North Somerset is great for outdoor activity but there are plenty of places to keep you happy when the weather is less than wonderful. Here are 5 local attractions that feel like fun, even on a rainy day

North Somerset Times: Clouds and a sunset at Weston Super-mare (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Clouds and a sunset at Weston Super-mare (Getty Images/iStockphoto) (Image: Archant)

Grand Pier

Weston-Super-Mare

You never get wet on. Catch the miniature train at Weston’s legendary Grand Pier entrance and you’re carried undercover all the way to the pavilion. Step inside and it’s as if rain doesn’t exist. Do you want to ride the world’s smallest roller coaster? Will you beat the Laser Maze or survive terrifying Freefall? Is your heart set on winning arcade games and prizes? Or are you more interested in adventurous soft play? All are possible on this pleasure pier, except bad weather. Open 7 days from 10am till late.

North Somerset Times: (Clownfish by Michael Fontenot under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)(Clownfish by Michael Fontenot under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) (Image: Archant)

SeaQuarium

Weston-Super-Mare

Weston’s seafront aquarium is brilliantly designed to let you explore different marine environments and get as close as possible to the underwater world of its many residents. There are over 30 different permanent exhibits and hundreds of species here, so you can coo over cute clownfish, examine deadly piranha and even walk through a tunnel of sharks. SeaQuarium also runs a varied summer events programme. Open 7 days from 9am to 5pm.

North Somerset Times: The Great Hall from the Screens Passage at Clevedon Court. (©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel)The Great Hall from the Screens Passage at Clevedon Court. (©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel) (Image: ©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel)

Clevedon Court and Tyntesfield House

Clevedon and Wraxall

The National Trust has properties all over Somerset. But if the weather isn’t wonderful you want to be indoors at Clevedon Court or Tyntesfield House. Visit both for a fascinating perspective on local history and architecture from the 14th century to the present day. And when the sun’s shining again, go back and see the beautiful gardens. If you’re intending to see more of the Trust’s properties over the summer, a National Trust family membership is a good way to save.

North Somerset Times: The central section of the South stained glass window in The Chapel at Clevedon Court. (©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel)The central section of the South stained glass window in The Chapel at Clevedon Court. (©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel) (Image: ©National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel)

The Play Port

25 Old Mill Road, Portishead

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to entertain under 12s on a rainy Portishead day, drop into The Play Port. Created to be safe and fun, this friendly activity centre is a local favourite for wet weekends and birthday parties. There’s adventurous climbing and running and bouncing for older children, soft play for toddlers and a nicely designed space just for babies. Prices are reasonable, adults go free and snacks and drinks are available. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

North Somerset Times: (Lucky Again! by Mark Robinson under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)(Lucky Again! by Mark Robinson under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) (Image: Archant)

Children’s Matinees at The Playhouse

High Street, Weston-Super-Mare

Children’s theatre is a fine English seaside tradition and this summer’s season at The Playhouse, Weston is continuing it in grand style. Productions include modern classics like The Tiger Who Came to Tea and The Gruffalo and there are morning, matinee and late afternoon performances so you can fill any number of rainy days.

North Somerset Times: (The Playhouse for ST3161 © Copyright Neil Owen under CC BY-SA 2.0)(The Playhouse for ST3161 © Copyright Neil Owen under CC BY-SA 2.0) (Image: Archant)

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