I like household holidays in Devon โ however like many of the UK, the climate is all the time a chance: for yearly Britain has a heatwave, thereโs one other which is the wettest since information started, so it pays to have loads of concepts for issues to do in Devon within the rain with children in addition to plans for idyllic sunny days on the seashore.
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Happily there are many nice locations to go on a wet day and a few very enjoyable wet day actions in Devon โ to not point out a number of bonus conceptsย on what to do inย Devon in winter.
So whether or not youโre visiting the north or south of the county, listed here are 33 of the most effective days out with children in Devon within the rain, together with recommendations for holidays with toddlers.
Issues to do in Devon when itโs raining: Animal sights
Nationwide Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The most important public aquarium within the UK, you donโt have to attend for a wet day in Devon to go to the Nationwide Marine Aquarium, however as we found, itโs excellent once you want an indoor exercise.
With quirky trivia in regards to the sea creatures inside, an opportunity to look out into Plymouth Sound, 400 totally different species on show and plenty of family-friendly actions, itโs an ideal possibility in case youโre visiting Devon with toddlers in addition to older children.
Tickets should be prebooked, with timed hourly entry slots (though you’ll be able to keep so long as you need when youโre inside). The aquarium is open year-round.
Take a look at my 13 causes to go to the Nationwide Marine Aquariumย with children
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Set within the previous Lifeboat Home, youโre proper on the harbour at this little aquarium which recreates habitats for a few of the native marine life โ excellent in case youโve needed to abandon the thought of rockpooling and search for issues to do in north Devon when itโs raining.
So even when itโs pouring with rain exterior, you’ll be able to journey alongside an Exmoor stream right into a river, on to an estuary and out by way of a harbour to the coast (by way of a kind of rockpools) and end with a glimpse into the marine reserve of Lundy.
There are quizzes to entertain and viewing stools for toddlers. Enable round 30-60 minutes to discover with free re-entry the identical day exterior peak season.
The aquarium usually closes throughout the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and tickets.
For extra concepts of the most effective issues to do in North Devon with children, take a look at my prime picks
Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh
Step into the tropics, surrounded by gloriously vibrant butterflies and also youโll overlook itโsย a wet day in Devon. Uncover the totally different species from all over the world, and find out about all the pieces from their meals to their life cycle, whereas the butterflies themselves flit round.
In addition to reptiles, the small attractionโs different huge attracts are its otters โ three totally different breeds together with British otters which you’ll see throughout the two common feeding occasions which embody talks from the keepers. Even when the rain doesnโt let up, the otters receivedโt thoughts.
The attraction is open for many of the 12 months, though you’ll be able to solely see the otters exterior peak months โ there merely arenโt any butterflies to identify in midwinter!
Discover the complete particulars of opening occasions, in addition to with the ability to prebook tickets though you may also purchase these on the day topic to availability. Look out for mixed triple tickets to go to the Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm utilizing the South Devon Railway steam practice which hyperlinks the farm with the otter and butterfly sanctuary, though these havenโt been accessible not too long ago, itโs excellent for small animal lovers in case youโre planning to take advantage of these wet days out in Devon.
**Sadly Dwelling Coasts in Torquay closed completely following lockdown in 2020, with the animals transferring to different zoos and aquariums โ sister website Paignton Zoo stays open.**
Issues to do in Devon when itโs raining: Indoor actions
Market Corridor, Plymouth
The 360-degree immersive dome at Market Corridor in Devonport, Plymouth is the biggest in Europe โ excellent for transporting you from a wet day in devon to a digital expertise far-off.
You might end up blasting into house or diving to the underside of the ocean, with expertise that may transport you to different worlds. There are additionally common family-friendly screenings too, from BBC Earth exhibits to dinosaurs and extra.
The nineteenth century market corridor additionally has an ideal cafe, in addition to some screenings geared toward dad and mom with preschool kids.
Go mountain climbing
Older children can burn off some power and problem themselves at one of many indoor climbing centes in Devon.ย
Rock and Journey Journey Centreย in South Molton is the biggest indoor climbing wall in north Devon and is appropriate for full novices upwards, plus there are taster periods for age 6+ every single day.
Or for issues to do in east Devon within the rain, head to ClipโnโClimb Exeterย which is open to children aged 4 and above, together with complete newcomers, whereas the townโsย Quay Climbing Centre has household taster periods for age 7+.
All three areas are open year-round.
Bounce it out
Head to a trampoline park to bounce out any grumbles in regards to the dangerous climate. Head to Air Excessive Barnstaple in north Devon which has totally different age choices together with periods for toddlers, whereas Supertramp Plymouth has household bounce and a tots membership for toddlers in case youโre in south Devon.
