Top 5 Rainy Day Ideas in South Devon

Whether you plan to visit this wonderful region during the winter months or are booking your summer holidays, we all know that every now and again the Great British weather will turn a little grey and cloudy, and you might experience a cold or rainy day during your break in South Devon. 

If the sun does go in to hiding for a day or two or you fancy a break from the rays, we’ve come up with a list of great cosy indoor ideas, activities and attractions to visit in South Devon if you’re wanting to hide away from the wind and rain! 

Bask in South Devon’s Vast History 

South Devon is rich in history with many historical buildings and ancient sites all across the region. Devon is home to lots of beautiful castles; it’s tough to give an exact amount though as there are many Neolithic hill forts which were once thought to be castles, and there are also castles which are named as such but are not fortified. Powderham Castle, situated just outside of Exeter and built in 1390 is a manor house occupied by the Earl of Devon. If the weather is a bit miserable, you can be transported back in time with an inside tour of the castle, and visit all the secret rooms and haunted hallways! You can also enjoy Devon’s history by taking a trip on the South Devon Railway heritage steam line along the River Dart valley. The South Devon Railway is a branch line of the former Great Western Railway. Shining, renowned GWR steam engines haul trains full of fascinated passengers of all ages on a round trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Equally, if you are interested in all things locomotive, we’d recommend visit the Newcomen Engine at the Dartmouth Visitor Centre, the oldest preserved working steam engine in the world. South Devon is not short of museums to visit either, including the Teign Heritage, Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum in Teignmouth, and Bygones in Torquay where you can see how people in Devon lived hundreds of years ago. 

Relax at a Spa 

If you’re looking to hideaway from the cold and rainy weather, why not pamper yourself and check in to one of South Devon’s luxurious spas. Whether you’re looking to relax in a Jacuzzi or indulge in a soothing massage treatment, the region has some of the best spas in the UK, including the Sirona Wellbeing and Spa in Chudleigh, Hawkchurch Resort Spa in Axminster, Thurlestone Voyage Spa at Thurlestone Hotel near Kingsbridge, Aztec Spa in Torquay, Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall in Plymouth, Aspara Day Spa in Sidmouth and the Spa at the Grand Hotel in Torquay. 

Get Creative! 

Perhaps you’re wanting to tap into our creative side a bit? The Paint Hub at Welcome Family Holiday Park in Dawlish Warren is a pottery painting studio and coffee shop with plenty of ceramic items to adorn with paints and patterns. China Blue in Totnes also have a paint-your-own ceramic pottery studio, or if you’re feeling extra crafty, try the pot throwing session where you can create your own master-piece from scratch on a potting wheel! If you’re less interested in getting hands-on, visit the House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey, home to the Teign Valley Glass Centre where you can watch their highly-skilled craftsmen blow, shape and mould molten glass into amazing pieces of art! 

Watch a Show! 

We’re super lucky to have an abundance of indoor music and theatre events in Devon. Take a visit to the Palace Theatre in Paignton, with an exciting and varied programme, from Shakespeare to stand-up. This small and cosy theatre in the heart of South Devon has a 380-seat auditorium and café-bar where you can catch live music, drama and comedy performances all-year-round. Check out our What’s On page to see the latest indoor theatrical and music events. 

Do a Bit of Retail Therapy! 

If you love shopping, South Devon has an extensive range of shopping areas to visit, whether you’re looking for big high-street names, or local independent businesses. Princesshay in Exeter City Centre is an award-winning shopping centre with over 50 stores including many high-street brands, whilst it’s not completely undercover, you’ll definitely be able to hide away from the rain here. Lots of the larger towns and villages hold regular, weekly markets selling everything from plants, and clothes, to homemade food and gifts. In the heart of Newton Abbot’s pedestrian shopping streets in Market Walk. Here you’ll also find the lovely Newton Abbot Indoor Market, open Monday – Saturday, 9 till 4. 

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