I like household holidays in Devon – however like a lot of the UK, the climate is at all times a chance: for yearly Britain has a heatwave, there’s 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 seaside.
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Fortuitously there are many nice locations to go on a wet day and a few very enjoyable wet day actions in Devon – to not point out just a few bonus concepts on what to do in Devon in winter.
So whether or not you’re visiting the north or south of the county, listed below are 33 of the most effective days out with children in Devon within the rain, together with solutions for holidays with toddlers.
Issues to do in Devon when it’s raining: Animal points of interest
Nationwide Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The biggest public aquarium within the UK, you don’t have to attend for a wet day in Devon to go to the Nationwide Marine Aquarium, however as we found, it’s excellent while you want an indoor exercise.
With quirky trivia concerning the sea creatures inside, an opportunity to look out into Plymouth Sound, 400 completely different species on show and many family-friendly actions, it’s an awesome choice should you’re visiting Devon with toddlers in addition to older children.
Tickets have to be prebooked, with timed hourly entry slots (though you may keep so long as you need when you’re inside). The aquarium is open year-round.
Take a look at my 13 causes to go to the Nationwide Marine Aquarium with children
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Set within the outdated Lifeboat Home, you’re proper on the harbour at this little aquarium which recreates habitats for a few of the native marine life – excellent should you’ve needed to abandon the concept of rockpooling and search for issues to do in north Devon when it’s raining.
So even when it’s pouring with rain outdoors, you may journey alongside an Exmoor stream right into a river, on to an estuary and out by 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. Permit round 30-60 minutes to discover with free re-entry the identical day outdoors peak season.
The aquarium typically 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 high picks
Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh
Step into the tropics, surrounded by gloriously shiny butterflies and also you’ll overlook it’s a wet day in Devon. Uncover the completely 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 attraction’s different huge attracts are its otters – three completely 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 doesn’t let up, the otters received’t thoughts.
The attraction is open for a lot of the 12 months, though you may solely see the otters outdoors peak months – there merely aren’t any butterflies to identify in midwinter!
Discover the total particulars of opening occasions, in addition to with the ability to prebook tickets though you too can 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 haven’t been out there lately, it’s excellent for small animal lovers should you’re planning to benefit from 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 – sister website Paignton Zoo stays open.**
Issues to do in Devon when it’s raining: Indoor actions
Market Corridor, Plymouth
The 360-degree immersive dome at Market Corridor in Devonport, Plymouth is the most important in Europe – excellent for transporting you from a wet day in devon to a digital expertise distant.
You may end up blasting into house or diving to the underside of the ocean, with know-how that may transport you to different worlds. There are additionally common family-friendly screenings too, from BBC Earth reveals to dinosaurs and extra.
The nineteenth century market corridor additionally has an awesome cafe, in addition to some screenings aimed toward dad and mom with preschool youngsters.
Go mountain climbing
Older children can burn off some vitality and problem themselves at one of many indoor climbing centes in Devon.
Rock and Journey Journey Centre in South Molton is the most important indoor climbing wall in north Devon and is appropriate for full novices upwards, plus there are taster periods for age 6+ on daily basis.
Or for issues to do in east Devon within the rain, head to Clip’n’Climb Exeter which is open to children aged 4 and above, together with whole rookies, whereas the town’s 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 concerning the unhealthy climate. Head to Air Excessive Barnstaple in north Devon which has completely different age choices together with periods for toddlers, whereas Supertramp Plymouth has household bounce and a tots membership for toddlers should you’re in south Devon.
There are two iBounce trampoline parks, in Newton Abbot and Exeter with its foam pits, providing mother or father and toddler periods in addition to choices for older children.
Open all 12 months however opening hours and particular periods differ.
Go swimming
In the event you’re going to get moist anyway, you would possibly as properly have enjoyable! Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay has a sloping ground that’s excellent should you’ve received a mixture of swimmers and paddlers within the household – plus a wave machine which runs throughout weekend and college vacation periods.
There’s additionally a flume, open on the identical occasions, plus a youngsters’s play space. Open all 12 months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions – entry have to be prebooked.
For extra concepts of how you can 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 Manner Journey Park, Clovelly
Good for wet days in Devon, The Milky Manner 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 to 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 – prebooking extremely suggested.
The Massive Sheep, Bideford
From Ewetopia, one of many largest indoor playgrounds within the south west, to the prospect to feed animals within the indoor animal barn, you’ll barely discover the rain at The Massive Sheep in north Devon.
And if there’s a break within the clouds, there’s additionally a string of rides together with ones for toddlers, reminiscent of 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 youngsters in Devon.
See rabbits and guinea pigs within the barn, in addition to the reptile home and large 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 Fort, Ilfracombe
Not an precise fort, Watermouth Fort is a theme park primarily based round a nineteenth century castle-style home, the place you’ll discover an underground fountain present and a dungeon labyrinth to discover.
In addition to the rides and points of interest, there’s 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’d have been in Victorian occasions.
