32 things to do in Devon in the rain with kids

I love family holidays in Devon – but like much of the UK, you have to gamble on the weather when you book: for every year Britain has a heatwave, there’s another which is the wettest since records began. Which means that anyone who’s planned a staycation might need to replace idyllic sunny days on the beach with searching for things to do in Devon in the rain.

contains affiliate links*

Fortunately there are some 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.

So whether you’re visiting the north or south of the county, here are 32 of the best days out with kids in Devon in the rain, including suggestions for holidays with toddlers.

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 as we discovered, it’s perfect when you need an indoor activity.

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.

Tickets must be prebooked, with timed entry slots. 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 for this little aquarium which recreates 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.

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.

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 on three daily guided tours with the keepers. Even if the rain doesn’t let up, the otters won’t mind.

The attraction closes at the end of October (although you wouldn’t see butterflies in midwinter anyway!). Click here for details of opening times and tickets, which can be prebooked or bought on the day.

There have also previously been combined triple tickets to visit the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm using the South Devon Railway steam train which links the farm with the butterfly sanctuary at certain times of year. Perfect if you’re planning to make the most of those rainy days out in Devon.

**Living Coasts, Torquay: 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

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 are two iBounce trampoline parks, in Newton Abbot and Exeter with its foam pits, offering parent and toddler sessions.

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.

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 tickets.

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 tickets.

Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe

Not an actual castle, but a theme park based around a 19^th century castle-style house, 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 tickets.

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.

Open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays and bank holidays). Click here for opening times and tickets.

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 (though you have 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 opening times and to book tickets. There is 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 Tuesday to Thursday and Saturdays – 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 opening times and tickets.

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).

Open year-round. Click here for opening times and tickets.

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 this little 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. Click here for opening times and tickets.

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.

**Seaton Jurassic in East Devon is currently closed after shutting in 2021, while decisions are made on the future of the site**

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 – tours must be prebooked. Click here for opening times and tickets.

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 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 new soft play area, while the Mine Train Adventure is due to reopen in June 2022.

Open year-round. Click here for 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, including on one of the guided tours with extra seasonal events throughout the year – and unless the rain is torrential, there’s also a deer safari through the grounds (under cover!).

If the rain does let off, there’s a great little petting zoo and adventure playground as well.

Open February to October, the castle is closed on Saturday as well as occasionally on other dates throughout the year. Click here for 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 opening times and 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 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 opening times and 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 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 opening times and 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 opening times and tickets.

Things to do in Devon when it’s raining: Hop on a train

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 – joint tickets for the railway, Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies are sometimes 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 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 25 minutes although you can ride as many times as you like.

Runs from around Easter to October, plus some special Christmas departures in December. Click here for timetables and tickets.

Things to do in Devon when it rains: get wet and muddy

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.

The Bear Trail, Cullompton

When you’re determined the weather isn’t going to stop you having fun, The Bear Trail is perfect with its 30 obstacles to “climb, slip, slide, run and swing in, under, over and through” as they describe it.

This fun muddy obstacle course also has a cubs’ corner designed for children under one metre, but they can also join in leaping over muddy bear pits, whizzing down zip wires and crawling through tunnels (plus a path alongside if any obstacles defeat some of the baby bears).

Toddlers are welcome or teens can also challenge themselves to the 3m and 5m bag jumps. Then there’s an outdoor wash point (bring a change of clothes!) plus stonebaked pizzas in the cafe.

Open at weekends only during term times, daily during school holidays from April to November. Click here for opening times and tickets, which must be prebooked

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 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 and National Marine Aquarium photos copyright MummyTravels, RAMM courtesy Visit Exeter

LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER