☔ Rainy Day Adventures: Unveiling North Devon's Indoor Wonders
In North Devon, where the rain occasionally graces the landscape, there's no need to dampen your spirits. Embrace the drizzle and turn it into an opportunity for thrilling indoor escapades. Let's explore the top rainy-day attractions that promise excitement for the entire family.
1. The Big Sheep: Devon’s Indoor Haven
On a wet day, The Big Sheep shines with Devon’s largest indoor play area.
Dive into the indoor show arena, pets corner, and a brewery for a delightful experience.
When the rain takes a break, venture outdoors for a rollercoaster, electric quad bikes, pony rides, and swan rides.
2. North Devon Maritime Museum – Seafaring Stories
A small yet captivating attraction narrating North Devon’s maritime legacy.
From fearless smugglers to fearsome pirates, explore the rich seafaring history.
Interactive displays and quiz sheets make it engaging for kids.
Open between April and October, and dogs are warmly welcomed.
3. Milky Way: Rainy Day Extravaganza
A perfect day out even when the rain is pouring.
Shed loads of indoor activities, including bumper cars, drop slides, archery, and live shows.
When the weather improves, enjoy outdoor attractions like rollercoasters and a model railway.
4. Dartington Crystal Visitor Centre – Crafty Delights
Witness skilled artisans crafting glassware at one of Britain’s renowned companies.
Participate in factory tours and let children decorate their glass creations.
Dog-friendly areas in the visitor center and shop.
Children under 16 can visit for free with a paying adult.
5. Tarka Pottery: Unleash Your Creativity
Escape the rain with pottery painting or book a pottery-making workshop.
Located in Great Torrington, it offers a crafty way to spend a wet day.
6. Westward Ho! Arcades: Seaside Nostalgia
Experience old-fashioned seaside entertainment in Westward Ho! arcades.
Budget-friendly 2p machines and jackpot gambling for all.
Enjoy amusements without breaking the bank.
7. Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon: Family-Friendly Exploration
Located in the heart of Barnstaple, this museum tells the area’s story.
Collections include local geology, minerals, industry, and the Royal Devon Yeomanry.
Interactive exhibitions with games and activities for children.
Free admission
8. Arlington Court: National Trust Delights
Home to the National Trust’s Carriage Museum with horse-drawn vehicles.
Explore gleaming 17th-century carriages and collections of pewter plates.
Walled gardens and lawns offer outdoor delights.
Dog-friendly grounds, gardens, and carriage museum.
9. Norse Hawk: Axe Throwing Adventure
Experience a unique wet day with axe throwing at North Devon’s first axe throwing activity center.
Indoor and outdoor axe throwing, family games, and a Viking Garden.
Suitable for families with kids aged 11 and up.
Immersive Virtual Reality Gaming Area adds an extra layer of excitement.
10. Lynton and Barnstaple Railway: Victorian Rail Adventure
The last narrow-gauge railway adventure with steam trains.
Travel in Victorian railway carriages on a one-mile return trip from Woody Bay Station.
Dogs can travel for free, adding a furry friend to the adventure.
11. Quince Honey Farm: Beekeeping Exploration
Dive into the fascinating life of bees at Quince Honey Farm.
Museum, soft play, and a critter cabin offer both education and entertainment.
Dogs are welcome everywhere except the soft play area.
12. Rock & Rapid: Climbing Challenges
Set a challenge for the family by scaling North Devon’s largest climbing wall.
Suitable for children over eight-years-old and teens.
A variety of activities available at this South Molton-based adventure center.
13. Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park: Wild Indoor Fun
A wildlife park with the option to dive inside a gigantic soft play area on rainy days.
Combines animals, dinosaurs, botanical gardens, and a miniature railway.
14. Landmark Theatre: Family-Friendly Performances
Catch a live family-friendly performance at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe.
Check their schedule for entertaining shows suitable for all ages.
15. Soft Play in North Devon: Indoor Fun for Little Ones
Various locations offer coffee, cake, and loads of indoor fun for little ones.
Let’s Go Barnstaple, JunglaRoo Barnstaple, World of Wonder in Affinity Devon, Little Stars in Bideford, and Play Hive in South Molton are top picks.
16. Cinemas in North Devon: Film Entertainment
Enjoy the latest flicks at cinemas across North Devon.
Neo Cinema in Woolacombe, Scott Cinemas in Barnstaple, Bideford Cinema, Lynton Cinema, and Embassy Cinema in Ilfracombe provide cinematic escapes.
17. Bowling in North Devon: Let’s Go!
Let's Go offers bowling, arcade games, snooker, and hassle-free kids' parties.
Disco-lit lanes, pool tables, and a licensed bar for endless family fun.
18. Air Extreme: Bouncing Adventures
Trampoline park where you will experience 8 adrenaline-filled activities.
Freestyle across interconnected trampolines, practice tricks, and enjoy a soft landing in the airbag.
Ideal for family fun, with birthday party packages available.
In North Devon, rainy days are no reason to stay indoors. Embrace the wet weather and explore these fantastic attractions that promise memorable family moments, rain or shine!