There are two iBounce trampoline parks, in Newton Abbotย and Exeterย with its foam pits, providing guardian and toddler periods in addition to choices for older children.
Open all 12 months however opening hours and particular periods range.
Go swimming
In case youโre going to get moist anyway, you would possibly as properly have enjoyable! Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay has a sloping ground thatโs supreme in case youโve received a mixture of swimmers and paddlers within the household โ plus a wave machine which runs throughout weekend and college vacation periods.
Thereโs additionally a flume, open on the identical occasions, plus a kidsโs play space. Open all 12 months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions โ entry should be prebooked.
For extra concepts of methods to spend at some point in Torquay, take a look at this put up.
Days out in Devon within the rain: Amusement and theme parks
The Milky Method Journey Park, Clovelly
Excellent for wet days in Devon, The Milky Method has 110,000 sq. ft of indoor enjoyable from slides to rides, in addition to play areas for various ages, together with Little Stars for age 0 to 6.
Older children (and grown-ups!) may take a look at Planet Play Journey Space, with free-fall drop slide, The Black Gap in addition toย indoor pottery portray, laser taking pictures and a improbable Sci-Fi exhibit.
Open year-round however decreased opening throughout autumn and winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and tickets โ prebooking extremely suggested.
The Large Sheep,ย Bideford
From Ewetopia, one of many largest indoor playgrounds within the south west, to the prospect to feed animals within the indoor animal barn, youโll barely discover the rain at The Large Sheep in north Devon.
And if there’s a break within the clouds, thereโs additionally a string of rides together with ones for toddlers, comparable to Piggy Journey-a-Lengthy and the classic carousel.
Open year-round however decreased opening throughout the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and ticket costs.
Woodlands Household Journey Park, Dartmouth
Between the indoor play areas and the animals, Woodlands Household Journey Park is an ideal wet day exercise for youthful kids in Devon.
See rabbits and guinea pigs within the barn, in addition to the reptile home and massive animal barn earlier than hitting the 25 indoor slides (and 32 extra outside by the way) or the ball pit.
Open year-round however decreased opening throughout the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and ticket costs.
Watermouth Fortress, Ilfracombe
Not an precise citadel, Watermouth Fortress is a theme park primarily based roundย a nineteenthย century castle-style home, the place youโll discover an underground fountain present and a dungeon labyrinth to discover.
In addition to the rides and sights, thereโs a dungeon labyrinth with its corridor of mirrors and an underground fountain present with 1,000 jets of water and choreographed lights, to not point out classic amusement machines within the Nice Corridor and a few rooms arrange as they might have been in Victorian occasions.
Among the rides will shut if itโs raining, though theyโll usually reopen between showers if it brightens up.
Open from round Easter to October half-term, with some restricted opening on weekdays throughout term-time. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and ticket costs.
Issues to do in Devon when itโs raining: Museums and sights
RAMM, Exeter
RAMM, or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, to present it its full title, has shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current โ plus pure historical past and an Egyptian tomb, to not point out a bull elephant, suspended whale and Gerald the giraffe.
In addition to quizzes, you’ll be able to attempt a string of interactive displays from dressing up in Roman clothes and making a mosaic to analyzing microscopic slides, constructing a fowl and trying out a miniature medieval longhouse.
Add in trails and bingo playing cards, and thereโs loads to maintain everybody amused if itโs raining in Exeter. And better of all, itโs utterly free.
Open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and financial institution holidays). Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions.
The Field, Plymouth
The humanities and cultural hub of The Field has a mixture of everlasting galleries and momentary exhibitions โ and even higher, thereโs no entry cost and no have to prebook in case youโre in search of free days out in Devon with children.
The shows have hyperlinks to Plymouthโs previous โ all the pieces from a mannequin woolly mammoth to the figureheads of ships, together with an entire host of details about the townโs seafaring previous, together with interactive screens and pictures exhibiting a few of the most well-known journeys which began in Plymouth.
Children can choose up free trails to observe as they discover, designed for all ages, with half a dozen totally different subjects, or step in entrance of a inexperienced display screen to attempt their hand as a TV presenter.
Open year-round. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions. There could also be a cost for some momentary exhibitions.
For extra issues to do in Plymouth with children, take a look at my prime picks
Torquay Museum, Torquay
EDIT: Quickly closed till Spring 2025 The Torquay museum has an eclectic show, from a Neanderthal cranium to Egyptian statues and finds introduced again by explorers from all over the world, plus thereโs a particular path developed by the BBC for youths primarily based on the discovering of Tutankhamenโs tomb.
