Rainy day family fun in Devon

This summer has been officially rubbish. This will come as no great surprise to anyone who’s been in the UK over the past weeks or heard the reports that it’s been the wettest June since records began. Which means that anyone who’s planned a staycation is likely to be replacing idyllic sunny days on the beach with indoor options.

So Devon has come up with a series of options that will work for families even if it’s pouring, as well as a mobile phone app with suggestions if you’re out and about when the heavens open.

For younger children
There’s undercover areas at north Devon’s family adventure theme parks, The Big Sheep at Bideford and the Milky Way at Clovelly. There’s a soft play area and pets corner where you can feed the lambs at the former, and a special toddler area with mini tractor rides at the latter.

For older kids
Older children – from novices upwards – can try rock climbing at the indoor climbing centre in South Molton’s Rock and Ride Adventure Centre. Or Exeter’s Quay Climbing Centre has the largest dedicated indoor climbing wall in the South West.

For hardy holidaymakers
Let’s face it, if you’re going to get wet anyway, why not try your hand at surfing at Croyde or Woolacombe. Or if it’s simply too cold, the new Museum of British Surfing at Braunton has a collection of early boards, and a few famous fans.

For underground fun
Take the tramway into a coppy mine at Morwellham Quay Historic Port Farm on the Cornish border or head underground in Exeter to explore the city’s 14th century medieval passages running beneath the high street before keeping the history theme going at the medieval cathedral or St Nicholas Priory, with its insight into Tudor life.

For something more interesting than board games
Discover the new giant floating marble at The House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey, a working glass and games factory.

Image: DanielJames/Flickr