How To Ensure A Rainy Day Doesn’t Spoil Your South Devon Family Holiday
While South Devon has plenty to offer a family looking for an action packed holiday, one thing it can’t control is the weather!
It’s a given that even the most glorious of summers will have rainy days, but will you let this stop you having fun? Of course not!
Here are just some of the ways you can beat back those rainy day blues when you stay in Dawlish Warren. What’s more, each is within an hour’s drive (that’s’ a relief!)
Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and Pennywell Farm
You don’t have to be outside to see many of the weird and wonderful creatures at Paignton Zoo, and we’re not just talking snakes and creepy-crawlies! Besides all manner of furry beasts, there are also play areas and activities. Even if you brave the rain, shelter is never more than a few seconds away.
The same applies to Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh. There are plenty of indoor areas to see pet farm favourites, as well as shire horses, miniature pigs, ponies and donkeys to visit in the outdoor stables and pens. And like Paignton Zoo, you’ll find a host of farm-related activities to keep busy feet occupied.
Torquay’s Living Coasts is famed for its collection of global wildlife including penguins, octopus, seals, otters, puffer fish, and an interesting collection of fish. And ‘below deck’, the panoramic viewing areas allow you to observe nature in all its undisturbed beauty. There are also numerous activities, and access to the cafe and gift shop is FREE to those who don’t use the other facilities.
Bygones
The term ‘museum’ doesn’t quite do justice to Bygones, for it encompasses much more than artefacts and relics. The ‘life-sized street’ brings you way back to the Victorian era with long-gone shops such as the apothecary, and the toy shop contains some amazing hand-crafted items to dazzle children. The World War I trench gives a closer look at how really life was in the Great War, and the model railway is a visual history of trains’ 200-year history.
‘Fantasy Land’ is a magical journey around scaled-down buildings from around the world such as the Taj Mahal and Eiffel Tower. It’s interactive, meaning that at the touch of a button these displays come alive and you’ll see London’s Tower Bridge open and balloons fly off into the sky. Hours of fun, and all in the dryness of indoors! Plus you can even take your dog!
Kents Cavern
Torquay has a porthole to Earth’s ancient history, and you don’t need an umbrella to travel through it! Kents Cavern is a prehistoric cave (400 million years old in fact), which has enticed explorers the world over for some 500 years.
Kids and adults alike will learn lots from a guided tour, but bear in mind: it looks pretty impressive too! With a superb gift shop, restaurant and gardens, there’s plenty to fill the day.
Torquay’s Dinosaur World
Kid’s love dinosaur’s – so why not top off your visit to Torquay off with a trip to Dinosaur World? This fun interactive exhibition includes life-size models and fun activities that the kids will love.
Moretonhampstead Motor Museum
Enjoy a trip down memory lane and explore the heritage of motorised travel! Situated within Dartmoor National Park, this indoor museum houses a collection of over 120 historic and classic vehicles including cars, motor cycles and light commercials from
pre1920 to 1990s, as well as automobilia. The museum is a 45 minute drive from the park and opens from March 22nd 2018, Thursday to Monday 11.30 to 4.30.
Woodlands and Crealy Theme Parks
Ok, so theme parks are usually outdoor-based, but at Woodlands (Totnes) and Crealy (Exeter), there really is enough inside to keep the kids happy.
The Circus Drome Zone at Woodlands has something for the whole family with its ‘ball blasting’ arenas and circus train, while Crealy’s Lost World of Atlantis has intriguing rides such as ‘Shark B’ and ‘Neptune’s Seacup’. Both are easily found, offer reasonable admission and are open every day during the summer. So there’s no need to miss out on thrills because of a little rain!
Retail Therapy
Of course, holidays aren’t just for the younger ones! If you feel like some retail therapy, Paignton, Torquay, and Exeter have all the big-name shops you need, plus their own unique ones, which sell local produce and regional rarities.
What’s more these regional cities offer plenty of sightseeing interest too. Be it Exeter Cathedral, Paignton’s traditional pier (with arcades), or the famous Torquay Riviera, South Devon has no shortage of places to wander about in. Strategic planning not required!
Or… why not just stay on site?
If you really don’t fancy driving, Welcome Family Holiday Park in Dawlish Warren has a broad range of reasons to stay on site.
To begin with there’s a choice of pools, and then there’s a children’s play area and a daily entertainment programme to keep the youngsters (and adults!) amused. For grown-ups, you’ll discover shops, restaurants, garden displays to muse upon and, when the day is done, some fine entertainment provided by Mark and the Showteam.
In fact, even when it’s sunny many of the guests decide to stay on the Welcome Family site! But whether you choose to stay or go, remember: rainy days need not spoil your holiday.
Have fun!