Or for littler guests, the crawl tunnel within the Explorers Galleries has secret objects to search out, and you’ll gown up and play with toys within the Outdated Devon Farmhouse.
For followers of Agatha Christie, thereโs a gallery devoted to her, tracing her life, novels and performs โ and much more excitingly, a recreation of Hercule Poirotโs examine and lounge utilizing furnishings and props from the TV present.
Open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturdays โ opening hours could also be prolonged at school holidays. Click on right here for extra particulars and tickets.
Bygones Torquay
Step again in time to find a snapshot of Victorian life, with 15 outlets and eight rooms alongside the recreated interval road, from an ironmongerโs and grocer to an apothecary and candy store.
However youโll additionally discover classic arcade amusements, 50s memorabilia and a mannequin railway recreated to indicate life across the World Wars at Bygones Torquay. Children may observe trails and check out quizzes, in addition to taking part in with a few of the toys.
Open year-round. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and ticket costs.
The Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
Who wants board video games when you’ll be able to go to a video games museum? The Home of Marbles has a group of various video games courting again so far as the 1600s, together with glassblowing and knowledge on the historical past of glass and a pottery museum.
Nevertheless itโs the marbles which get essentially the most consideration, with a group and 5 totally different marble runs, one which often is the largest within the UK. Set them working earlier than you head on to attempt the brass rubbing trails (together with an indoor possibility so that you receivedโt get soggy paper).
Free to enter and open year-round. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions.
Take a look at what we thought after we visited the Home of Marbles on a day exploring Dartmoor with children
Ilfracombe Museum, Ilfracombe
Who is aware of what you would possibly discover once you open the drawers within the little Ilfracombe museum โ its eight rooms are filled with curiosities and memorabilia, from on a regular basis gadgets to pure historical past, photographs and even some weapons.
Be careful for the massive python, the piece of wedding ceremony cake, a cabinet of bats and the prospect to faucet out a Morse code message.
Open from April to October, the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and ticket costs.
Torquayโs Dinosaur World
Dino-mad children will love the interactive exhibition at Torquayโs dinosaur world, to convey the world of the dinosaurs to life โ with all the pieces from fashions to fossils, plenty of dino details to be taught and the prospect to take a seat on one (in addition to put your head in a singleโs mouth).
Thereโs an explorer quiz to attempt as you discover and dinosaur crafts to attempt โ however the spotlight needs to be the prospect to the touch dinosaur poo.
The waterfront attraction is open year-round however with decreased days in winter. Click on right here for opening occasions and tickets.
Jurassic Discovery, Seaton
Thereโs extra prehistoric enjoyable available in east Devon at Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, previously Seaton Jurassic.
You may journey again by way of the centuries and uncover a few of the secrets and techniques of the Jurassic coast on the immersive dinosaur attraction with its animatronic dinosaurs.
Thereโs an opportunity to expertise โThe Final Day of the Dinosaursโ, which brings prehistory vividly to life, together with a Dino Detective Path Information!
And if thatโs not sufficient, thereโs additionally a Jurassic-themed tender play for ages 2+. Restricted numbers so prebooking is strongly advisable, particularly for moist days in Devon. Click on right here for extra particulars of ticket costs โ you may also purchase joint tickets with Seaton Tramway, excellent in case youโre anticipating the climate to clear up.
Issues to do in Devon when itโs raining: Head underground
Kents Cavern, Torquay
Stroll by way of a labyrinth of caverns, previous historic rocks, and uncover the house of historic people in caves which date again 2.5 million years.
In addition to the excursions by way of the caves at Kents Cavern, there are household actions too: digging for fossils, ammonites and sharkโs tooth within the sand, making a tribal caveman face, chalk cave portray on the wall, and leaving a hand print on the wall of palms.
Uncover what we thought after we visited Kents Cavern
Thereโs additionally an exercise path, plus out of doors trails in case you fancy trying to find ice age animals between showers.
The caves are appropriate for toddlers too, though buggies could be restricted at busy occasions (which inevitably contains wet days).
Open every day year-round โ you could be part of a guided tour to discover, and tickets are cheaper in case you purchase on-line, so prebooking is strongly advisable. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and ticket costs.
Exeterโs medieval passages
There are legends galore to be present in these passages beneath Exeter โ the one metropolis within the UK the place you’ll be able to see something fairly like this.
