Best South Devon Rainy Day Things To Do, Plymouth, South Devon

There are plenty of things to do in South Devon when it rains. We list ideas below by theme and then location. When it's raining hard, head indoors. If it's light rain there are still plenty of things to experience outdoors. Browse the list and photo gallery for inspiration.

Best things to do when there's heavy rain in South Devon

Aquarium to visit when there's heavy rain in South Devon

Plymouth National Marine Aquarium. The UK's largest aquarium is arguably the best place to spend a day if it's lashing down with rain. Located by Sutton Harbour and Plymouth's historic Barbican overlooking Plymouth Sound. Gets very busy on rainy days.

Museums and visitor centres to visit when there's heavy rain in South Devon

Exeter's Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM). This is the Westcountry's premier museum. Situated in the centre of Exeter, it's close to Exeter's Underground Passages and Exeter Cathedral. Fascinating, entertaining place and great on a rainy day.

Torre Abbey. Wonderful museum and gallery located in Torquay on The English Riviera.

Torquay Museum. Brilliant local museum also located in Torquay on The English Riviera. Note that Kents Cavern is in the local area.

Plymouth Mayflower Visitor Centre. Museum and visitor centre overlooking the Mayflower Steps which is the spot from which the Pilgrim Fathers sailed to America. Tells the story of the Pilgrim Fathers. Great location on Plymouth's historic Barbican. Just across the way from Plymouth National Marine Aquarium.

Caves and passages to visit when there's heavy rain in South Devon

Exeter's Underground Passages. One of the Westcountry's quirkiest and most memorable visitor attractions. Explore the tunnels that run under Exeter city. Avoid if you're claustrophobic.

Kents Cavern. Show cave situated near the centre of Torquay in the north east section of The English Riviera. There is evidence of human activity in the area stretching back 500,000 years. Britain's oldest human bone was found in the cave dating back some 40,000 years. Kents Cavern is located in the world's first urban Geopark.

Famous buildings to visit when there's heavy rain in South Devon

Exeter Cathedral. Visit one of the UK's most extraordinary buildings in the heart of Exeter.

Saltram (National Trust). Situated on the outskirts of Plymouth, one of the National Trust's busiest Devon properties. A tour of the house is superb in heavy rain. Best to explore the gardens and estuary during light rain.

Buckland Abbey (National Trust). Once home to Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey is located in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by Dartmoor National Park. Again, a tour of the house is great on a rainy day but best to explore the estate during light rain.

Visitor attractions to visit when there's heavy rain in South Devon

Woodlands Park. On a rainy day, there's a 100,000 sq.ft. undercover area.

Bygones. Quirky museum and visitor attraction on The English Riviera. Just up the road from Kents Cavern.

Plymouth Gin. Visit England's oldest working gin distillery on Plymouth Barbican. Close to Plymouth Mayflower Visitor Centre and Plymouth National Marine Aquarium.

Pubs to visit when there's heavy rain in South Devon

The Pilchard Inn. Top pub located on Burgh Island next to the internationally famous Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel. At low tide, you can walk across the neck of sand beach that runs between Burgh Island and the popular South Devon seaside village Bigbury-on-Sea. When the tide comes in and water covers the beach, see it as a fine excuse to use the sea tractor.

The Cricket Inn. Magnificent location in Beesands in the south section of Start Bay close to Start Point. There's a big shingle beach, great coastal/sea views and plenty of parking.

Start Bay Inn. Situated in Torcross towards the middle of Start Bay, another magnificent location. Just off the A379, Start Bay Inn is easily accessible. By Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve and the huge shingle beach Slapton Sands. Again, top coastal/sea views.

Cary Arms & Spa. Looks out over Babbacombe Beach to Oddicombe Beach and Babbacombe Bay. Exceptional.

The Ness. Overlooks the mouth of the Teign Estuary to Teignmouth.

