When the rain rolls in, there’s still plenty to enjoy across Staffordshire. From climbing walls and museums to pottery painting, cinemas, and cosy cafés, these indoor activities will help you make the most of a wet-weather day.
Of course, as the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices – and you might still relish pulling on your wellies and heading out for a bike ride or a walk in the drizzle. But for those days when you’d rather stay warm and dry, these indoor ideas across Staffordshire offer the perfect escape from the rain.
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1. Throw a pot in Stoke-on-Trent
READ OUR GUIDE: The BEST ceramics cafes and pottery painting spots in Staffordshire
Trying your hand at pottery is one of the top things to do in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British ceramics, and a fantastic activity for a rainy day in Staffordshire. With a rich pottery heritage, the city offers a variety of hands-on experiences, from decorating studios to traditional potter’s wheel sessions.
For those keen to try throwing a pot, World of Wedgwood offers a guided taster session at The Clay Studio for £32.50 per person. Participants will learn to shape a cylinder pot on the wheel, which is then fired and ready for collection 4–6 weeks later.
Another great option is LoveClay Ceramics Centre, which provides workshops for all skill levels. Their beginners’ workshop, priced at £30, includes a one-hour pot-throwing session with expert guidance. They also offer seasonal classes, including wreath-making at Christmas.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, these pottery experiences offer a fun and creative way to connect with Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramic heritage.
2. Ceramic painting studios
READ OUR GUIDE: The BEST ceramics cafes and pottery painting spots in Staffordshire
If you would rather decorate your ceramics rather than make them from scratch, there are plenty of studios to choose from, each offering a selection of pottery pieces to paint, from mugs and plates to decorative ornaments.
Most studios charge a small studio fee plus the cost of the pottery you select, with some also offering extras like cake or afternoon tea to enhance the experience.
Popular decorating studios in Staffordshire include:
- Amerton Paint a Pot Studio
- Emma Bridgewater Pottery Painting Studio
- Royal Stafford Ceramic Café
- World of Wedgwood Studio
3. Visit a museum
Staffordshire is home to several fascinating museums that are perfect for exploring on a rainy day. Whether you’re interested in local heritage, art, or industrial design, there’s something here to suit everyone.
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Hanley is free to enter and offers a well-curated mix of exhibits, from fine art and natural history to archaeology and ceramics. It’s a great spot to spend a few leisurely hours, and the museum has been recognised for its welcoming approach to all visitors.
The World of Wedgwood Museum in Barlaston showcases over 260 years of innovation in ceramic design and production. This is more than just a museum, it’s a deep dive into the story of Josiah Wedgwood and his influence on industry, society, and style. Combine your visit with a pottery class or a wander through the factory shop.
Brampton Museum in Newcastle-under-Lyme is another local gem, offering insight into the area’s history alongside temporary exhibitions and a beautiful park setting.
The Haunted Museum & Spirit Shop, Stoke-on-Trent, offers something entirely different. Set inside a historic old cinema, this immersive museum is filled with haunted objects, cursed artefacts, and paranormal exhibits. Guided tours share chilling stories behind the displays, and those seeking a thrill can join ghost hunts and paranormal investigations.
4. Theatre
READ OUR GUIDE: Staffordshire Theatre REVIEWS
Staffordshire is home to several fantastic theatres, offering a great night out with a variety of performances. From touring West End productions to local theatre, stand-up comedy, and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Venues such as The Regent Theatre in Hanley, New Vic Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, Lichfield Garrick, and Stafford Gatehouse Theatre host a diverse programme of events throughout the year.
During the festive season, you’ll find a range of Christmas productions, including the ever-popular pantomime at The Regent Theatre and the magical Father Christmas show at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, making it a perfect time for a family theatre trip.
5. Go for coffee and cake
READ OUR GUIDE: Where to enjoy the best afternoon tea in Staffordshire
One of our favourite things to do when the weather turns is head out for a coffee and throw in a slice of cake too, or maybe even treat ourselves to an afternoon tea. There are so many great places to grab cake and coffee, but here are some of our favourite cafés in Staffordshire.
The Cake Shack at Whitmore offers the best homemade cakes along with afternoon tea, homemade sandwiches, lunches, and themed events including Christmas Eve breakfast.
Hettys tea shop, Froghall Wharf, Staffordshire Moorlands is a beautiful tea room with outdoor and indoor dining and a unique dome for special occasions. I can highly recommend the high tea.
Ramblers Retreat in Alton, Staffordshire is a lovely place to stop after a walk and offers homemade cakes and warm drinks in a rustic country tearoom with a lovely outdoor seating area that is dog friendly.
The Rabbit Hole Tea Room in Stoke on Trent (photo above) is a wonderful Alice in Wonderland themed tea room offering scrumptious cakes, drinks and one of the best afternoon teas in Staffordshire.
6. Climb the walls
If you’re looking for an active way to escape the rain, Staffordshire has some excellent indoor climbing centres to get your heart racing and your limbs moving (no mountain required).
Awesome Walls located in Stoke-on-Trent, is one of England’s largest dedicated bouldering centres. It boasts over 900 square metres of climbing surface, with walls of varying angles to suit both beginners and seasoned climbers. Most routes reach 4.5 metres in height, with smaller walls designed for younger or less experienced climbers.
Clip ‘n’ Climb Stoke is an indoor climbing experience like no other. With 250 centres worldwide, Clip ‘n’ climb delivers climbing activities in a safe and vibrant environment making it inclusive for all ages and abilities. There is also a Clip ‘n Climb Cafe too for hot and cold snacks and refreshments!
7. Indoor water fun
When it’s grey and wet outside, why not lean into the theme and get intentionally soaked? Staffordshire is home to a couple of fantastic indoor waterparks where you can splash, slide, and float your way through a rainy day.
Alton Towers Waterpark offers year-round indoor aquatic fun with a mix of lazy rivers, crazy cannons, bubbling hot tubs, and the Master Blaster water coaster. Whether you want to relax or get your adrenaline pumping, it’s suitable for all ages and weather-proof fun.
Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent is one of the UK’s largest indoor tropical waterparks, with over 30 different rides and attractions. From the thrill of the Space Bowl and Black Hole to gentler splash zones for younger visitors, it promises something for everyone, whatever your age or swimming ability.
If you’re after a more traditional swim, there are plenty of leisure centres with excellent indoor facilities:
- Jubilee 2, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Dimensions Leisure Centre, Stoke-on-Trent
- Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke-on-Trent
- Stafford Leisure Centre
- Stone Leisure Centre
- Uttoxeter Leisure Centre
8. Catch a Film
A trip to the cinema is a classic rainy day activity. In Staffordshire, you’ve got several great options including:
- Vue Cinema, Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Cineworld, Stoke-on-Trent
- Odeon, Stoke-on-Trent
Keep an eye out for special events like Vue’s Mighty Morning sessions, with tickets from just £2.49 every Saturday and Sunday morning, plus daily during the school holidays.
9. Go Bowling
Whether you’re looking for some competitive fun with friends or planning a rainy-day outing, bowling is a great indoor option for all ages. Staffordshire has plenty of venues to choose from, including:
- Cinebowl, Uttoxeter
- Super Bowl Stafford
- Tenpin Stafford
- Tenpin Stoke
- Limelight Lanes, Newcastle-under-Lyme
10. Go Bowling
Whether you’re looking for some competitive fun with friends or planning a rainy-day outing, bowling is a great indoor option for all ages. Staffordshire has plenty of venues to choose from, including:
- Cinebowl, Uttoxeter
- Super Bowl Stafford
- Tenpin Stafford
- Tenpin Stoke
- Limelight Lanes, Newcastle-under-Lyme
11. Indoor play centres
For those rainy days when the little ones are bouncing off the walls and you just can’t face wrestling them into waterproofs (or dealing with the laundry that follows) Staffordshire’s soft play centres are a total win. Let them climb, slide, and bounce to their hearts’ content while you grab a coffee and catch your breath.
- Come Into Play, Stone – A nature-themed indoor space with separate areas for different ages, plus a café for a well-earned coffee break.
- Just Kidding, Hanley – Bright, spacious, and packed with slides and climbing zones for toddlers and juniors.
- Billy’s Play Barn at Amerton Farm – A large wooden climbing frame perfect for curious little adventurers.
- The Play Shed, Stafford – Ideal for children from mobile age up to 10 years (or 145 cm); a friendly and energetic play centre.
- Hockerhill Adventure Play Barn, Brewood – An all-weather wooden play barn with slides, tunnels, and towers built around a central oak tree.
12. Trampoline Fun
If you’ve got older kids (or energetic teens) to entertain, head to Flip Out in Stoke (Stone) for a couple of hours of trampoline-filled fun. With sessions suitable for children from 6 months and up, younger ones are welcome too, but it’s a brilliant spot for older kids to burn off some serious energy. Expect wall-to-wall bouncing, obstacle courses, and lots of fun
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
BEST things to do in Staffordshire
BEST places to eat in Staffordshire
BEST hotels in Staffordshire
BEST campsites in Staffordshire
