15 things to do with kids on a rainy day in the West Country

Days out, Family

Posted by Ed Roberts on 8th June 2021

The Eden Project

The beautiful natural scenery of the West Country is a huge draw for most visitors, with its eye-catching beaches, picture-perfect villages and awe-inspiring views, but where do you go if the sun forgets to show up and you get a rainy day in its place?

Fortunately, there are some great indoor activities in the South West that you could take your children to, the only difficulty you’ll experience is deciding where to go first! 

Check out our pick of the top rainy day attractions in the West Country below, or, if you're looking for activities that are more region-specific, consult our comprehensive lists of things to do with kids on rainy days in Devon, Cornwall or Dorset


Indoor attractions in Devon

child and marbles

House of Marbles, Devon

The House of Marbles is one of the West Country’s best curios. With its collection of marble runs, on-site glassworks, weird and wonderful exhibits and interactive games, this is a fun place spend a fascinating few hours with something unusual around every corner. Pop into the House of Marbles own shop to buy some toys and glass pieces that have been manufactured on site. For lunch, stop by the café, perfect for a light bite.

Where is it? Bovey Tracey

When is it open? Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5pm / Sunday: 10am to 5pm. Click here for further details

How much is it? - FREE entry (including parking)


National Marine Aquarium, Devon

National Marine Aquarium, Devon

A visit to the National Marine Aquarium is a must no matter what the weather is up to. Spend hours taking in the wonderful rogues’ gallery of deep sea creatures. See the sharks get fed, and see some of the most colourful denizens of the sea including octopuses, jellyfish and a veritable array of fish large and small. There are also educational talks throughout the day, where you can learn just about anything marine related. The huge Eddystone Reef tank is the largest single-tank viewing panel in the UK – packed with hordes of tropical fish and rays. Stop in at the Waves Café to recharge with a fruit juice or coffee.

Where is it?  Plymouth

When is it open? Open daily 10am to 5pm

How much is it?  Prices vary according to season - click here for further details


The Milky Way adventure park, Devon

The Milky Way, Devon

One of the best parks in the West Country, the ever-adapting Milky Way is a great destination in any weather. However, it does offer up to 110,000 square feet of indoor space to explore and play. This includes soft play areas for smaller children, games, sand pits, slides and the inspired Toddler Town and Fantasy Farm. Elsewhere, there are carousel rides and bumper cars for older kids. Catch a touring show or fun exhibition at The Milky Way to make your visit extra memorable.

Where is it? Near Clovelly

When is it open? Times vary - click here for further details

How much is it? Prices vary - click here for further details


The Big Sheep adventure park, Devon

The Big Sheep, Devon

If you have kids and love sheep and fun rides, then The Big Sheep is for you and your family. One of North Devon’s best and most eccentric places for an all-weather day out is this farm-themed fun park. Meet farm animals, watch a sheep version of the Grand National, roll around in the soft-play areas, meet some pigs, and even enjoy a rollercoaster ride. There’s much more to get involved with at The Big Sheep, which is even open on weekends throughout the winter and early spring. Much of the park is under shelter, so when the heavens open, a trip to The Big Sheep is a fun option if you’re in the area.

Where is it? Near Bideford

When is it open? Times vary - click here for further details

How much is it? Prices vary - click here for further details


Dinosaur World, Devon

Torquay’s Dinosaur World, Devon

Kids will love this indoor attraction at the centre of Torquay in South Devon. Dinosaur World has a collection of authentic, full-size dinosaur models, fossils, bone casts and lots of fun interactive games to learn all about the age of roar! Besides the exhibition and the fun space, there is a café and a rolling programme of touring and seasonal events and exhibitions, too.

Where is it? Torquay

When is it open? Open daily from 11am to 5pm

How much is it? Adults and children 3+: £6.95 / Children 0 to 2: FREE - Click here for further details

Click below for our full collection of family-friendly cottages in Devon, or read more inspiration for rainy-day activities in Devon in our full round-up.

