Things to do in Devon in the rain

Discovering Devon: top activities for rainy days

When it comes to choosing a holiday destination in the UK, Devon is often a top choice for its sun-soaked beaches and clear blue skies. However, what if the weather isn’t on your side during your visit? Fear not! Devon offers plenty of wet weather ideas for visitors, with an abundance of activities that are perfect for rainy days. We’ve put together some ideas of how to spend a rainy day in Devon, ensuring your holiday remains unforgettable, regardless of the weather! So pack your wellies, grab your umbrella and let’s explore the best things to do in Devon when the skies turn grey.

Check out our lodges and holiday parks in Devon to find the perfect home away from home for your UK break. Many of our parks boast onsite facilities that are ideal for rainy days, like indoor swimming pools, restaurants, games rooms, spas and adventure playgrounds! You can also make the most of luxury weatherproof features such as private hot tubs and cosy indoor fires.

Visit museums, galleries & historic sites

Devon is home to a plethora of historic sites and museums that offer a glimpse into the county’s rich heritage! Each destination provides a unique insight through different ages, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for all.

Bideford Heritage Centre, Bideford

Learn all about North Devon's railway heritage at this fun and interactive centre, ideal for train enthusiasts both young and old. As well as providing a fascinating insight into the local heritage via informative displays, there's an old-fashioned ticket office, a replica signal box and even a café in a railway carriage.

Postcode: EX39 4BB
Opening hours: 10am-3pm every weekend from Easter until October half-term, and daily during the school holidays
Tickets: The centre is free to enter, although donations are appreciated. If the diesel locomotive is in operation, you can pay £4 per person for a ride

Burton Art Gallery and Museum, Bideford

Uncover Bideford's history through a diverse collection of art and artifacts, including works by local artists and historical objects. This family-friendly community venue hosts plenty of interesting events, exhibitions and workshops throughout the year.

Postcode: EX39 2QQ
Opening hours: 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday; 11am-4pm Sunday
Tickets: Entry is free

Torquay's Dinosaur World, Torquay

If you're holidaying in South Devon and travelling with a child who's into dinosaurs and fossils (or an adult for that matter...) then look no further, as this Torquay museum is for you! Marvel at the life-size Triceratops, go searching for fossils in the sands and - if you're brave enough - stick your head inside the T-Rex skull! The best part? It's all indoors.

Postcode: TQ1 2BB
Opening hours: 11am-5pm May-September (last entry 3.30pm)
Tickets: It's £7.95 for adults and children aged 3 years and above. Children under 3 go free

Book our Torquay Holiday Park for your South Devon holiday!

Museum of British Surfing, Braunton

When it's too wet to hit those famous South West waves, why not learn all about them instead? Delve into the fascinating history of British surfing and its cultural impact at this unique museum near the North Devon coast.

Postcode: EX33 1AA
Opening hours: Check the website directly in advance of your visit
Tickets: It's £2 for adults and children under 17 go free

Ilfracombe Museum, Ilfracombe

Step back in time and explore the eclectic collections of this Victorian museum, which includes natural history specimens, archaeological artifacts and maritime exhibits. The museum, which is just a 15-minute walk from Ilfracombe Harbour, also features exhibits on ancient humans and Ice Age animals.

Postcode: EX34 8AF
Opening hours: 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday
Tickets: It's £5 for adults and children under 16 go free

Stay nearby at one of our Combe Martin holiday parks and lodges.

Mortehoe Museum, Woolacombe

Discover the history of Mortehoe and Woolacombe in the cliff-top village of Mortehoe, including its maritime heritage and the stories of shipwrecks along the North Devon coast.

Tip: If the weather isn't too bad, you could buy tickets to join one of the museum's Tractor and Trailor Safaris, which take you to key spots like Bull Point Lighthouse or Morte Point.

Postcode: EX34 7DT
Opening hours: The museum is usually open April-September, but it's best to check ahead of your visit
Tickets: The museum is free to enter, although donations are appreciated

Salcombe Maritime Museum, Salcombe

Learn about Salcombe’s maritime history, including its role in shipbuilding, fishing and smuggling, through interesting exhibits and interactive displays.

Postcode: TQ8 8DE
Opening hours: The museum is usually open from the end of March until the end of October, 10.30am-12.30pm and 2.30-4.30pm, daily (except Sunday mornings). It's best to check in advance as the museum relies on volunteers
Tickets: Entry is free

Teign Heritage Centre, Teignmouth

Explore the history of Teignmouth and the surrounding area, from its Roman origins to its Victorian heyday as a popular seaside resort. Highlights include a restored Victorian Bathing Machine and the ground floor Sea Gallery.

