33 things to do in Devon in the rain with kids
I love family holidays in Devon – but like most of the UK, the weather is always a gamble: for every year Britain has a heatwave, there’s another which is the wettest since records began, so it pays to have plenty of ideas for things to do in Devon in the rain with kids as well as plans for idyllic sunny days on the beach.
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Fortunately there are plenty of great places to go on a rainy day and some very fun rainy day activities in Devon – not to mention a few bonus ideas on what to do in Devon in winter, if you’re looking for more things to do indoors.
So whether you’re visiting the north or south of the county, here are 33 of the best days out with kids in Devon in the rain, including suggestions for holidays with toddlers.
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Things to do in Devon when it’s raining: Animal attractions
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
The largest public aquarium in the UK, you don’t have to wait for a rainy day in Devon to visit the National Marine Aquarium, but it’s perfect when you need an indoor activity as we discovered when we visited.
With quirky trivia about the sea creatures inside, a chance to look out into Plymouth Sound, 400 different species on display and lots of family-friendly activities, it’s a great option if you’re visiting Devon with toddlers as well as older kids.
Prebooking tickets is strongly recommended, with timed hourly entry slots (although you can stay as long as you want once you’re inside). The aquarium is open year-round.
Check out my 13 reasons to visit the National Marine Aquarium with kids
Ilfracombe Aquarium
Set in the old Lifeboat House, you’re right on the harbour at this little aquarium which recreates habitats for some of the local marine life – perfect if you’ve had to abandon the idea of rockpooling and look for things to do in north Devon when it’s raining.
So even if it’s pouring with rain outside, you can journey along an Exmoor stream into a river, on to an estuary and out through a harbour to the coast (via one of those rockpools) and finish with a glimpse into the marine reserve of Lundy.
There are quizzes to entertain and viewing stools for toddlers. Allow around 30-60 minutes to explore with free re-entry the same day outside peak season.
The aquarium often closes during the winter months. Click here for details of opening times and tickets.
For more ideas of the best things to do in North Devon with kids, check out my top picks
Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh
Step into the tropics, surrounded by gloriously bright butterflies and you’ll forget it’s a rainy day in Devon. Discover the different species from around the world, and learn about everything from their food to their life cycle, while the butterflies themselves flit around.
As well as reptiles, the small attraction’s other big draws are its otters – three different breeds including British otters which you can see during the two regular feeding times which include talks from the keepers. Even if the rain doesn’t let up, the otters won’t mind.
The attraction is open for most of the year, although you can only see the otters outside peak months – there simply aren’t any butterflies to spot in midwinter!
Find the full details of opening times, as well as being able to prebook tickets although you can also buy these on the day subject to availability.
Look out for combined triple tickets to visit the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm using the South Devon Railway steam train which links the farm with the otter and butterfly sanctuary – although these haven’t been available recently, they’re fantastic for small animal lovers if you’re planning to make the most of those rainy days out in Devon.
**Sadly Living Coasts in Torquay closed permanently following lockdown in 2020, with the animals moving to other zoos and aquariums – sister site Paignton Zoo remains open.**
Things to do in Devon when it’s raining: Indoor activities
Market Hall, Plymouth
The 360-degree immersive dome at Market Hall in Devonport, Plymouth is the largest in Europe – perfect for transporting you from a rainy day in devon to a virtual experience far away.
You could find yourself blasting into space or diving to the bottom of the ocean, with technology that will transport you to other worlds. There are also regular family-friendly screenings too, from BBC Earth shows to dinosaurs and more.
The 19th century market hall also has a great cafe, as well as some screenings aimed at parents with preschool children.
Go rock climbing
Older kids can burn off some energy and challenge themselves at one of the indoor climbing centes in Devon.
Rock and Ride Adventure Centre in South Molton is the largest indoor climbing wall in north Devon and is suitable for complete novices upwards, plus there are taster sessions for age 6+ every day.
Or for things to do in east Devon in the rain, head to Clip’n’Climb Exeter which is open to kids aged four and above, including total beginners, while the city’s Quay Climbing Centre has family taster sessions for age 7+.
All three locations are open year-round.
