Rainy Day Guide to North Devon
Because the forecast doesn't always read the brochure. Plenty to do undercover, most of it a short drive from Westward Ho!.
A wet day needn't be a write-off
North Devon gets its share of rain, but there's a genuinely good spread of indoor days out within easy reach, from huge undercover play parks to cosy galleries and covered markets. Here's where we point guests staying at Waves & Walkways when the sky closes in.
Undercover family favourites
The two big all-weather play parks are both close by, and a hit whatever your age.
The Big Sheep
A farm-turned-theme-park just outside Bideford, a few minutes from the house. EWEtopia is one of the South West's largest indoor playgrounds, and there's an indoor show arena too, so you can happily lose a wet day here without getting soaked.
The Milky Way Adventure Park
Over 110,000 sq ft of indoor attractions on the A39 towards Bude (about 20 minutes away): a huge undercover adventure play area, indoor dodgems, soft play, a Little Stars zone for under-sixes, pottery painting and more. Opening is seasonal, so check their site before you set off.
Affinity Devon, Bideford
The undercover outlet shopping centre on the edge of Bideford (formerly Atlantic Village), with high-street outlet stores, cafes and a soft-play area to keep younger ones busy while you browse.
Dartington Crystal
Watch skilled glassmakers work with molten crystal on a factory tour at Great Torrington (around 20 minutes away). Under-sixteens usually go free with a paying adult, but check ahead to be sure.
Opening days and times vary by season at all of these, so it's always worth a quick check of each attraction's website before you head out.
Low-key and low-cost
Nearer the house, and easier on the wallet.
Westward Ho! arcades
Classic seaside amusement arcades right on the seafront, a short stroll from the house. Old-fashioned, cheap, and exactly the sort of place to dry off with a bag of 2p pieces.
The Burton at Bideford
Bideford's art gallery and museum, with changing exhibitions, local history, and a cosy cafe. A calm, dry hour or two, and free to look around.
Pannier markets
Both Bideford and Barnstaple have covered pannier markets full of local stalls and crafts. Check the market days, as they vary through the week.
A cosy day in
You don't have to go anywhere at all. The house has a Smart TV, plus books, board games and jigsaws set aside for exactly these days. Sometimes a puzzle and a hot chocolate is the whole plan.
Some of the best days are the wet ones
A blustery walk along Pebble Ridge with the waves crashing in, followed by fish and chips somewhere warm, is a North Devon classic whatever the sky is doing.
Pull on the waterproofs, let the kids splash about, and you'll likely remember it more fondly than another sunny afternoon. Then it's back to the house to dry off and put the kettle on.
More things to do nearby
Rain or shine, you're sorted
A warm, comfortable base makes all the difference to a North Devon break. Check our availability and book direct.
Check Availability