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Wet weather activities to enjoy in Devon this autumn

17th September 2021

Categories: Visitor News

Autumn is creeping in and with it the changeable weather, one moment it is warm and sunny, the next the heavens have opened and everyone is bedraggled. Don’t let the threat of bad weather put you off visiting Devon during the autumn months, there are a whole host of wonderful all weather attractions for you to enjoy – no bedraggled tourists and plenty of fun to be had by all.

If you have a trip to Devon booked over the next month or so, take a look at some of our suggestions for things to do in the wet weather.

For the adventurous

If you are on the hunt for a thrill seeking holiday full of adventure to get your heart pounding, you don’t have to worry about the weather turning on you. There are loads of adrenaline filled activities for you to enjoy.

Woodlands Family Theme Park in Dartmouth has the largest watercoasters in Devon and the biggest indoor play area in the South West – so not even a drizzle can put a dampner on your fun. Woodlands is a good activity for the whole family, there are fantastic events taking place throughout the day ideal for every age, the incredible zoo farm, animal activities and 11 playzones full of rides, attractions and animals to explore – there is something for everyone in this beautiful 100 acre family park.

Image: Woodlands Family Theme Park.

Did you know that the park has an adjoining caravan and camping site? Woodlands Grove is just a short drive to Blackpool Sands beach and guests staying here receive free entry to the theme park throughout their stay. You’re also well placed for exploring South Hams and Dartmouth, where you’ll find plenty of things to do to keep you out of bad weather.

Another option is a trip to Crealy Theme Park - Crealy is one of the most well known family theme parks in the country and being located just minutes from the M5, is a convenient destination for a day out. There are over 60 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions set in 100 acres of countryside and genuinely has something for everyone, no matter what your age. With an extensive calendar of events and activities and 75,000 square feet of undercover adventure areas, you don’t need sunshine to make memories here.
Much like Woodlands, Crealy also has its own accommodation area, the Crealy Meadows Caravan and Camping Park has a wide choice of accommodation options, with everything from lodges with hot tubs to glamping tents and touring pitches – if you’re planning a trip to the park and need a place to stay, this site definitely needs to be on your radar.

In North Devon, there is the Milky Way Adventure Park located on the outskirts of Clovelly. This multi award winning park has a whole host of fun activities and caters for those aged 0 to 100! With arts and crafts options, displays from birds of prey and Sci-Fi exhibits, you’ll have plenty to distract you from the weather outside.

Nearby is the BIG Sheep most famous for their sheep racing, the BIG Sheep is fun whatever the weather. Full of rides, including the south west’s largest family rollercoaster, a bunch of cute animals and a brilliant selection of indoor and outdoor activity areas, you’ll never get bored here.

For the younger kids, take a look at what is on offer at Pennywell Farm. Located in Buckfastleigh, this farm attraction is the biggest of its kind in the region and always has something going on. The site has hundreds of friendly farm animals for you to play with and budding young farmers will love the chance to ride around on tractors at the Tractor Village.

Sometimes the wet weather just makes the experience better, especially if you’re visiting the Bear Trail. It’s Devon’s muddiest family assault course with 30 obstacles and unlimited mud, perfect for those kids that just love getting down and dirty! The entire family can get involved in the assault course and with the onsite facilities, you can enjoy a whole day here!

For the creatives

If the rain inspires you to get a little creative, there are plenty of places to visit during bouts of bad weather.
In Dawlish, there is the Paint Hub, a pottery painting café where you can customise your own piece of pottery that you can take away with you and use again and again! Once you’ve created your design, the team at the café will glaze and fire your work, which makes it food and dishwasher safe. You don’t need to be an artists, creativity is all you need!

Image: China Blue

China Blue is another option if you want to exercise your creative side while in Devon this autumn. Based in Totnes, their ceramic painting studio is attached to a lifestyle shop to browse and gain some inspiration or perhaps pick up a few pieces to take home with you.