Postcode: TQ14 8ST
Opening hours: 10.30am-4pm Tuesday-Friday
Tickets: It's £5 for adults and children under 16 go free. Tickets include free entry for a year

Exeter Cathedral, Exeter

Marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate details of this medieval cathedral, which dates back over 900 years.

Postcode: Exeter EX1 1HS
Opening hours: 9am-5pm Saturday; 9.15am-5pm Monday-Friday; 11.30am-4pm Sunday
Tickets: It's free if you're visiting for worship or prayer, otherwise, tickets are £7.50 for adults and children under 18 are free

Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter

Discover a diverse range of exhibits, from natural history to fine art, at this award-winning, family-friendly museum in Exeter city centre. The museum really caters for children, with free perks like interactive museum trails and "Beastie Bags" with toys and games.

Postcode: EX4 3RX
Opening hours: 10am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday; 10.30am-5pm Tuesday year round
Tickets: Entry is free

Dartmouth Museum, Dartmouth

Step back in time and learn about Dartmouth's heritage through fascinating displays and artifacts at this small museum, occupying an old merchant's house on the historic Butterwalk. Special attention is paid to the area's maritime past, with a beautiful collection of ship models, some in bottles.

Postcode: TQ6 9PZ
Opening hours: 11am-3pm daily
Tickets: It's £5 for adults and children under 16 go free

Discover Dartmouth from our Dartmouth lodges and holiday parks!

Powderham Castle, Exeter

Explore this stunning example of 14th-century architecture and the ancestral home of the Courtenay family, on the banks of the River Exe. Surrounded by picturesque gardens and parkland, it offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history through beautifully furnished rooms and intriguing exhibitions.

Postcode: EX6 8JQ
Opening hours: 10am-4pm Sunday-Friday. The museum is closed in winter months so it's best to check opening times ahead of your visit
Tickets: Entry to the castle and grounds is £10.95 for children and £14.95 for adults. Children under 5 go free. Tickets include free return entry for 7 days

Indoor activities & entertainment for all the family

Devon boasts a variety of indoor attractions that are perfect for rainy days, particularly when it comes to keeping the kids entertained! From aquariums and theme parks to indoor climbing walls and cinema, there's a whole host of family-friendly activities where you can stay warm and dry.

Here are a few highlights:

Ilfracombe Aquarium, Ilfracombe

Explore the fascinating underwater world of the North Devon coast through interactive exhibits and displays at this family-friendly, all-weather aquarium!

Postcode: EX34 9EQ
Opening hours: 10am-5.30pm Monday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday, February-November - check opening times ahead of your visit as they vary based on school holidays
Tickets: It's £5.95 for children (3-15 years) and £7.95 for adults

The National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the ocean at the UK’s largest aquarium in Plymouth, along the South Devon coast. Explore indoor exhibits and get up close to over 5,000 marine animals from around the world. A perfect rainy day activity for the whole family and great for the winter months too as it's open all year.

Postcode: PL4 0LF
Opening hours: 10am-5pm daily all year round
Tickets: Entry starts from £12.50 for children (3-15 years) and £22.50 for adults. Children under 3 go free. All tickets come with a complimentary Annual Pass so you can revisit as many times as you want for 12 months

The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford

This award-winning amusement park in North Devon offers a variety of activities and attractions including roller coasters, play areas, mini golf and more. Come rain or shine, this is undoubtedly one of the best family-friendly attractions in Devon, winner of Tripadvisor's 2024 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award in the Amusement and Water Park category. There's an indoor arena for magic shows and bird-of-prey displays, plus plenty of undercover areas for indoor fun with pottery painting, dodgems and soft play areas.

Tip: Due to its popularity, the park gets very busy during peak periods, so it's best to book in advance to make sure you can get a ticket

Postcode: EX39 5RY
Opening hours: Usually 10.30am-4.30pm daily from April-October, and on weekends November-March, however it's best to check ahead of your visit
Tickets: Entry starts from £2 for children under 1, £7.95 for children 1-2 years, and £16.50 for children 3-17 years and adults 18+

The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park, Bideford

Calling all animal lovers! Enjoy a day of family fun at this popular North Devon attraction in Bideford, featuring indoor play zones, animal encounters and live shows to entertain the whole family. There's also a whole host of special events during the school holidays for Summer, Halloween and Christmas.