And whereas they have been designed to assist entry pipes bringing consuming water into the town, youโll hear tales of warfare and plague as you enterprise into the 14th century passageways.
Prebooking is crucial throughout faculty holidays and strongly advisable at weekends, so plan forward in case youโre dealing with a wet day with children in Devon.
Appropriate for youths aged 5+, theyโre open Thursday to Sunday year-round with some particular occasions for acquainted. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and tickets.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Exeter with children, take a look at this put up
Morwellham Quay Historic Port Farm, close to Tavistock
Down in direction of the border with Cornwall, this residing historical past website contains the prospect to take a tramway right into a copper mine, together with exploring the historic port and village.
As you discover, you’ll be able to watch conventional crafts comparable to rope-making and the blacksmith in his forge, sit in a Victorian schoolroom and smash rocks to attempt to discover copper.
There are additionally guided residing historical past excursions and a tender play space, Miners Journey Play, in addition to the Mine Prepare Journey.
Some sights shut throughout the winter โ click on right here for extra info, in addition to particulars of opening occasions and tickets.
Issues to do in Devon on wet days: Historic homes and castles
Powderham Fortress, Exeter
The house of the Earl and Countess of Devon, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover contained in the citadel, in addition to having fun with an entire sturdy of additional seasonal occasions all year long.
You may be part of guides for a free tour by way of the citadel, though youโll have to e-book these (first come, first served) in addition to with the ability to discover at your personal tempo.
If the rain does let off, thereโs an ideal little petting zoo and journey playground as properly.
Open February to October, in addition to some dates over Christmas, the citadel is closed on Saturday in addition to sometimes on different dates all year long. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and tickets.
Take a look at our evaluation of our time out at Powderham Fortress.
Buckland Abbey, close to Plymouth
This former monastery might be greatest referred to as the house of Sir Francis Drake, however the piratical explorer is simply a part of the eight centuries of historical past to find at Buckland Abbey because it was first in-built 1278 as a Cistercian Abbey.
Transformed to a house after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you’ll be able to nonetheless see proof of the previous church, together with secret doorways and stairs which now not lead anyplace, in addition to with the ability to stroll by way of time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian eating room.
Alongside the best way thereโs Drakeโs drum, which is claimed to beat if England is at risk, a portrait of Rembrandt (coming back from mortgage in The Hague in 2019), Tudor dressing up and the prospect to find out about life on board Drakeโs ship.
Open year-round though the Abbey is simply open at weekends throughout a lot of the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and to prebook tickets.
Arlington Courtroom, Barnstaple
Though the grounds are one of many huge highlights at Arlington Courtroom, thereโs nonetheless loads extra in case youโre in search of issues to do in north Devon when itโs raining,
House to the Nationwide Carriage museum, there are some improbable automobiles on present, plus a quiz to take as you discover the home and occasional household actions and crafts.
However when itโs open, one of many largest temptations for animal lovers is to move into the bat room and examine the colony which has made its residence its residence right here, by way of the bat cam.
Home and carriage museum are open year-round however with decreased hours in winter. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and tickets.
Dartmouth Fortress, Dartmouth
Courting again to the 14th century, Dartmouth citadel noticed motion within the Civil Warfare and was nonetheless in use as a fortress in Victorian occasions โ if itโs raining exhausting, youโll most likely wish to skip the choice of catching a ferry over from the city quay however attempt to discover a drier second to move as much as the roof for the views out throughout the river and the city.
Underneath cowl, you’ll be able to discover the maze of passages, have a look at the huge chain which defended the harbour and check out on helmets within the gun tower.
Open 12 months spherical however weekends solely throughout the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and to prebook tickets.
For extra of the most effective issues to do in Dartmouth with children, take a look at my prime picks
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Getting into this artwork deco home (constructed by the DโOyly Carte household of West Finish theatre fame) is great at any time of 12 months, however in case youโre escaping winter rain in Devon throughout the run-up to Christmas, Coleton Fishacre is much more particular.
The home is adorned for a Twenties Christmas, with conventional video games and dressing up (plus the Coleton Aglow illuminations if the climate isnโt too dangerous: should be booked upfront) โ there are spotter trails to observe inside the home year-round although.
Open 12 months spherical however weekends solely/decreased opening throughout the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and tickets.
Greenway, Galmpton
Agatha Christieโs vacation residence nonetheless appears to be like a lot because it did when she stayed there โ thereโs a path for youths to observe round the home, which will get dressed up for Christmas, in addition to a altering show within the Cupboard of Curiosities.
