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a moorland haze

Even in the micro-climate of the West Country, we do get the rains! If you find yourself in Devon when the weather's not at its best, don't despair - there are some great attractions and activities in the county where you can keep dry and have fun at the same time. Here are just a few ideas...

  • and don't forget that there are indoor events held throughout the year
  • more attractions in Devon

Exeter
Exeter's striking gothic cathedral is a fascinating hideaway from the rain and boasts the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England. In contrast to this historic corner, the modern shopping quarters of the city offer a great choice of brands and some cosy cafes to relax in.

The Teign Heritage Centre
The Teign Heritage Centre offers visitors and local residents the opportunity to explore the fascinating heritage of the area as well as attend events, concerts and workshops. The eye-catching Centre also boasts impressive new visitor facilities, a roof terrace, a large meeting and events space, a shop, a dedicated research area and new archive storage.

Devon Guild of Craftsmen
The Riverside Mill, a Grade II Listed building, has a shop, exhibition gallery and gallery cafe. The shop, selected for quality by the Crafts Council, displays a wide variety of contemporary crafts including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, furniture, prints and woodwork by 240 Members of the Devon Guild.

The Shops at Dartington
The Shops at Dartington (located at the Cider Press Centre); a great place for all the family, whatever the weather. With 15 shops and restaurants selling crafts, glass, fashion, toys and much more we have it all. So whether you're looking for gifts or fine food, come to Dartington with its stunning location, family events, late night shopping at Christmas and free parking.

Bickleigh Mill
One of Devon's largest most exciting rural shopping, eating and recreation destination housed within this 18th century historic working water Mill. Today’s Mill blends the traditions of a bygone age with contemporary living and offers out of town shopping and dining in the most idyllic of settings.

Exeter’s Underground Passages
Exeter's Underground Passages were built to house the pipes that brought clean drinking water into medieval Exeter. A guided tour of Exeter's Underground Passages is a memorable event - narrow, dark, interesting and exciting. Visit the heritage centre before your guided tour, packed with interactive exhibits and interpretation.

St Nicholas Priory
Tudor life can be experienced first hand in the heart of the Exeter at St Nicholas Priory. Originally part of a medieval priory, the building was later lived in by the wealthy Hurst family. Adorned with quality replica furniture and painted in the bright colours of the period, the Priory is now presented as their 1602 Elizabethan town house.Raceworld Indoor Karting.

Dart Rock Climbing Centre
Dart Rock Climbing Centre is the home of indoor rock climbing in Devon, Cornwall and the South West. Built by climbers with a range of abilities in mind, Dart Rock aims to provide indoor and outdoor rock climbing activities to the highest of standards in an encouraging and fun atmosphere.

Powderham Castle
A visit to Powderham Castle is an enchanting day out for all its visitors. Fascinating guided tours of this magnificent 600year old Castle – one of the oldest family houses in England and home to the 18th Earl of Devon - reveals secret doors, stunning castle rooms, amazing architecture and intriguing stories that really bring the history to life.

Quince Honey Farm
Here in our world famous Honey Farm you can stand and watch these wild and wonderful creatures from the distant past.The unique design of the indoor apiary allows close up viewing in complete safety. The glass booths expose the working colonies of honeybees without interfering with their natural lifestyle.

National Marine Aquarium
Visit the UK’s largest aquarium and be amazed at our fascinating underwater world. Start with a rock pool ramble in Shallow Waters then move deeper into the coastal seas of the Atlantic Reef. Follow the mesmerising Ocean Drifters and enter the depths of the aquarium in our Lost At Sea exhibition.

Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company operate a range of services crossing the stunning south Devon countryside and coastline providing the ultimate opportunity to explore this vast area of outstanding natural beauty.

Wheeldon Farm Off-Road Bike Centre
Wheeldon Off-Road is the UKs only all weather off-road adventure centre. With its purpose built 30,000 square foot indoor arena, small training arena, outdoor MotoX track and because of it's location, Wheeldon Off Road can provide some of the best green-laning* and Enduro riding this country has to offer.

Fursdon House
The Fursdon family have lived on this site for almost 750 years. David and Catriona Fursdon took over the stewardship of the estate in 1979 and warmly invite visitors to tour parts of the house. The rooms you will see date from different periods in history - medieval, jacobean, georgian and regency - and are in constant use by the present family.

Arlington Court
Hidden in a wooded valley on the edge of Exmoor, the Arlington estate houses numerous extraordinary collections. The house is crowded with the treasures of the Chichester family, including a unique collection of model ships and an amazing assortment

South Devon Railway
It has been said by people of 'a certain generation', who have memories of trips to school by train, that the magnificent, snorting steam locomotive at the head of the train was really alive - that it had a heart and soul, and breathed like you and me.Well, if you come to the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh, you'll discover that they were probably quite right.

Land Rover Experience West Country
Land Rover Experience West country is one of the only 9, 4x4-driving centres appointed by land Rover UK, we can offer you an experience you will not forget! In the very latest Land Rover Vehicles (all new) you will be able to drive over some of the most beautiful and challenging East Devon terrain.

Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway is one of the most popular destinations in East Devon, and its appeal is easy to appreciate. The fleet of narrow gauge trains operate on a three-mile line between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton, running through some glorious countryside and offering unrivalled views of the Axe estuary.

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