You’ve booked your holiday and prayed for sunshine, but instead you get rain! We’ve put together a few ideas of things to do when it rains in Devon. We still want you to love coming on holiday to Dartmoor, even when it is raining.

It’s true to say that Dartmoor can be another world in bad weather. Fog, wind and rain can making walking on Dartmoor really unpleasant and quite dangerous if you’re not experienced. We would never recommend walking onto the moors in this kind of weather. Rest assured there are still loads of things to do should this happen during your break.

Who are you bringing on holiday? Families and dogs? Most of our suggestions are good for everyone, so hopefully you can find something that will help you plan for a wet holiday destination.

As always, should it be raining, a sure fire answer is simply to go swimming. We’ve got two pools in Tavistock. Meadowlands Fun Pool, great for the kids. Maybe not so great for those who want serious lane swimming. For those who love lane swimming we have our 50m Olympic legacy pool at Mount Kelly.

If you’re holidaying with the kids or simply love donkeys, a trip to Tamar Valley Donkey Park is a must. With their indoor play barn, small restaurant and family activities, it is a great day out. Maybe even risk a walk outside to meet and greet the donkeys. It is an all round good day out, with the added benefit of helping the donkeys too.

We are surrounded by many National Trust properties. Buckland Abbey, Cotehele, Lydford Gorge, Saltram, to name a few. Most are mainly outside, but if you have a NT card then a visit for the indoor parts can be fun and an inexpensive day out.

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is a great afternoon spent in the dry. One of the UK’s largest Aquariums is home to over 4,000 ocean animals. But beware, they are still taking bookings at the moment, so don’t just turn up expecting to get In. There are lots of activities for children, as well as being located on the beautiful Plymouth Barbican. See the beauty of the sea, maybe combine with a lovely seafood restaurant or trip to the shops.

Plymouth has a good shopping centre with a cinema (The Barcode) and restaurants located in the city centre. Parking at the Barcode or at Drakes Circus (The Mall). Alternatively enjoy The Vue cinema slightly out of town, with 10 pin bowling alongside.

Tavistock has it’s own little cinema. It is small and compact but does some great music evenings. Check out what’s on online on their website or facebook page. (The Wharf)

Tavistock has some beautiful shops and restaurants to enjoy. After browsing the quaint gift shops, you can enjoy a lovely meal in one of our restaurants, from fine dining at The Cornish or Taylors, to traditional fish and chips at Mickeys Plaice.

Tavistock is the home of the cream tea and we highly recommend you try this during your stay, whether you want to enjoy one in Tavistock, maybe at the historic Bedford Hotel or travel a bit. We would recommend Strawberry Fields Farm Shop at Lifton. Book a cream tea here and you won’t be disappointed. Plus if the weather improves you could enjoy a walk round the local reservoir at Roadford.

Whilst it may rain during your holiday, sometimes the best memories are made by getting on your waterproofs and wellies and just enjoying yourself. Usually the weather here is fairly mild. Even if it is raining a bit it won’t stop you enjoying the outside if you are properly prepared. Walk a designated walk eg Holden Woods or Tamar Trails, even in the rain!! Go to the beach. Looe, Widemouth, Bude and Wembury are all good beaches to visit all the year round. With your wellies on, a waterproof coat, trudging along the beach is great fun. A little rain won’t stop the fun and it’s not always cold. Wellies and shorts is certainly an acceptable look!

There are so many places to visit and we have listed a few above but there are many, many more. To name a few..

The Box, Plymouth
Kents Caverns, Torquay
House of Marbles, Newton Abbot
Dartmouth Steam Railway
South Devon Railway
Clip n Climb Plymouth
Adrenaline Trampolining
Plymouth Gin
The Paint Pot
Woodlands Adventure Park

As you can see, there are many things to do and see during bad weather. However, you also have your comfy cottage to come home too. So you’ll be sure of a warm and dry place to recover from all your adventures in Devon and Cornwall.

If you are really wanting to walk on Dartmoor in the rain we recommend you read the Dartmoor National Park’s recommendations about walking on Dartmoor. Experienced walkers will enjoy the changing mood of Dartmoor and the photos you can get when the clouds come over, shortly followed by a rainbow are a wonder not to miss. However, as always, we want our customers to be safe and sound so please do take “moor” care.

https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/planning-your-visit/safety-advice-for-outdoor-activities