Bounce it out
Head to a trampoline park to bounce out any grumbles about the bad weather. Head to Air Extreme Barnstaple in north Devon which has different age options including sessions for toddlers, while Supertramp Plymouth has family bounce and a tots club for toddlers if you’re in south Devon.
There is an iBounce trampoline parks in Exeter with foam pits, offering parent and toddler sessions as well as options for older kids.
Open all year but opening hours and specific sessions vary.
Go swimming
If you’re going to get wet anyway, you might as well have fun! Waves Leisure Pool in Torquay has a sloping floor that’s ideal if you’ve got a mix of swimmers and paddlers in the family – plus a wave machine which runs during weekend and school holiday sessions.
There’s also a flume, open at the same times, plus a children’s play area. Open all year. Click here for details of opening times – entry must be prebooked.
For more ideas of how to spend one day in Torquay, check out this post.
Days out in Devon in the rain: Amusement and theme parks
The Milky Way Adventure Park, Clovelly
Perfect for rainy days in Devon, The Milky Way has 110,000 square feet of indoor fun from slides to rides, as well as play areas for different ages, including Little Stars for age 0 to six.
Older kids (and grown-ups!) can also check out Planet Play Adventure Area, with free-fall drop slide, The Black Hole as well as indoor pottery painting, laser shooting and a fantastic Sci-Fi exhibit.
Open year-round but reduced opening during autumn and winter months. Click here for details of opening times and tickets – prebooking highly advised.
The Big Sheep, Bideford
From Ewetopia, one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the south west, to the chance to feed animals in the indoor animal barn, you’ll barely notice the rain at The Big Sheep in north Devon.
And if there is a break in the clouds, there’s also a string of rides including ones for toddlers, such as Piggy Ride-a-Long and the vintage carousel.
Open year-round but reduced opening during the winter months. Click here for details of opening times and ticket prices.
Woodlands Family Adventure Park, Dartmouth
Between the indoor play areas and the animals, Woodlands Family Adventure Park is a perfect rainy day activity for younger children in Devon.
See rabbits and guinea pigs in the barn, as well as the reptile house and big animal barn before hitting the 25 indoor slides (and 32 more outdoors incidentally) or the ball pit.
Open year-round but reduced opening during the winter months. Click here for details of opening times and ticket prices.
Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe
Not an actual castle, Watermouth Castle is a theme park based around a 19th century castle-style house, where you’ll find an underground fountain show and a dungeon labyrinth to explore.
As well as the rides and attractions, there’s a dungeon labyrinth with its hall of mirrors and an underground fountain show with 1,000 jets of water and choreographed lights, not to mention vintage amusement machines in the Great Hall and some rooms set up as they would have been in Victorian times.
Some of the rides will close if it’s raining, although they’ll often reopen between showers if it brightens up.
Open from around Easter to October half-term, with some limited opening on weekdays during term-time. Click here for details of opening times and ticket prices.
Things to do in Devon when it’s raining: Museums and attractions
RAMM, Exeter
RAMM, or the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, to give it its full name, has displays telling the history of Devon from the prehistoric to the present – plus natural history and an Egyptian tomb, not to mention a bull elephant, suspended whale and Gerald the giraffe.
As well as quizzes, you can try a string of interactive exhibits from dressing up in Roman clothing and making a mosaic to examining microscopic slides, building a bird and checking out a miniature medieval longhouse.
Add in trails and bingo cards, and there’s plenty to keep everyone amused if it’s raining in Exeter. And best of all, it’s completely free.
Open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and bank holidays). Click here for details of opening times.
For more ideas of things to do in Exeter with kids, check out my top picks
The Box, Plymouth
The arts and cultural hub of The Box has a mix of permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions – and even better, there’s no entry charge and no need to prebook if you’re looking for free days out in Devon with kids.
The displays have links to Plymouth’s past – everything from a model woolly mammoth to the figureheads of ships, along with a whole host of information about the city’s seafaring past, including interactive screens and images showing some of the most famous journeys which started in Plymouth.
Kids can pick up free trails to follow as they explore, designed for all ages, with half a dozen different topics, or step in front of a green screen to try their hand as a TV presenter.
Open year-round. Click here for details of opening times. There may be a charge for some temporary exhibitions.
For more things to do in Plymouth with kids, check out my top picks
Torquay Museum, Torquay
The Torquay museum has an eclectic display, from a Neanderthal skull to Egyptian statues and finds brought back by explorers from around the world, plus there’s a special trail developed by the BBC for kids based on the finding of Tutankhamen’s tomb.
Or for littler visitors, the crawl tunnel in the Explorers Galleries has secret objects to find, and you can dress up and play with toys in the Old Devon Farmhouse.
For fans of Agatha Christie, there’s a gallery dedicated to her, tracing her life, novels and plays – and even more excitingly, a recreation of Hercule Poirot’s study and lounge using furniture and props from the TV show.
Open Wednesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) – opening hours may be extended in school holidays. Click here for more details and tickets.
Bygones Torquay
Step back in time to discover a snapshot of Victorian life, with 15 shops and eight rooms along the recreated period street, from an ironmonger’s and grocer to an apothecary and sweet shop.
But you’ll also find vintage arcade amusements, 50s memorabilia and a model railway recreated to show life around the World Wars at Bygones Torquay. Kids can also follow trails and try quizzes, as well as playing with some of the toys.
Open year-round. Click here for details of opening times and ticket prices.
The House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
Who needs board games when you can visit a games museum? The House of Marbles has a collection of different games dating back as far as the 1600s, along with glassblowing and information on the history of glass and a pottery museum.
But it’s the marbles which get the most attention, with a collection and five different marble runs, one which may be the largest in the UK. Set them running before you head on to try the brass rubbing trails (including an indoor option so you won’t get soggy paper).
Free to enter and open year-round. Click here for details of opening times.
Check out what we thought when we visited the House of Marbles on a day exploring Dartmoor with kids
Ilfracombe Museum, Ilfracombe
Who knows what you might find when you open the drawers in the little Ilfracombe museum – its eight rooms are packed with curiosities and memorabilia, from everyday items to natural history, photos and even some weapons.
Watch out for the large python, the piece of wedding cake, a cupboard of bats and the chance to tap out a Morse code message.
Open from April to October, the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Click here for details of opening times and ticket prices.
Torquay’s Dinosaur World
Dino-mad kids will love the interactive exhibition at Torquay’s dinosaur world, to bring the world of the dinosaurs to life – with everything from models to fossils, lots of dino facts to learn and the chance to sit on one (as well as put your head in one’s mouth).
There’s an explorer quiz to try as you explore and dinosaur crafts to try – but the highlight has to be the chance to touch dinosaur poo.
The waterfront attraction is open year-round but with reduced days in winter. Click here for opening times and tickets.
Jurassic Discovery, Seaton
There’s more prehistoric fun to be had in east Devon at Jurassic Discovery in Seaton, formerly Seaton Jurassic.
You can travel back through the centuries and discover some of the secrets of the Jurassic coast at the immersive dinosaur attraction with its animatronic dinosaurs.
There’s a chance to experience ‘The Last Day of the Dinosaurs’, which brings prehistory vividly to life, including a Dino Detective Trail Guide!
And if that’s not enough, there’s also a Jurassic-themed soft play for ages 2+. Limited numbers so prebooking is strongly recommended, especially for wet days in Devon. Click here for more details of ticket prices – you can also buy joint tickets with Seaton Tramway, perfect if you’re expecting the weather to clear up.
Things to do in Devon when it’s raining: Head underground
Kents Cavern, Torquay
Walk through a labyrinth of caverns, past ancient rocks, and discover the home of ancient humans in caves which date back 2.5 million years.
As well as the tours through the caves at Kents Cavern, there are family activities too: digging for fossils, ammonites and shark’s teeth in the sand, creating a tribal caveman face, chalk cave painting on the wall, and leaving a hand print on the wall of hands.
Discover what we thought when we visited Kents Cavern
There’s also an activity trail, plus outdoor trails if you fancy hunting for ice age animals between showers.
The caves are suitable for toddlers too, although buggies can be limited at busy times (which inevitably includes rainy days).
Open daily year-round – you must join a guided tour to explore, and tickets are cheaper if you buy online, so prebooking is strongly recommended. Click here for details of opening times and ticket prices.