Postcode: EX39 5AP
Opening hours: Usually 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday, however, opening days and times vary throughout the year so it's best to check in advance to make sure the park is open. From November until mid March, the park is only open for indoor play (no rides or attractions)
Tickets: Entry starts from £6 for children under 3 foot, and from £12.50 for taller children and adults. Prices vary throughout the year and for school holiday events

The Quay Climbing Centre, Exeter

Test your skills and challenge yourself at this indoor climbing centre, offering a range of climbing walls suitable for all abilities. This is the largest indoor climbing centre in the South West of England.

Postcode: EX2 8AX
Opening hours: 10am-10pm Monday-Friday; 9am-8pm Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays
Tickets: Prices vary depending on which course/session you choose. Clip ‘n Climb sessions cost £15.95 per person and include 1 hour of climbing plus a 30 minute briefing. other off-peak climbing rates start from £8.50

Exeter Phoenix, Exeter

Immerse yourself in the arts at this vibrant venue, which hosts exhibitions, live performances and film screenings.

Postcode: EX4 3LS
Opening hours: Times vary depending on the event you're attending, however the Phoenix Gallery is open 10.30am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event you're attending

Rock and Rapid Adventures, South Molton

Try your hand at a range of thrilling outdoor experiences like coasteering and caving, which are exciting options even when it’s wet! Or, stay dry and tackle the huge indoor climbing wall.

Postcode: EX36 3NA
Opening hours: Days and times vary throughout the year and by activity, so it's best to check with the centre directly ahead of your visit
Tickets: Prices vary by activity, but it usually costs from £16 to use the indoor climbing wall

Pavilions Teignmouth, Teignmouth

Catch a movie or enjoy a live performance at this multi-purpose arts venue, which hosts a variety of entertainment, shows and temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Postcode: TQ14 8BG
Opening hours: Times vary depending on the event you're attending, however the Box Office is open 10am-3pm Monday-Saturday, and an hour before screenings and performances
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the event you're attending

Traditional cafés & tea rooms

Devon is known for its delicious cream teas, which are believed to have originated in the county at Tavistock Abbey in the 11th century. So, if you're looking to escape the rain, why not find one of the many tea rooms and cafes and enjoy a traditional Devonshire cream tea, with freshly baked scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Here are a few popular places where you can indulge in this classic treat. And remember, you're in Devon, so the cream goes on before the jam!

The Cream Tea Café, Barnstaple

Located near Barnstaple’s bustling Pannier Market, this friendly and welcoming café prides itself on serving only the freshest cream teas.

Postcode: EX31 1DE
Opening hours: 11am-4.30pm Monday-Saturday

The Tea on the Green, Westward Ho!, Bideford

A beloved tea room occupying a prime spot on the seafront in Bideford's Westward Ho! - a classic café with a retro feel.

Postcode: EX39 1LH
Opening hours: 11am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday

The Old Forge Café, Chagford

A charming café housed in a converted 19th-century blacksmith’s forge, run by a husband-and-wife team in the Dartmoor town of Chagford.

Postcode: TQ13 8AB
Opening hours: 9.30am-4pm Tuesday-Friday and 9am-4.30pm Saturday

Hele Corn Mill Tearoom, Hele

Award-winning tea room with a covered garden, so you can indulge in a delicious afternoon tea outside without worrying about the rain. It's also right by Hele Bay Beach, if the weather does decide to clear!

Postcode: EX34 9QY
Opening hours: The tea room is usually open 11am-5pm from April-October, however the days and times can vary so it is best to check ahead of your visit to avoid disappointment 

Darts Farm, Topsham

A local farmshop in Topsham, just outside of Exeter by the River Exe. Enjoy a proper taste of the West Country as you dine on delicious cream tea at the Yard Restaurant, or pick up a hamper to enjoy from the comfort of your holiday park or lodge!

Postcode: EX3 0QH
Opening hours: The Yard Restaurant is open 8am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 9.30am-4pm Sunday

Eat On The Green, Exeter

Dine in the heart of Exeter at this city-centre gem, housed in a 500-year-old building right by the cathedral. This is unsurprisingly a busy spot in summer!

Postcode: EX1 1EZ
Opening hours: 8.45am-5pm - the Devon Afternoon Tea or Cream Tea is served from 2pm-5pm

Don't let bad weather spoil your plans

And that's a wrap on our favourite Devon attractions to enjoy on a rainy day in the South West. We hope you'll agree there's still plenty to do, even when the weather isn't on your side! From exploring historic sites and museums to indulging in culinary delights and enjoying indoor fun as a family, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, don't let a little rain deter you from booking that holiday and visiting Devon. Embrace the unpredictable British forecast and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful county, whatever the weather!

Browse our Devon holiday homes now.

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