Rainy Day Activities: Fun Things to Do Indoors in Devon & Torbay

Devon is famous for its golden beaches and sunshine, but let’s be honest, the weather doesn’t always play along. The good news? There are plenty of rainy day activities in Devon to keep the whole family smiling. So pack a brolly, pop on a coat, and get ready to discover the best indoor fun across Torbay and beyond.

Top Rainy Day Activities in Devon

When the skies turn grey and umbrellas replace sunglasses, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. From caves to cinemas, here are some of the best rainy day activities in Devon:

• Paignton Zoo – much of it is outdoors, but there are plenty of indoor animal houses and covered spaces to explore.
• Kents Cavern, Torquay – discover prehistoric caves and stay dry underground.
• Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter – free to enter, packed with fascinating collections and perfect for families.
• Cinemas & Theatres across Devon – from Vue in Paignton to the Princess Theatre in Torquay, enjoy a classic rainy day escape.

Family-Friendly Indoor Activities

Soft Play & Indoor Playgrounds

Soft play is the perfect rainy day solution, an hour or two of fun for the kids, and a chance for you parents to relax. In Torquay you’ll find Play Café, an award-winning, family-run soft play centre where that personal touch really shines through.

And speaking of family fun, we also have our very own indoor soft play right here at Beverley Holidays. Attached to our popular Waterfront Café, it’s received excellent reviews from parents who love being able to grab a coffee while the little ones climb, slide and play. It’s the perfect rainy day activity during your stay with us.

Aquariums & Zoos

Rain doesn’t stop the fun at Paignton Zoo. With over 2,000 animals to meet, there are plenty of undercover spots to explore. From slithery snakes in the reptile house to giraffes peeking down from their indoor viewing area. It’s a proper family day out, even when the skies are grey.

Prefer underwater adventures? The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is the UK’s deepest aquarium and home to more than 5,000 sea creatures. Soak in the country’s largest viewing window, it’s like stepping into another world. And with free return visits for 12 months, one rainy day could turn into many more.

Museums & Attraction

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in Exeter is the perfect spot for a rainy day in Devon. With world-class collections ranging from fine art to natural sciences, it’s designed to spark curiosity for all ages. RAMM even won the UK’s prestigious Museum of the Year award in 2012, proof it’s one of the best cultural attractions in the South West.

Closer to home, Babbacombe Model Village is a local favourite that’s full of surprises. While it’s famous for its outdoor gardens, its Mythical Kingdom exhibition brings the magic indoors with over 30 miniature animatronic characters, mystical sounds and enchanting lighting. And here’s a fun fact, our very own Beverley Bear and Sandy Starfish once made an appearance in a Model Village display!

Rainy Day Activities in Torbay & Paignton

Rain doesn’t have to spoil your seaside fun, in fact, Torbay has plenty to keep you smiling when the clouds roll in. Here are some of our favourite rainy day activities right here in Paignton and the surrounding bay:

• Waves Leisure Pool, Torquay – complete with flumes and a wave machine, this indoor pool is always a family favourite.

• Arcades & Bowling – embrace classic seaside fun with a trip to the arcades along Paignton seafront or head to AMF Bowling in Torquay for a few rounds.

• Vue Cinema, Paignton – the perfect excuse to grab popcorn and catch the latest blockbuster.

• Princess Theatre, Torquay – from musicals to comedy shows, there’s always something entertaining on stage, rain or shine.

• Cafés & Cosy Spots – whether it’s a hot chocolate in Paignton town or afternoon tea in Torquay, there’s no better way to warm up on a drizzly day.

And the best part? All of these rainy day activities are just a short hop from Beverley Holidays, meaning you can enjoy the fun, then head back to your cosy lodge to dry off in style.

Cosy Indoor Things to Do for Couples

Spas & Wellness

Fire & Ice and all things nice, that’s what you’ll find at the Aztec Spa in Torquay. With luxury treatments, spa days and wellness products, it’s one of the best spots in Torbay to relax and recharge on a rainy day in Devon.

Prefer to stay closer to home? At Beverley Holidays you can unwind in the jacuzzi and sauna at our Oasis Leisure Centre. After steaming away the stress, head up to the Jetty Restaurant for a light bite and a glass of bubbles, the perfect couple’s escape.

Afternoon Tea & Cream Teas

Afternoon tea at Bovey Castle is more than just cakes and sandwiches, it’s an experience. In its award-winning restaurant, you can tuck into freshly baked scones and delicate pastries while soaking up the grandeur of this historic country estate. Perfect for a rainy day date in Devon.

If you’re chasing that perfect Instagram shot, head to The Ivy in Exeter. With its art-deco interiors, marble floors and picture-perfect three-tier stands, your afternoon tea will look as good as it tastes.

Pubs with Log Fires

There’s nothing more comforting on a rainy day in Devon than stepping into a cosy pub with a roaring log fire. Whether it’s a Sunday roast or just drinks with friends, these spots bring warmth and charm to even the greyest afternoons.

As a family-run business ourselves, we love the sense of pride and community you’ll find at places like the Chagford Inn. This gastropub serves an ever-changing menu with ingredients from local farms and day-boat fish, best enjoyed beside the warm glow of the fire.

For a taste of history, head to the Exeter Inn in Ashburton. Dating back to 1130, it’s thought to have hosted Sir Francis Drake on his travels. Today, you can sit by its grand stone fireplace and soak up centuries of stories, though you’ll need your card, as the pub has gone cashless.

Unique Indoor Experiences in Devon

Looking for something a little different on a rainy day? Devon has some truly unique indoor experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.

Step back to the Stone Age at Kents Cavern in Torquay. Explore caves filled with 400-million-year-old rocks and dramatic stalagmites, and discover what life was like when humans first lived here. And it’s not just history, Kents Cavern hosts unusual events throughout the year, from cave cinema nights to Dungeons & Dragons sessions, all deep underground.

From rock to glass, head to the House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey. This free attraction is full of surprises, from giant marble runs and quirky little museums to live glassblowing demonstrations. It’s dog-friendly too, so even your four-legged friend can join the adventure.

Plan Your Devon Holiday (Rain or Shine)

So there you have it, boring rainy days are officially a thing of the past. Beverley Holidays is open all year round, meaning you can enjoy Devon’s best attractions whatever the weather. From Paignton Zoo to the highlights of Torquay, it’s all right on our doorstep with easy transport links.

And when you’d rather stay closer to home, our indoor pool, soft play, and cosy lodges make Beverley the perfect rainy day escape.

Ready to start planning your getaway? Book your stay at Beverley Holidays today.

FAQs About Rainy Day Activities in Devon

What are the best rainy day activities in Paignton?

The best rainy day activities in Paignton include the Waves Leisure Pool, Vue Cinema, and Paignton Zoo, which has plenty of indoor animal houses to explore. Families also love the seafront arcades for classic seaside fun when the weather turns.

What are the best indoor activities in Devon for kids?

Popular indoor activities for kids in Devon range from soft play centres and aquariums to interactive museums like RAMM in Exeter. Families staying in Torbay can also enjoy Beverley Holidays’ indoor pool and soft play, perfect for keeping little ones entertained on rainy days.

What are the top rainy day activities in Torquay?

Torquay offers plenty of rainy day activities, from exploring Kents Cavern and Torquay Museum to catching a show at the Princess Theatre. The town’s cosy cafés and indoor attractions make it easy to enjoy the English Riviera even when it’s wet outside.