Hope and Anchor Inn. In the heart of this popular South Devon coastal villages next to two stunning sand beaches.

The Ferry Inn. As mentioned in our Salcombe listing, the setting is sublime.

The Ship Inn and The Swan Inn, Noss Mayo. Both are situated on the south side of Newton Creek that connects with the Yealm Estuary.

The Dolphin Inn, Newton Ferrers. On the north side of Newton Creek.

Ferry Boat Inn. Across the River Dart from the National Trust's Greenway.

The Turf. Very popular destination on the Exe Estuary.

Coombe Cellars. Located on the south side of the Teign Estuary with super views east to the coast and west to Dartmoor National Park.

The Warren House Inn is located on the B3212 north east of Postbridge. Essential visiting when on holiday in Dartmoor, the Warren House Inn is the highest pub in southern England. The B3212 cuts across the middle of the National Park and the pub garden opens out onto stunning high moor. The Warren House Inn is in the heart of Dartmoor.

Fingle Bridge Inn is located at the beauty spot Fingle Bridge near Drewsteington. More essential visiting when on holiday in Dartmoor, Fingle Bridge Inn is on the banks of the River Teign in the magnificent Teign Gorge. The pub is near the National Trust's Castle Drogo and on the route of one of Dartmoor's finest walks. Fingle Bridge Inn is located in the north of Dartmoor.

The Rugglestone Inn near Widecombe in the Moor was voted one of the best UK country pubs in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2018. The Rugglestone Inn is in the east section of Dartmoor.

We also love The Old Inn in Widecombe in the Moor.

Best things to do when there's light rain in South Devon

Visitor attractions to visit when there's light rain in South Devon

Splashdown Quaywest. Bills itself as the UK's biggest outdoor waterpark. Stunning location overlooking Goodrington Sands and Tor Bay in The English Riviera. Kids love Splashdown Quaywest even on rainy days.

Woodlands Park. On a rainy day, there's a 100,000 sq.ft. undercover area. The undercover area is great during periods of heavy rain but you can also enjoy rides during light rain.

Babbacombe Model Village. Kids also love Babbacombe Model Village. Located in Babbacombe in the north section of The English Riviera, it's close to Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Oddicombe Beach and Babbacombe Beach and Harbour.

Morwellham Quay. Morwellham Quay is located on the Devon/Cornwall border and is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Railways to visit when there's light rain in South Devon

Dartmouth Steam Railway. Famous South Devon railway running between The English Riviera and Kingswear/Dartmouth. Part of the classic Round Robin provided by Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway. Take the Dartmouth Kingswear Lower Ferry to Kingswear. Hop on the Dartmouth Steam Railway to Paignton Station. Ride on the bus to Totnes Steamer Quay. Follow the River Dart downriver on the Dartmouth Totnes River Cruise. Clearly, you can take the trip in the other direction.

South Devon Railway. The South Devon Railway follows the course of the River Dart between the border of Dartmoor National Park and Totnes. The railway is a popular visitor attraction for those on holiday in, and around, Dartmoor.

Watersports to try when there's light rain in South Devon

Bigbury-on-Sea Discovery Surf School. Learn to surf in this iconic UK location.

Plymouth Tinside Lido. One of the best places to swim in the UK!

Zoos and farms to visit when there's light rain in South Devon

Living Coasts. Coastal zoo and aquarium located on Torquay's waterfront in The English Riviera. Discover Torquay Harbour and take a boat trip after your visit.

Paignton Zoo. Devon's biggest zoo is situated on the outskirts of Paignton in The English Riviera. Very easily accessible by car, it's a top family day out.

Dartmoor Zoo. Located between the south border of Dartmoor National Park and the South Devon coastline.

Shaldon Zoo. Situated on the edge of the pretty South Devon village Shaldon which overlooks the Teign Estuary to Teignmouth.

Pennywell Farm. Top South Devon/Dartmoor day out for young families.

Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies. The South Devon Railway runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies is located at the Buckfastleigh end of the line. Totnes Rare Breeds Farm is located by Totnes.

National Trust properties to visit when there's light rain in South Devon

Coleton Fishacre (National Trust). Stunning National Trust property on the South Devon coast between Kingswear/Dartmouth and the south end of The English Riviera.

Greenway (National Trust). Greenway was once Agatha Christie's home. We'd recommend taking the ferry to Greenway Halt and the National Trust's Greenway. Note that you can walk back to Kingswear on the Dart Valley Trail before taking a ferry across the water to Dartmouth.

Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust). Another amazing location overlooking the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.

Saltram (National Trust). Situated on the outskirts of Plymouth, one of the National Trust's busiest Devon properties.

Buckland Abbey (National Trust). Once home to Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey is located in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by Dartmoor National Park.

Compton Castle (National Trust). Wonderful building. Restricted opening times so consult the National Trust website for information.

Bradley (National Trust). Located on the edge of Newton Abbot. Again, restricted opening times so consult the National Trust website for information.

English Heritage properties to visit when there's light rain in South Devon

Dartmouth Castle (English Heritage). Dartmouth Castle and the smaller Kingswear Castle across the water guard the mouth of the Dart Estuary. The setting is magnificent and worth visiting for the views alone.

Totnes Castle (English Heritage). English Heritage castle in the heart of Totnes.

Berry Pomeroy Castle (English Heritage). Impressive castle ruin situated between Totnes and The English Riviera.

Salcombe Castle (English Heritage). Another castle ruin on The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.

By location

Best Plymouth rainy day things to do

Plymouth National Marine Aquarium. The UK's largest aquarium is arguably the best place to spend a day if it's lashing it down with rain. Located by Sutton Harbour and Plymouth's historic Barbican overlooking Plymouth Sound. Gets very busy on rainy days.

Plymouth Gin. Visit England's oldest working gin distillery on Plymouth Barbican.

Plymouth Tinside Lido. One of the best places to swim in the UK!

Saltram (National Trust). Situated on the outskirts of Plymouth, one of the National Trust's busiest Devon properties.

Best Exeter rainy day things to do

Exeter Cathedral. Visit one of the UK's most extraordinary buildings in the heart of Exeter.

Exeter's Underground Passages. One of the Westcountry's quirkiest and most memorable visitor attractions. Explore the tunnels that run under Exeter city. Avoid if you're claustrophobic.

Best English Riviera rainy day things to do

Torre Abbey. Wonderful museum and gallery located in Torquay on The English Riviera.

Torquay Museum. Brilliant local museum also located in Torquay on The English Riviera. Note that Kents Cavern is in the local area.

Bygones. Quirky museum and visitor attraction on The English Riviera.

Splashdown Quaywest. Bills itself as the UK's biggest outdoor waterpark. We've spent many great days with the kids at Splashdown Quaywest. Stunning location overlooking Goodrington Sands and Tor Bay in The English Riviera.

Living Coasts. Coastal zoo and aquarium located on Torquay's waterfront in The English Riviera. Discover Torquay Harbour and take a boat trip after your visit.

Paignton Zoo. Devon's biggest zoo is situated on the outskirts of Paignton in The English Riviera. Very easily accessible by car, it's a top family day out.

Coleton Fishacre (National Trust). Stunning National Trust property on the South Devon coast between Kingswear/Dartmouth and the south end of The English Riviera.

Cary Arms & Spa. Looks out over Babbacombe Beach to Oddicombe Beach and Babbacombe Bay. Exceptional.

Best Dartmouth rainy day things to do

Dartmouth Museum. Excellent local museum in the centre of town.

Dartmouth The Cherub Inn. Dartmouth is a foodie destination. Drink in this 14th-century pub!

Coleton Fishacre (National Trust). Stunning National Trust property on the South Devon coast between Kingswear/Dartmouth and the south end of The English Riviera.