Exeter’s medieval passages
There are legends galore to be found in these passages under Exeter – the only city in the UK where you can see anything quite like this.
And while they were designed to help access pipes bringing drinking water into the city, you’ll hear tales of war and plague as you venture into the 14th century passageways.
Prebooking is essential during school holidays and strongly recommended at weekends, so plan ahead if you’re facing a rainy day with kids in Devon.
Suitable for kids aged 5+, they’re open Thursday to Sunday year-round with some special events for familiar. Click here for details of opening times and tickets.
For more ideas of things to do in Exeter with kids, check out this post
Morwellham Quay Historic Port Farm, near Tavistock
Down towards the border with Cornwall, this living history site includes the chance to take a tramway into a copper mine, along with exploring the historic port and village.
As you explore, you can watch traditional crafts such as rope-making and the blacksmith in his forge, sit in a Victorian schoolroom and smash rocks to try to find copper.
There are also guided living history tours and a soft play area, Miners Adventure Play, as well as the Mine Train Adventure.
Some attractions close during the winter – click here for more information, as well as details of opening times and tickets.
Things to do in Devon on rainy days: Historic houses and castles
Powderham Castle, Exeter
The home of the Earl and Countess of Devon, you can still explore inside the castle, as well as enjoying a whole strong of extra seasonal events throughout the year.
You can join guides for a free tour through the castle, although you’ll need to book these (first come, first served) as well as being able to explore at your own pace.
If the rain does let off, there’s a great little petting zoo and adventure playground as well.
Open from around Easter to October, as well as some dates over Christmas, the castle is closed on Saturday as well as occasionally on other dates throughout the year. Click here for details of opening times and tickets.
Check out our review of our day out at Powderham Castle.
Buckland Abbey, near Plymouth
This former monastery is probably best known as the home of Sir Francis Drake, but the piratical explorer is only part of the eight centuries of history to discover at Buckland Abbey since it was first built in 1278 as a Cistercian Abbey.
Converted to a home after the Dissolution of the monasteries, you can still see evidence of the old church, including secret doorways and stairs which no longer lead anywhere, as well as being able to walk through time as you wander from Tudor chambers to a Georgian dining room.
Along the way there’s Drake’s drum, which is said to beat if England is in danger, a portrait of Rembrandt (returning from loan in The Hague in 2019), Tudor dressing up and the chance to learn about life on board Drake’s ship.
Open year-round although the Abbey is only open at weekends during much of the winter months. Click here for details of opening times and to prebook tickets.
Arlington Court, Barnstaple
Although the grounds are one of the big highlights at Arlington Court, there’s still plenty more if you’re looking for things to do in north Devon when it’s raining,
Home to the National Carriage museum, there are some fantastic vehicles on show, plus a quiz to take as you explore the house and occasional family activities and crafts.
But when it’s open, one of the biggest temptations for animal lovers is to head into the bat room and view the colony which has made its home its home here, through the bat cam.
House and carriage museum are open year-round but with reduced hours in winter. Click here for details of opening times and tickets.
Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth
Dating back to the 14th century, Dartmouth castle saw action in the Civil War and was still in use as a fortress in Victorian times – if it’s raining hard, you’ll probably want to skip the option of catching a ferry over from the town quay but try to find a drier moment to head up to the roof for the views out across the river and the town.
Under cover, you can explore the maze of passages, look at the vast chain which defended the harbour and try on helmets in the gun tower.
Open year round but weekends only during the winter months. Click here for details of opening times and to prebook tickets.
For more of the best things to do in Dartmouth with kids, check out my top picks
Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear
Stepping into this art deco house (built by the D’Oyly Carte family of West End theatre fame) is wonderful at any time of year, but if you’re escaping winter rain in Devon during the run-up to Christmas, Coleton Fishacre is even more special.
The house is decorated for a 1920s Christmas, with traditional games and dressing up (plus the Coleton Aglow illuminations if the weather isn’t too bad: must be booked in advance) – there are spotter trails to follow inside the house year-round though.
Open year round but weekends only/reduced opening during the winter months. Click here for details of opening times and tickets.
Greenway, Galmpton
Agatha Christie’s holiday home still looks much as it did when she stayed there – there’s a trail for kids to follow around the house, which gets dressed up for Christmas, as well as a changing display in the Cabinet of Curiosities.
