The Pottery Loft

Not your typical soft play spot, but if you’ve got little ones and want something that actually results in a keepsake you’ll want to keep, this Billingham studio is worth knowing about. Pottery painting for all ages, plus baby hand and foot prints that genuinely look good on a shelf rather than stuffed in a drawer. The staff get a lot of mentions from locals — helpful without being overbearing, which makes a difference when you’re wrangling kids and trying to be creative at the same time. Parking’s sorted and there are proper facilities on site, so it’s a realistic option for families rather than a logistical headache.