For the big spenders

The arrival of rain clouds is the perfect opportunity to exercise your credit card and indulge in a bit of shopping. You can find a whole host of amazing shopping centres throughout the county, including large malls in Plymouth and Exeter. There are also chances to shop in Torquay along the main strip – you can stay dry and grab the essentials and the treats all at the same time!

As well as the more obvious places for retail therapy, there are also a few more unique places to find those special gifts to take home, like the House of Marbles. Incorporating a shop and a working museum, the House of Marbles is a fascinating place to spend a few hours. The shop has everything from quality toys to homeware and fashion accessories, while Teign Valley Glass is a working glassworks and you can view the highly skilled producers working away from the viewing platform. Plus, there is a marble museum if you want to get nostalgic!

The shops at the Cider Press Centre are vibrant and eclectic, allowing you to truly find unique pieces that are as individual as you are. With a focus on arts and crafts as well as locally sourced food and drink, a trip to the shops here is a real experience – being stuck in the rain doesn’t have to be dull when you have so many interesting things to find at the Cider Press Centre.

Image: Affinity

If you are looking for high street names and recognisable brands, head to Affinity Devon, the outlet shopping village in the north of the county where you can find over 30 stores offering up to 50% off the usual RRP. Open every day and with free parking and free WiFi, you can easily hide from the weather all day here.

For the animal lovers

If you have pets, you could of course just stay home with them when it starts raining or you could head to one of these amazing animal attractions.

World of Country Life in Exmouth is located in a beautiful area of Sandy Bay right on the dramatic Jurassic Coast and is equally striking in bad weather as it is against blue skies. The site has an eclectic mix of museums, animals, play areas and entertainment, both indoor and outdoor so if the weather changes suddenly, you don’t have to stay inside. With everything from animal racing events and the chance to hand feed a llama or walk a pygmy goat, this is a great destination for those that just want the chance to get up close and personal with the animals on their holiday.

North Devon is home to the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, which is not only home to some of the most endangered animals on earth, but also has dinosaurs! The museum features rare dinosaur eggs and the wildlife park features everything from wolves, sea lines, penguins, wallabies and more!

While you might be escaping from getting wet, that doesn’t mean you have to avoid water – one amazing attraction to visit during bad weather is the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. The aquarium focuses on conservation and is dedicated to connecting guests with the ocean around them with everything from exotic species to those found in the Sound, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to marine wildlife around the world!

For the culture buffs

For some, the rain is the perfect excuse to get off the beach and soak up some of Devon’s culture by visiting heritage attractions, museums and similar establishments. One option in the heart of Devon’s county town is Exeter Cathedral. Aside from being one of the most beautiful buildings in this historic city, the cathedral offers a host of family activities to help you get to grips with the building’s thousand years of history, stunning architecture and unique treasures.

Image: Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Also in Exeter is the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery where you’ll find 16 galleries of displays covering everything from the modern day all the way back to pre-history. The best bit? There’s free entry! The museum is easy to locate and is fairly central making it easily accessible should you need somewhere dry and interesting to escape to.

For a chance to learn about Devon’s ocean city, head to The Box in Plymouth. Known as one of the UK’s most exciting cultural attractions, there are nine permanent galleries and a host of touring displays including highlighting the Mayflower 400 celebrations.

For the relaxed

Just because you’re on holiday it doesn’t mean you have to be out and about all day – why not take the time to enjoy a little rest and relaxation? Devon is full of beautiful spas and leisure areas offering everything from beauty treatments to relaxing environments to enjoy together.

Book a session at the spa at Gara Rock where you can treat yourself to a manicure, a restorative full body massage or a facial. Alternatively, step into the bubbling jacuzzior do a few laps of the indoor pool. You’ll forget about the weather and all your worries at once!

The Elemis Spa at Highbullen is another way to restore and refresh your mind and body. Set within spectacular surroundings, it is a tranquil haven perfect for unwinding and really treating yourself.

Looking for more wet weather activities when in Devon? Check here for more inspiration.