If you’re arriving to Greenway by car, you have to book a parking space in advance: there is a ferry service from Dartmouth which takes around an hour (or an open boat from Dittisham if you brave the drizzle), but under-12s can’t use the quay car, so you’ll need to walk for 10-15 minutes from the quay.
Sadly the steam train service from Paignton and Kinsgwear isn’t operating.
Open year-round but weekends only/reduced hours during the winter months. Click here for details of opening times and to prebook tickets.
Saltram House, Plymouth
This elegant Georgian house was owned by the Parker family from 1712 for almost 250 years, and you can still see much of the original collection.
Kids are likely to be more interested in the fact there’s a new trail every season, plus opportunities to dress up and try activities inside, with extra season events aimed at families.
Open most of the year but with reduced hours during the winter months and the house is closed completely during part of the winter. Click here for details of opening times and to prebook tickets.
More things to do in Devon when it’s raining
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh to Totnes
Steam trains puff and chuff along this seven mile branch line through the River Dart valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, so you can enjoy some of the countryside even on a rainy day in south Devon.
It’s easy to combine the South Devon Railway with a few other rainy day attractions in south Devon too – Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies are at either end of the route (joint tickets including the train journey have previously been available), while Buckfast Abbey isn’t far from the Buckfastleigh end.
Check out the Polar Express Christmas specials with carols, mince pies and Santa, plus Day Out With Thomas trips.
Normally runs from February/March to October with some additional trains running at half-term and in December. Click here for timetables and tickets.
Dartmouth Steam Railway, Paignton to Kingswear
Another lovely way to explore south Devon in the rain with a steam train that travels from Paignton to Kingswear along the English Riviera Geopark coast line, and via pretty stations including Goodrington and Churston.
With coast and countryside, there are some gorgeous views even when the weather isn’t at its best.
There’s also a free foot passenger ferry included with your train ticket on the Dartmouth Steam Railway if you want to head over to Dartmouth.
The company also runs a Round Robin from around Easter/May to just after October half-term with a steam train ride, river boat journey and bus trip – be aware it’s an open top bus and 90 minute river boat ride though.
Trains run year-round with a reduced service over the winter. Click here for timetables and tickets.
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
A very different train ride from the gentle south coast, the Lynton and Barnstaple railway visits England’s highest narrow gauge railway station at Woody Bay Station, almost 1,000ft up on wild Exmoor.
The Lynton and Barnstaple railway is currently being reconstructed along some sections so you can’t actually travel to Lynton or Barnstaple, but the trains run between Woody Bay and Killington Lane Halt and back: the two-mile round trip lasts around 20 minutes – best for dodging a shower rather than trying to fill a whole rainy day in Devon with kids.
Runs from around Easter to October, plus some special Christmas departures in December. Click here for timetables and tickets.
Go surfing
Let’s face it, if you’re going to get wet anyway, why not head to the sea and try your hand at surfing in Devon – although it goes without saying that you should always make sure the weather isn’t so bad that the waves are dangerous.
Woolacombe is one of the best spots for beginners, with gentler surf and plenty of space if you don’t fancy having an audience see you wipe out, along with Westward Ho!
Saunton has its own gentle surf too (though better for older kids, as there can be a lot of paddling involved here) while Croyde is another good spot with plenty of surf schools.
If the rain is just too bad for surfing in Devon with kids, you could always check out the Museum of British Surfing at Braunton, not far from all four surf beaches, with its collection of vintage surfboards.
Surf school opening hours vary. Click here to see opening hours for the Museum of British Surfing.
As well as things to do in the rain in Devon, check out my top things to do in Devon with kids for more inspiration and my ultimate guide to Devon for families – as well as a downloadable ebook version
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN DEVON IN THE RAIN
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All efforts have been made to keep the information about where to go in Devon in the rain accurate, but do doublecheck opening times before visiting: some attractions open year-round will still close for a day or two over Christmas or during particularly bad weather, for example.
Main image and Steam train courtesy Depositphotos, Powderham Castle/National Marine Aquarium/Kingswear railway/butterfly photos copyright MummyTravels, RAMM courtesy Visit Exeter
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