Family-friendly cottages in Devon


Indoor attractions in Cornwall

The Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project, Cornwall

The Eden Project is one of the best-known indoor activities in the South West. The Eden Project’s domes will not only protect you from the drizzle outside, but will also transport you to more tropical climes where you can learn about exotic plants, walk through the rainforest canopy, enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal, and take part in one of the many family events which run throughout the year.

Where is it? Near St Austell

When is it open? Varies according to season - click here for further details

How much is it? Prices vary - click here for further details


Carnglaze Caverns, Cornwall

Carnglaze Caverns, Cornwall

Close to the Bodmin Moor is Carnglaze Caverns, a former slate mine. Now affiliated to the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, you can go on a 150-metre journey deep into the hillside down 60 steps. Dress well as temperatures below the surface are low. You can view a collection of minerals mined throughout Cornwall in the British Industrial Revolution and find out how slate was extracted. There is also a woodland walk on site with winding paths, deep dells and views over St Neot, too. Picnic in the garden if the weather brightens, or browse the crystal and craft shop.

Where is it? St Neot

When is it open? Monday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm 

How much is it? Adults: £8.00 / Children 3 to 16: £5.00 / Concessions: £6.00 / Under 3s: FREE


Bodmin Jail, Cornwall

Bodmin Jail, Cornwall

Bodmin Jail is for hardy kids only! Put them in the jailhouse for a day in Cornwall’s most famous former prison if you get a bad weather day. For decades it was the only one of its kind. Having closed its doors in 1927, much of the jail is a ruin, but the visitor centre contains an excellent showcase of exhibits and a cell walk. Tales of smugglers and vagabonds feature throughout the museum and ghost walks are available for very brave families. The jail has featured in the BBC TV drama Poldark. There is also a pub next door to the jail that can cater to families.

Where is it? Central Bodmin

When is it open? Times vary - click here for further details

How much is it? Adults (16+): £15.00 / Children 5 to 15 and Concessions: £12.50 / Under 5s: FREE

Please note: Bodmin Jail is not currently a wheelchair- or pushchair-friendly venue


Child at Paradise Park soft play, Cornwall

Paradise Park - Jungle Barn, Cornwall

Let your kids expend their energy in this extensive all-weather play centre, where they can go wild on a selection of giant slides, soft play and toddler romping zones. At Paradise Park - Jungle Barn, adults can observe, or sit in the café and read a book within safe shouting distance. You can join your kids on the drop slides too, so there’s no need to feel left out. You can also buy return tickets if you want to come back for seconds!

Where is it? Hayle

When is it open? Varies according to season - click here for further details

How much is it? Prices vary - click here for further details


PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications

PK Porthcurno – Museum of Global Communications, Cornwall

One of Cornwall’s remotest museums, the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum is a great place for children with an interest in science. Porthcurno made history because it’s the site of the first trans-Atlantic telegraph cable – one of the largest scale infrastructure projects in the history of international communications. There are interactive displays and artefacts to see and learn all about the cable, that still exists below the ocean waves. The museum has a cool collection of cableship models, uniforms worn by cable-laying officials, and a mind-boggling range of historical paraphernalia. The museum is within short walking distance (10 minutes up a steep hill) from The Minnack Theatre, which is also open to the public - it is an open-air, Italianate amphitheatre-style arena, so it's best saved for a sunny day!

Where is it? Porthcurno, close to Mousehole

When is it open? Open daily 10am - 5pm

How much is it? Adults: £9.00 / Children 5-18: £5.50 / Unders 5s: FREE

Click below for our full collection of family-friendly cottages in Cornwall, or read more inspiration for rainy-day activities in Cornwall in our full round-up.