Woodlands Park. Head west on the A3122 to spend a day at Woodlands. On a rainy day, there's a 100,000 sq.ft. undercover area.

Best Salcombe to Bigbury-on-Sea rainy day things to do

The Ferry Inn. As mentioned in our Salcombe listing, the setting is sublime.

Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust). Another amazing location overlooking the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.

Hope and Anchor Inn. In the heart of this popular South Devon coastal villages next to two stunning sand beaches.

Best Bigbury-on-Sea to Wembury rainy day things to do

Bigbury-on-Sea Discovery Surf School. Learn to surf in this iconic UK location.

The Pilchard Inn. We start with The Pilchard Inn owing to its unique setting on the side of Burgh Island next to the internationally famous Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel. At low tide, you can walk across the neck of sand beach that runs between Burgh Island and the popular South Devon seaside village Bigbury-on-Sea. When the tide comes in and water covers the beach, see it as a fine excuse to use the sea tractor.

Best Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty rainy day things to do

Buckland Abbey (National Trust). Once home to Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey is located in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by Dartmoor National Park.

Morwellham Quay. Morwellham Quay is located on the Devon/Cornwall border and is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best Dartmoor rainy day things to do

Museum of Dartmoor Life. Located in Okehampton by the A30 and north border of the National Park, the Museum of Dartmoor Life tells the story of Dartmoor and its people. Top place in rain or shine and highly recommended if you want to know more about Dartmoor when on holiday in the National Park.

Dartmoor Prison Museum. Fascinating place. A huge amount of information is crammed into a small space by Dartmoor's famous prison. Situated in Princetown in the heart of the National Park.

Princetown National Park Visitor Centre. Dartmoor National Park Authority's flagship visitor centre has won many awards over the years. Tells the story of Dartmoor and is packed with visitor information. Cool place to shop local product as well.

Postbridge National Park Visitor Centre. A visitor centre on two floors. Go upstairs to discover Dartmoor's internationally important prehistory.

Haytor National Park Visitor Centre. Visitor centre below Dartmoor's most famous tor.

Castle Drogo (National Trust). One of the Westcountry's finest National Trust properties is located near Chagford in the north east section of Dartmoor. Even if it's raining, we'd recommend walking in the Teign Gorge whilst you are there.

Finch Foundry (National Trust). A small but wonderful National Trust property in the pretty village Sticklepath on the north border of Dartmoor.

Lydford Gorge (National Trust). Gorge and waterfall. Arguably the best time to visit this place is during a spell of heavy rain when the river and waterfalls swell. Awesome noise in the upper section of the gorge.

House of Marbles and Teign Valley Glass. Shopping, history and the arts under one roof. Very popular attraction located by Bovey Tracey.

South Devon Railway. A classic Devon visitor attraction that runs between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Note that at the Buckfastleigh end of the railway line is Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies and at the Totnes end is Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.

Buckfast Abbey. Buckfast is by the A38 and Buckfastleigh. Fascinating place. Always difficult to comprehend that it took no more than six men thirty years to construct the building.

Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies. There are indoor and outdoor sections to enjoy. Watching otters swim is a joy.

The Miniature Pony Centre. One of Dartmoor's most popular family attractions located near Moretonhampstead.

Pennywell Farm. And one of Dartmoor and South Devon's most popular young family attractions situated by the east border of the National Park.

These waterfalls are stunning during, or after, a period of rain:

Lydford Gorge White Lady Waterfall in Lydford Gorge (National Trust).

Becky Falls. Becky Falls Waterfalls in Becky Falls Woodland Park.

Canonteign Falls. Canonteign Falls Waterfalls in Canonteign Falls.

The Rugglestone Inn near Widecombe in the Moor was voted one of the best UK country pubs in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2018. The Rugglestone Inn is in the east section of Dartmoor.

We also love The Old Inn in Widecombe in the Moor.

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