilates: Core strength, flexibility, and relaxation in one session
- Tai chi: Slow, flowing movements that improve balance, coordination, and mental wellbeing
- Aqua aerobics: Water-based classes that are joint-friendly and sociable
Community centres across North Tyneside also host exercise classes, often at lower prices than leisure centres. Whitley Bay, Wallsend, and North Shields all have active community programmes.
Indoor Walking
Walking does not have to stop when it rains. Several indoor spaces in the North East are excellent for walking laps:
Shopping Centres
The MetroCentre in Gateshead is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe, and walking its full length is a genuine workout - the main mall stretches for over half a mile. Many shopping centres now run organised walking groups before the shops open, offering a warm, dry, flat surface for regular walking. Eldon Square in Newcastle is another good option for a sheltered walk on a wet day.
Museums and Galleries
Walking around a museum or gallery is more exercise than you might think. The Great North Museum in Newcastle is free, spacious, and fascinating. A complete circuit of the galleries covers a considerable distance, all on flat, smooth floors. The Laing Art Gallery, also free, offers another option for combining gentle exercise with cultural enjoyment.
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead is another excellent choice. The building itself is impressive, and the exhibitions change regularly, giving you a reason to return. The walk across the Gateshead Millennium Bridge to reach BALTIC adds a riverside element if the rain eases.
Leisure Centre Walking Tracks
Some leisure centres have indoor walking tracks or large sports halls that can be used for walking sessions. Check with your local centre for availability and times.
Libraries and Community Spaces
North Tyneside's libraries are warm, welcoming, and increasingly active places. Several offer exercise classes, reading groups (which get you out of the house and walking to the library), and social events. Whitley Bay Library, the central library in North Shields, and Wallsend Library all have regular programmes.
Even the walk to your local library counts as exercise. Combining an errand - returning a book, checking local event listings, meeting a friend for coffee nearby - with a 15-minute walk each way adds up to meaningful activity.
Home-Based Activities
When even getting to a venue feels like too much, there is plenty you can do at home:
- Online exercise videos: The NHS Fitness Studio has free exercise videos suitable for older adults, including strength, balance, and flexibility sessions
- Housework as exercise: Vacuuming, mopping, gardening (when it dries up), and cleaning windows all count as physical activity
- Stair climbing: If you have stairs, going up and down a few extra times during the day builds leg strength and cardiovascular fitness
- Standing exercises: Calf raises while waiting for the kettle, wall press-ups during advert breaks, balance practice while brushing your teeth
Making Rainy Days Count
- Plan ahead: Keep a list of indoor options so you do not waste energy deciding when the rain arrives
- Combine activities: A swim followed by a coffee with a friend turns exercise into a social occasion
- Set a rainy day goal: Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement on wet days, even if it is just walking around the house
- Use the Metro: The Tyne and Wear Metro connects you to indoor activities across the region, so a rainy day is the perfect excuse to explore somewhere new
- Dress for it: Sometimes the best rainy day activity is going for a walk anyway. A decent waterproof jacket and trousers make all the difference
For more ideas about indoor and outdoor activities across the region, our Active Living guide covers indoor activities and facilities in North Tyneside.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest indoor exercise option in North Tyneside?
Free museums and galleries in Newcastle (Great North Museum, Laing Art Gallery, BALTIC) offer excellent indoor walking at no cost. Walking around shopping centres is also free. For structured exercise, community centre classes often charge less than leisure centres, and many offer concession rates for over-60s.
Are there indoor activities specifically for adults over 50?
Yes. North Tyneside leisure centres run age-specific classes including gentle exercise, chair-based fitness, and aqua aerobics. Community centres offer yoga, tai chi, and social exercise groups. Age UK North Tyneside also has a programme of indoor activities throughout the year.
How can I stay motivated to exercise on dark winter days?
Routine is your best friend. Schedule indoor exercise at the same time each week so it becomes a habit. Exercising with a friend adds accountability. And remember that even 15 minutes of activity on a dark day makes a measurable difference to your mood and energy levels.