Family-friendly cottages in Cornwall


Indoor attractions in Dorset

Rock Reef, Bournemouth

Rock Reef, Dorset

When Bournemouth’s golden sands are soaked, round up your little ones and take cover on the Pier. Here, you’ll find Rock Reef, an indoor adventure centre for adrenaline-loving youngsters. There are 28 themed climbing walls for all abilities and ages, as well as a nail-biting Vertical Drop Slide, a Leap of Faith jumping challenge that takes place in mid-air, a high ropes course, and a caving experience in the 65-metre Pier Cave. When the rain clears, you can head back to the sandy shore via the 250-metre zip wire that zooms over the pier. Talk about thrills!

Where is it? Bournemouth Pier

When is it open? From 10am – 7pm on weekends and 7 days a week during school holidays (Zip wire 11am – 5pm)

How much is it? Prices vary according to activity – click here for further details


Tank Museum, Bovington

Tank Museum, Dorset

There’s no need to battle with wet weather on a family holiday in Dorset; take your little soldiers to the fully covered Tank Museum instead. This action-packed attraction houses the largest collection of tanks in the world – over 300 of them! Learn about the history of military vehicles and see infamous Tiger 131 from WW2 as well as the world’s first-ever tank, Little Willie. There are trails for children as well as dressing up and special events, including live displays and vehicle rides on selected dates in school holidays.

Where is it? Bovington, 12 miles west of Poole

When is it open? Open daily from 9am to 5pm (closed 24-26 December)

How much is it? Adults: £14.00 online, £15.00 on the door / Children aged 5-16: £8.75 online, £9.00 on the door / Under 5s: FREE (family passes available)


Court House at Shire Hall, Dorchester

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorset

If your Jurassic Coast adventures are hampered by bad weather, get justice by visiting Shire Hall, an immersive museum documenting 200 years of law and order that took place inside its walls. Walk around the historic courtroom, learn the stories of trialled suspects and visit the cells where prisoners were held. Kids can dress up in wigs and gowns and act out historic trials, and the museum has a whole programme of events including plays, talks and family activities throughout the year.

Where is it? Dorchester

When is it open? Daily from 10am to 4pm

How much is it? Adults: £9.50 / Children £5.00 / Concession: £7.50 (family tickets available)

Click below for our full collection of family-friendly cottages in Dorset, or read more inspiration for rainy-day activities in Dorset in our full round-up.

Family-friendly cottages in Dorset


Indoor attractions in Somerset

Wookey Hole, Somerset

Wookey Hole is a wet-weather wonderland. Stay cool and dry in its network of fascinating caves, which includes the Witch’s Kitchen, home to an enormous stalagmite named ‘The Giant’; the Witch’s Parlour, housing the largest natural underground dome in the UK; and Hyenas Den, thought to have been occupied alternately by man and hyena between 35,000 and 25,000 BC. If the sun comes out, there are a myriad of outdoor attractions to explore too, like the Valley of the Dinosaurs, a 30-foot-tall King Kong, and a Mystic Fairy Garden where kids can spot fairies, dragons and elves. A magical day out for all.

Where is it? Near Wells

When is it open? Varies according to season – click here for further details

How much is it? Prices vary – click here for further details


The Helicopter Museum, Somerset

Weston-super-Mare’s Helicopter Museum houses the largest collection of helicopters in the world. The 100-strong chopper collection is displayed beneath an all-weather undercover hanger, so you’ll be safe from the drizzle. See the Queen’s Royal Flight helicopters as well as the current world speed record holder, G-Lynx. There’s also an interactive zone to explore, a film theatre and a ‘Play Copter’ for youngsters.

Where is it? Weston-super-Mare

When is it open? Varies according to season – click here for further details

How much is it? Adults: £15.00 / Children aged 4-15: £9.00 / Concessions: £13.00 (family tickets available)

Family-friendly cottages in Somerset


Map of indoor attractions in the West Country

Plan your family holiday in the South West by finding your favourite indoor family attractions from the list on the map below.

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Stay in the West Country

If you’re looking to stay close by to explore these indoor attractions in the West Country, take a look at our full collection of cottages in the South West for some inspiration on where to base your next family holiday.

South West cottages

*Prices are correct at the time of publishing; however, they are subject to change. Please visit appropriate websites or phone venues for confirmation.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.