Let’s be honest, if you’re in Devon, chances are the weather will try to rain on your parade at some point. But here’s the secret: in Devon, a rainy day isn’t a disappointment. It’s an invitation. The grey skies simply nudge you towards hidden gems and indoor adventures you might have otherwise missed.
Take a wander through time, for instance. The soft patter of rain on cobblestones seems the perfect soundtrack for exploring ancient halls like Tiverton Castle. Inside, where stone walls have soaked up centuries of stories, the rain only adds to the atmosphere. You can almost hear whispers of the past mingling with the drizzle.
Feeling inspired? That creative itch finds plenty of places to scratch. Perhaps you'll find yourself at Cockington Court, where artisan studios hum with life no matter the weather. Or maybe you’ll duck into the Firework Glass Studio, mesmerised by the alchemy of glassblowing, where flame and glass dance together, rain forgotten outside. For a hands-on escape, a session at Arty Boat Pottery offers the chance to craft your own masterpiece, a tactile reminder that not all treasures are found outdoors.
Of course, curiosity doesn’t pause for rain. Descend beneath the dripping trees to Kents Cavern, where ancient stalactites loom in dry defiance of the weather. Above ground, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) offers a labyrinth of history, art, and natural wonders. Think of it as Devon's answer to a rainy-day time machine.
If you’re after something a little more high-octane, Race Mode revs up the adrenaline with racing simulators that’ll have you cornering at Silverstone speeds, while Grand Prix Go Karts brings the real-world thrill of racing indoors, away from the soggy track outside. For those who prefer their marksmanship a little less medieval, Crackshot in Newton Abbot offers the chance to test your sharpshooting skills without ever having to wrangle with an umbrella.
But not every escape from the rain has to be loud. Sometimes, a good story is all you need. The Everyman Cinema is a plush, velvet-clad sanctuary where you can sink into a chair and let the silver screen whisk you away. Or perhaps you’ll feel like a child again at Wonderland Play, where imaginations run wild and energy gets burned, all safe from the storm outside.
For something truly out of the ordinary, Bygones in Torquay is a treasure trove of nostalgia, where you can stroll through a full-size Victorian street complete with its own sweetshop and pub. Nearby, the Babbacombe Theatre keeps spirits high with performances that shine, rain or shine.
The coastal waters might be churning, but the underwater world remains serene at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. Here, you can gaze at sharks, rays, and seahorses gliding through crystal-clear tanks, a peaceful contrast to the blustery weather above.
Art lovers might find refuge in the charming Thelma Hulbert Gallery, where contemporary exhibitions offer a quiet space for reflection. And tucked away in Newton Abbot, the Newton Abbot Museum is a delightful curiosity cabinet, with exhibits that make local history spring to life.
Before the day’s end, why not embrace a bit of whimsy at Scribbleton? Whether you’re doodling away or immersing yourself in creative workshops, it’s the perfect way to end a rainy Devon adventure (with a splash of colour, of course).
Because here’s the thing: Devon doesn’t do “bad weather”. It does atmosphere, character, and unexpected delights.
