A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

When the forecast has gone properly sideways, this page looks for nearby plans that are more roof-and-radiator than field-and-regret. It is our best rainy-day guess, so still check the organiser's details before you set off.

11–12 July Near South Dissington

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.

Picked for South Dissington, not somewhere halfway across the county.

Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.

Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near South Dissington

Little Gems

at The Bistro

Little Gems School of Dance invite you to join them and defy dance gravity with a show packed full of amazing routines! We have it all in one show – disco classics, pop legends, musical memories and reimagined classics, before finally we dance through life and prove how Wicked we really are!

8.5 milesSat 11 Jul

Local gemSee the details→

Community

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

at The Theatre Royal

Evenings: 7.30pm Matinees: Wed & Thu 2pm, Sat 2.30pm Running Time: 2hrs 10mins (including interval) Need to know: 12+, contains strong language, derogatory language prevalent to the period, and depictions of violence including gunshots. Audio Described and Captioned perf with pre-show Touch Tour : Sat 11 Jul, 2.30pm

8.7 milesSat 11 Jul

Local gemSee the details→

Community

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Woolly Mammoths

at Star And Shadow Cinema

Sun 12 July // 12:00 Sun 26 July // 12:00 Sun 6 September // 12:00 Sun 20 September // 12:00 Sun 4 October // 12:00 Sun 18 October // 12:00 Sun 1 November // 12:00 Sun 15 November // 12:00 Sun 29 November // 12:00 Sun 13 December // 12:00 A free, drop-in, knitting and crochet club for any age, ability or gender. Children under 16 … [ more ]

9.2 milesSun 12 Jul

Local gemSee the details→

Community

Heritage Steam Train Ride (Timetable A)

at Tanfield Railway

Enjoy a scenic 6-mile round-trip through the Causey Valley aboard a lovingly restored steam locomotive and Victorian-era carriages. Day Rover tickets allow unlimited travel all day, and you can join or break your journey at any station.

9.7 milesSun 12 Jul£6-£16.30

Local gemSee the details→

CommunityFestivals & EventsHistory & Heritage

Afternoon Tea Train Experience

at Tanfield Railway

Indulge in a quintessentially British afternoon tea aboard a beautifully restored Directors’ Class carriage while enjoying scenic views along the world’s oldest railway.

9.7 milesSun 12 Jul£40.28

Local gemSee the details→

Food & DrinkHistory & Heritage

Diesel Train Driving Experience

at Tanfield Railway

Take control of a historic diesel locomotive at Tanfield Railway in this unique, private driving experience lasting 40 minutes. Participants aged 21+ get complimentary day travel and a goody bag.

9.7 milesSun 12 Jul11:50£157.50

Local gemSee the details→

Festivals & EventsWorkshops & Classes