In case youโre arriving to Greenway by automobile, it’s a must to e-book a parking house upfront: there’s a ferry service from Dartmouth which takes round an hour (or an open boat from Dittisham in case you courageous the drizzle), however under-12s canโt use the marina automobile, so that youโll have to stroll for 10-Quarter-hour from the marina.
Sadly the steam practice service fromย Paignton and Kinsgwear isnโt working.
Open year-round however weekends solely/decreased hours throughout the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and to prebook tickets.
Saltram Home, Plymouth
This elegant Georgian home was owned by the Parker household from 1712 for nearly 250 years, and you’ll nonetheless see a lot of the unique assortment.
Children are more likely to be extra within the truth thereโs a brand new path each season, plus alternatives to decorate up and check out actions inside, with further season occasions geared toward households.
Open many of the 12 months however with decreased hours throughout the winter months and the home is closed utterly throughout a part of the winter. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and to prebook tickets.
Extra issues to do in Devon when itโs raining
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh to Totnes
Steam trains puff and chuff alongside this seven mile department line by way of the River Dart valley betweenย Buckfastleigh and Totnes, so you’ll be able to take pleasure in a few of the countryside even on a wet day in south Devon.
Itโs straightforward to mix the South Devon Railway with a number of different wet day sights in south Devon too โ Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies are at both finish of the route (joint tickets together with the practice journey have been beforehand accessible), whereas Buckfast Abbey isnโt removed from the Buckfastleigh finish.
Take a look at the Polar Specific Christmas specials with carols, mince pies and Santa, plus Day Out With Thomas journeys.
Usually runs from March to October with some extra trains working at half-term and in December. Click on right here for timetables and tickets.
Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton to Kingswear
One other pretty method to discover south Devon within the rain with a steam practice that travels from Paignton to Kingswear alongside theย English Riviera Geopark coast line, and by way of fairly stations together with Goodrington and Churston.
With coast and countryside, there are some beautiful views even when the climate isnโt at its greatest.
Thereโs additionally a free foot passenger ferry included together with your practice ticket on the Dartmouth Steam Railway if you wish to head over to Dartmouth.
The corporate additionally runs a Spherical Robin from round Easter/Could to only after October half-term with a steam practice trip, river boat journey and bus journey โ bear in mind itโs an open prime bus and 90 minute river boat trip although.
Trains run year-round with a decreased service over the winter. Click on right here for timetables and tickets.
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
A really totally different practice trip from the light south coast, the Lynton and Barnstaple railway visits Englandโs highest slender gauge railway station at Woody Bay Station, nearly 1,000ft up on wild Exmoor.
The Lynton and Barnstaple railway is presently being reconstructed alongside some sections so you’ll be able toโt truly journey to Lynton or Barnstaple, however the trains run between Woody Bay and Killington Lane Halt and again: the two-mile spherical journey lasts round 20 minutes โ greatest for dodging a bathe fairly than making an attempt to fill an entire wet day in Devon with children.
Runs from round Easter to October, plus some particular Christmas departures in December. Click on right here for timetables and tickets.
Go online
Letโs face it, in case youโre going to get moist anyway, why not head to the ocean and check out your hand at browsing in Devon โ though it goes with out saying that you need to all the time be sure the climate isnโt so dangerous that the waves are harmful.
Woolacombe is likely one of the greatest spots for newcomers, with gentler surf and loads of house in case you donโt fancy having an viewers see you wipe out, together with Westward Ho!
Saunton has its personal light surf too (although higher for older children, as there could be quite a lot of paddling concerned right here) whereas Croyde is one other great place with loads of surf faculties.
If the rain is simply too dangerous for browsing in Devon with children, you could possibly all the time take a look at theย Museum of British Browsing at Braunton, not removed from all 4 surf seashores, with its assortment of classic surfboards.
Surf faculty opening hours range. Click on right here to see opening hours for the Museum of British Browsing.
In addition to issues to do within the rain in Devon, take a look at my prime issues to do in Devon with children for extra inspiration and my final information to Devon for households โ in addition to a downloadable e book model
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN DEVON IN THE RAIN
Disclosure: This put up incorporates some affiliate hyperlinks โ any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee. All efforts have been made to maintain the details about the place to go in Devon within the rain correct, however do doublecheck opening occasions earlier than visiting: some sights open year-round will nonetheless shut for a day or two over Christmas or throughout significantly dangerous climate, for instance.
Principal picture and Steam practice courtesy Depositphotos, Powderham Fortress/Nationwide Marine Aquarium/Kingswear railway/butterfly photographs copyright MummyTravels, RAMM courtesy Go to Exeter
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