COVID-19 UPDATE: this section will be updated in due course as services return to normal, in the meantime there’s a handy summary here of Antenatal & Postnatal Support-2021.
If you run a relevant activity or business that’s not listed yet (or if you’re a parent with a recommendation) please feel free to get in touch with details.
Basic listings are free, information on upgraded listings (with up to 200 words, social media links & photos) can be found here.
📌 Grange Villa Community Centre, Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, DH2 3LN
📆 Open Mon-Fri for 2h play sessions.
(plus private hire options on weekends and special events selected dates)
👉 From £5 (sibling discounts available). Book here.
Dream Big is an amazing children’s role play centre, we also have a dedicated baby area & oodles of outdoor space! And of course a lovely cafe.
There’s a packed programme of weekly activities and special events, including:
Play sessions Sensory snug Baby massage Messy play Baby rhyme and social Sweaty Mama fitness class Baby weaning sessions Breastfeeding group run by a trained NHS breastfeeding peer supporterTuesdays, 1.30 – 2.30pm (Saltwell Park)
Thursdays, 1.30 – 2.30pm (Derwenthough Park)
A fun way to meet new people and get active outdoors with babies safe and snug in their pushchairs. Work on improving fitness and toning up by performing a range of cardio and bodyweight exercises, overseen by our qualified instructor.
Free, booking essential.
Suitable after 6 week GP check-up (12 weeks for C-section), up to one year.
Mondays 10.30 – 11.30am
Gateshead Leisure Centre, Alexandra Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JA
Fridays 10.30 – 11.30am
Birtley Leisure Centre, Durham Rd, Birtley, Chester le Street, DH3 2TB
Socialise with others mums in a fun environment with baby in tow, while competing a range of exercises including warm-up, cardiovascular and strength training to improve posture and fitness levels affected by pregnancy and birth.
Drop in, £6 (discount with GoGateshead card).
Suitable from 8 weeks (after post-natal check up with GP).
Yarmouth House. Staithes Rd, Dunston, Newcastle, NE11 9DR
Tel: 07890 104 690
A female-led fitness company offering a range of classes 7 days a week, with a small playroom overlooking the class with toys and a babygate. Classes are suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels and run from 6am to evenings, with a range of options including abs work, boxing, bums & tums, circuits and more.
From £3 per drop-in session.
Fridays 9.30 – 10.10am
Conkers Life, The Hagg, Lintzford Road, Hamsterley Mill, Rowlands Gill, NE39 1ND
Feel energised and set for the weekend with this metafit session and abs blast in a forest school setting. Classes are outdoors and are on whatever the weather! Children welcome at the parents responsibility at all times.
£5, booking required.
Tuesdays 10.30 – 11.30am
Unit 8, Dutton Court, Chainbridge Road, Blaydon
Tel: 0191 414 3190
Parent and baby exercise class to improve fitness, strength and flexibility, delivered by MB Conditioning and SASfit, with support from Inline Nutrition with space for coffee and chat following the class.
£7 (£5 for members). Booking required.
Suitable for pre-toddling age.
Thursdays 6.30 – 7.30pm
The Nest Café, 417-419 Durham Rd, Low Fell, NE9 5AN
A 7 week course for pregnant ladies looking for some gentle exercise. They are many benefits of ante-natal pilates, including improved posture and alignment; a focus on breath and centring; improved core support and pelvic floor awareness; meeting other mums to share the journey with, and many more.
Booking required.
Wednesdays 7 – 8pm
The Nest Café, 417-419 Durham Rd, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 5AN
A 5 week course suitable for beginners as well those more experienced. Studies have shown that Yoga and Pilates in pregnancy can improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, increase core strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth.
Booking required.
Suitable from 14-36 weeks.
Mondays 6 – 7pm
Tuesdays 7 – 8pm
Pelton Community Centre, Front Street, Pelton, Chester-le-Street, Durham, DH2 1DE
Tel: 07939 474 475
6 week course providing prenatal yoga classes for second & third trimester. Gentle yoga practice to help with breathing, relaxation and bonding with baby, with poses to aid pregnancy, labour and beyond.
From £6 (discount for block booking).
Booking required, flexible options available..
Wednesdays 7.30 – 8.45pm
Immaculate Heart Of Mary, 1 Church Close, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE25 9PG
Thursdays 6.30 – 7.45pm
Marden Bridge Sports Centre, Hillheads Road, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE25 8RW
Courses from Nov at:
The Yoga Loft, 5 Earsdon Road, Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, NE25 9SX
Tel: 07894 018 501
A 6 week course to prepare your body and mind or labour, birth and parenthood through a series of relaxing, supportive and strength building techniques. Each class is adapted to support you and bump throughout pregnancy.
Booking essential
Tuesdays 11am – 12pm
Rowlands Gill, Burnopfield, Gateshead, NE16 6BG
Tel: 01207 541820
Join a friendly group for a short walk and a cuppa, for parents with little ones in slings and buggies. Meet in the café within Market Place and take part in a gentle walk for around 45 minutes followed by a trip to the café. Slings, buggies and bumps welcome!
Free, drop in (regular admission applies, from £12).
Newborn to 2 years.
