Urgh! Rainy days can be the nemesis of family fun, especially in Devon where we all want to be outside enjoying the countryside, coast and brilliant family attractions. But the great British weather happens. So what can you do? Luckily I have 10 suggestions for things to do in Devon in the rain in 2022.
Whether you are looking for things to do in North Devon in the rain or things to do on a rainy day in South Devon, here’s some inspiration to keep the good times rolling.
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If you’re looking for fun in Devon in the off season you might also like to check out my posts about things to do in Spring, what to do in the Autumn and things to in Devon this winter.
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1. Devon attractions to visit in the rain
Devon has a bunch of family attractions that are indoors or mostly undercover. Here’s the ones to visit when it’s a rainy day in Devon:
- Bygones, Torquay, South Devon – open seven days a week
- Kents Cavern, Torquay, South Devon – open seven days a week
- Torquay Dinosaur World, Torquay, South Devon – open days vary around the season
- National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth – open seven days a week
- The Box, Plymouth – open Tuesday to Sunday
- The House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey, South Devon – open seven days a week
- Torre Abbey, Torquay, South Devon – open Wednesday to Sunday
- Brixham Heritage Museum, Brixham, South Devon – open Tuesday to Sunday
- Torquay Museum, Torquay, South Devon – open Monday to Saturday
- The Milky Way, Bideford, North Devon – check website for open days
2. Pottery painting and crafts
If your kids have an artistic streak, and even if you don’t, take them pottery painting on a wet day in Devon. You’ll find pottery painting in Devon at:
- Something Lovely Pottery Painting in Sidmouth, East Devon – contact to book
- China Blue in Totnes, South Devon – contact to book
- Poppins Pottery in Torquay, South Devon – contact to book
- Tarka Pottery at Little Torrington, North Devon – contact to book
- Paint Pots of Devon, North Devon – contact to book
- Pom Stitch Tassel, Newton Abbot, South Devon – contact to book
- Hands2gether, Plymouth, South Devon – contact to book
3. Ride a Devon steam train or tram
All aboard for undercover fun on a Devon steam train or tramway.
- Dartmouth Steam Railway, Dartmouth/Paignton, South Devon – check website for open days
- Seaton Tramway, Seaton, East Devon – check website for open days
- Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Torquay, South Devon – open seven days a week
- Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Lynton, North Devon – open seven days a week
- South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh, South Devon – check website for open days
- Plym Valley Steam Railway, Plym Bridge, South Devon – check website for open days
4. Devon theme parks
When it comes to being prepared for things to do in Devon in the rain, theme parks have got you covered.
There’s large indoor play areas at theme parks in Devon, particularly Woodlands near Dartmouth in South Devon, Crealy at Exeter, and The Milky Way and The Big Sheep in North Devon.
Here’s more about theme parks in Devon.
Find more activities and days out for all seasons and weathers in my free ebook!
Download the 101 Days out in Devon with kids ebook
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Grab your copy of this guide to family-friendly things to do across the county, from coast to coast, in the cities, on the moors and whatever the weather.
5. Indoor climbing
A top thing to do on a wet day in Devon is climbing. Here’s where you’ll find indoor climbing walls in Devon:
- The Quay Climbing Centre in Exeter – open seven days a week
- Clip N’ Climb Exeter – open seven days a week
- Clip N’ Climb Plymouth – open seven days a week
- The Wall in the Hall – check Facebook page for opening information
- Dyno Climbing Centre, Buckfastleigh – check Facebook page for opening information
6. Trampoline centres
Another rainy day activity bound to keep the kids happy is bouncing. Here’s where you’ll find trampoline centres in South, East and North Devon:
- iBounce Newton Abbot and Exeter – open seven days a week
- Super Tramp in Plymouth – open seven days a week
- The Barn Indoor Climbing Wall in Tavistock – open seven days a week
- Wall in the Hall in Tiverton -check Facebook page for opening information
- Air Extreme in Barnstaple – open seven days a week
7. Go bowling
If the rain is pouring why not challenge your family to a bowling contest. Here’s where you’ll find bowling in Devon:
Bowling in Plymouth
- Tenpin Plymouth – open seven days a week
Bowling in Exeter
- Tenpin Exeter – open seven days a week
Bowling in South Devon
- AMF Bowling Torquay – open seven days a week
Bowling in East Devon
- Ocean Exmouth – open seven days a week
Bowling in North Devon
- Let’s Go Barnstaple – open seven days a week
Looking for more activities teens will love? Check out my recommended things to do in Devon with teenagers.
8. Cinemas in Devon
Take your mind off the weather by seeing the latest blockbusters or arthouse flick at a cinema in Devon. Check with individual cinemas for opening and screening times.
Here’s where you’ll find them:
Cinemas in Plymouth
Cinemas in South Devon
- Vue Cinema Paignton
- Central Cinema Torquay
- Palace Theatre Paignton
- Totnes Cinema
- Barn Cinema, Dartington
- Kings Cinema, Kingsbridge
Cinemas in North Devon
- Neo Cinema Woolacombe (part of Woolacombe Bay Hotel)
- Scott Cinemas Barnstaple
- Bideford Cinema
- Lynton Cinema
- Embassy Cinema Ilfracombe
Cinemas in Exeter
Cinemas in East Devon
9. Soft play
When you have young kids, soft play is a life saver on a wet day. Check with individual cinemas for opening and screening times.
Here’s where you’ll find soft play in Devon:
- Bear Feet in Exeter and Newton Abbot
- Whizz Kids in Brixham
- Hyperspace in Paignton – under fives only
- Funderzone in Barnstaple
- Monsters Mansion in Tiverton
- Let’s Go Barnstaple
- Jump in Plymouth
- Wait 2 Play in Crediton
- Planet Play in Crediton
- Plymouth Soft Play Cafe
Find more places to visit with toddlers in Devon.
10. Stay in!
If all else fails then why not stay in and have a go at our free printable puzzle and quiz sheets or Devon baking recipes.
You could also buy the Devon Colouring Book for Kids, which is supporting Devon Air Ambulance.
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Is the great British weather threatening to fail you? Why not save this post about things to do in Devon in the rain on Pinterest for future reference.