Among the rides will shut if it’s raining, though they’ll typically 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 it’s raining: Museums and points of interest
RAMM, Exeter
RAMM, or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Artwork Gallery, to present it its full identify, has shows telling the historical past of Devon from the prehistoric to the current – 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 may attempt a string of interactive reveals from dressing up in Roman clothes and making a mosaic to inspecting microscopic slides, constructing a fowl and testing a miniature medieval longhouse.
Add in trails and bingo playing cards, and there’s lots to maintain everybody amused if it’s raining in Exeter. And better of all, it’s fully 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 – and even higher, there’s no entry cost and no have to prebook should you’re on the lookout for free days out in Devon with children.
The shows have hyperlinks to Plymouth’s previous – all the pieces from a mannequin woolly mammoth to the figureheads of ships, together with an entire host of details about the town’s seafaring previous, together with interactive screens and pictures displaying a few of the most well-known journeys which began in Plymouth.
Children can decide up free trails to comply with as they discover, designed for all ages, with half a dozen completely different matters, or step in entrance of a inexperienced display 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 high 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 there’s a particular path developed by the BBC for teenagers primarily based on the discovering of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Or for littler guests, the crawl tunnel within the Explorers Galleries has secret objects to search out, and you may costume up and play with toys within the Previous Devon Farmhouse.
For followers of Agatha Christie, there’s a gallery devoted to her, tracing her life, novels and performs – and much more excitingly, a recreation of Hercule Poirot’s research and lounge utilizing furnishings and props from the TV present.
Open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturdays – opening hours could also be prolonged in class 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 retailers and eight rooms alongside the recreated interval road, from an ironmonger’s and grocer to an apothecary and candy store.
However you’ll additionally discover classic arcade amusements, 50s memorabilia and a mannequin railway recreated to indicate life across the World Wars at Bygones Torquay. Children may comply with 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 may 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 it’s the marbles which get essentially the most consideration, with a group and 5 completely different marble runs, one which stands out as the largest within the UK. Set them operating earlier than you head on to attempt the brass rubbing trails (together with an indoor choice so that you received’t 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 while you open the drawers within the little Ilfracombe museum – its eight rooms are full of curiosities and memorabilia, from on a regular basis objects to pure historical past, photographs and even some weapons.
Be careful for the big python, the piece of marriage 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.
Torquay’s Dinosaur World
Dino-mad children will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to convey the world of the dinosaurs to life – with all the pieces from fashions to fossils, a lot of dino information to be taught and the prospect to sit down on one (in addition to put your head in a single’s mouth).
There’s an explorer quiz to attempt as you discover and dinosaur crafts to attempt – 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
There’s extra prehistoric enjoyable available in east Devon at Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, previously Seaton Jurassic.
You possibly can journey again by the centuries and uncover a few of the secrets and techniques of the Jurassic coast on the immersive dinosaur attraction with its animatronic dinosaurs.
There’s an opportunity to expertise ‘The Final Day of the Dinosaurs’, which brings prehistory vividly to life, together with a Dino Detective Path Information!
And if that’s not sufficient, there’s additionally a Jurassic-themed smooth play for ages 2+. Restricted numbers so prebooking is strongly really useful, particularly for moist days in Devon. Click on right here for extra particulars of ticket costs – you too can purchase joint tickets with Seaton Tramway, excellent should you’re anticipating the climate to clear up.
Issues to do in Devon when it’s raining: Head underground
Kents Cavern, Torquay
Stroll by 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 the caves at Kents Cavern, there are household actions too: digging for fossils, ammonites and shark’s tooth within the sand, making a tribal caveman face, chalk cave portray on the wall, and leaving a hand print on the wall of fingers.
Uncover what we thought after we visited Kents Cavern
There’s additionally an exercise path, plus out of doors trails should you fancy looking for ice age animals between showers.
The caves are appropriate for toddlers too, though buggies might be restricted at busy occasions (which inevitably consists of wet days).
Open each day year-round – you should be part of a guided tour to discover, and tickets are cheaper should you purchase on-line, so prebooking is strongly really useful. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and ticket costs.
Exeter’s medieval passages
There are legends galore to be present in these passages beneath Exeter – the one metropolis within the UK the place you may see something fairly like this.
And whereas they had been designed to assist entry pipes bringing ingesting water into the town, you’ll hear tales of struggle and plague as you enterprise into the 14th century passageways.
Prebooking is important throughout faculty holidays and strongly really useful at weekends, so plan forward should you’re going through a wet day with children in Devon.
Appropriate for teenagers aged 5+, they’re 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 consists of the prospect to take a tramway right into a copper mine, together with exploring the historic port and village.
As you discover, you may watch conventional crafts reminiscent of 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 smooth play space, Miners Journey Play, in addition to the Mine Practice Journey.
Some points of interest shut throughout the winter – click on right here for extra data, in addition to particulars of opening occasions and tickets.
Issues to do in Devon on wet days: Historic homes and castles
Powderham Fort, Exeter
The house of the Earl and Countess of Devon, you may nonetheless discover contained in the fort, in addition to having fun with an entire sturdy of additional seasonal occasions all year long.
You possibly can be part of guides for a free tour by the fort, though you’ll 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, there’s an awesome little petting zoo and journey playground as properly.
Open February to October, in addition to some dates over Christmas, the fort is closed on Saturday in addition to often 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 day trip at Powderham Fort.
Buckland Abbey, close to Plymouth
This former monastery might be finest often called the house of Sir Francis Drake, however the piratical explorer is just 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 may nonetheless see proof of the outdated church, together with secret doorways and stairs which not lead wherever, in addition to with the ability to stroll by time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian eating room.
Alongside the best way there’s Drake’s drum, which is alleged 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 Drake’s ship.
Open year-round though the Abbey is just open at weekends throughout a lot of the winter months. Click on right here for particulars of opening occasions and to prebook tickets.
Arlington Court docket, Barnstaple
Though the grounds are one of many huge highlights at Arlington Court docket, there’s nonetheless lots extra should you’re on the lookout for issues to do in north Devon when it’s raining,
Residence to the Nationwide Carriage museum, there are some improbable autos on present, plus a quiz to take as you discover the home and occasional household actions and crafts.
However when it’s open, one of many largest temptations for animal lovers is to go into the bat room and look at the colony which has made its dwelling its dwelling right here, by 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 Fort, Dartmouth
Courting again to the 14th century, Dartmouth fort noticed motion within the Civil Battle and was nonetheless in use as a fortress in Victorian occasions – if it’s raining laborious, you’ll most likely need to skip the choice of catching a ferry over from the city quay however attempt to discover a drier second to go as much as the roof for the views out throughout the river and the city.
Underneath cowl, you may 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 high picks
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Moving into this artwork deco home (constructed by the D’Oyly Carte household of West Finish theatre fame) is great at any time of 12 months, however should you’re 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 isn’t too unhealthy: have to be booked prematurely) – there are spotter trails to comply with 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 Christie’s vacation dwelling nonetheless appears a lot because it did when she stayed there – there’s a path for teenagers to comply with round the home, which will get dressed up for Christmas, in addition to a altering show within the Cupboard of Curiosities.
In the event you’re arriving to Greenway by automotive, it’s important to e-book a parking house prematurely: there’s a ferry service from Dartmouth which takes round an hour (or an open boat from Dittisham should you courageous the drizzle), however under-12s can’t use the marina automotive, so that you’ll have to stroll for 10-Quarter-hour from the marina.
Sadly the steam practice service from Paignton and Kinsgwear isn’t 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 may nonetheless see a lot of the unique assortment.
Children are prone to be extra within the truth there’s a brand new path each season, plus alternatives to decorate up and check out actions inside, with further season occasions aimed toward households.
Open a lot of the 12 months however with decreased hours throughout the winter months and the home is closed fully 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 it’s raining
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh to Totnes
Steam trains puff and chuff alongside this seven mile department line by the River Dart valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, so you may take pleasure in a few of the countryside even on a wet day in south Devon.
It’s straightforward to mix the South Devon Railway with just a few different wet day points of interest in south Devon too – Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies are at both finish of the route (joint tickets together with the practice journey had been beforehand out there), whereas Buckfast Abbey isn’t removed from the Buckfastleigh finish.
Take a look at the Polar Categorical Christmas specials with carols, mince pies and Santa, plus Day Out With Thomas journeys.
Usually runs from March to October with some extra trains operating at half-term and in December. Click on right here for timetables and tickets.
Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton to Kingswear
One other pretty solution to discover south Devon within the rain with a steam practice that travels from Paignton to Kingswear alongside the 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 isn’t at its finest.
There’s 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 journey, river boat journey and bus journey – bear in mind it’s an open high bus and 90 minute river boat journey 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 completely different practice journey from the mild south coast, the Lynton and Barnstaple railway visits England’s highest slender gauge railway station at Woody Bay Station, nearly 1,000ft up on wild Exmoor.
The Lynton and Barnstaple railway is at present being reconstructed alongside some sections so you may’t 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 – finest for dodging a bathe relatively than attempting 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.
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Let’s face it, should you’re going to get moist anyway, why not head to the ocean and check out your hand at browsing in Devon – though it goes with out saying that it’s best to at all times be sure that the climate isn’t so unhealthy that the waves are harmful.
Woolacombe is likely one of the finest spots for rookies, with gentler surf and loads of house should you don’t fancy having an viewers see you wipe out, together with Westward Ho!
Saunton has its personal mild surf too (although higher for older children, as there might be a whole lot of paddling concerned right here) whereas Croyde is one other great place with loads of surf colleges.
If the rain is simply too unhealthy for browsing in Devon with children, you would at all times take a look at the Museum of British Browsing at Braunton, not removed from all 4 surf seashores, with its assortment of classic surfboards.
Surf faculty opening hours differ. 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 high issues to do in Devon with children for extra inspiration and my final information to Devon for households – 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 – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could 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 points of interest open year-round will nonetheless shut for a day or two over Christmas or throughout notably unhealthy climate, for instance.
Fundamental picture and Steam practice courtesy Depositphotos, Powderham Fort/Nationwide Marine Aquarium/Kingswear railway/butterfly photographs copyright MummyTravels, RAMM courtesy Go to Exeter
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