What to do on a rainy day in the South Hams
You’ve woken up to rain on the first morning of your stay with us here at Dittisham Hideaway, but don’t worry – rain doesn’t have to stop the fun! Rainy days in South Devon offer the perfect opportunity to slow down and embrace cosy comforts, however if you’re driving each other up the walls and desperate to get out and explore then keep reading for some of our favourite tried and tested ideas…
Discover local history and arts
When the rain sets in, it’s a great excuse to explore some of the area’s excellent indoor attractions.
In Dartmouth, the Flavel Arts Centre offers films, theatre, exhibitions, workshops and live performances, an easy way to spend a few hours.
For a classic rainy-day treat, we are spoilt for choice with several independent cinemas in the area including ones in Kingsbridge and Totnes providing a cosy atmosphere and a great selection of films for all ages. It might just cost you a fortune in popcorn and snacks though!
Newton Abbot Museum is ideal for a relaxed morning or afternoon, with free engaging exhibitions that bring the local history to life.
Treat yourself to something sweet
Rainy days and comfort food go hand in hand.
We highly recommend a trip to Morellos, a retro-styled dessert parlour in Dartmouth for an ice cream sundae, milkshake or delicious waffles —rain or shine, it’s a must-visit.
Or opt for a more traditional treat with a cream tea in a local tearoom, our favourites are The Singing Kettle, Dartmouth Castle Tearooms or Smith St Deli, where warm scones and a pot of tea feel especially indulgent when the weather turns grey. Just don’t forget, it’s cream then jam!
Stay dry, but still get out
If you’d like to explore without braving the rain, a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway is a great option. Sit back, stay warm, and enjoy the scenic views of the River Dart and surrounding countryside between Kingswear and Paignton that drift past your window.
If you’re happy to travel a bit further afield, Plymouth Aquarium is home to over 5,000 ocean animals and awe-inspiring habitats and is an interesting day out, or if you/the children need to offload some energy the Super Tramp trampoline park is worth a visit. A bit closer to us for indoor activities and ways to use some excess energy are swimming at Kingsbridge/Salcombe/Dartmouth sports centres or our boys highly recommend the huge indoor play area at Woodlands theme park which is just 5-minute drive away.
Cosy moments back at your accommodation
One of the joys of staying in one of our properties at Dittisham Hideaway is having the space to truly relax and unwind.
Why not put on a film, make a hot chocolate, and enjoy a proper movie afternoon. We can help with providing a deluxe hot chocolate hamper or a movie night hamper which includes the hire of our popcorn machine. You could bring out the board games (we provide a selection), or curl up with a good book (we also have a wide selection to borrow during your stay), or simply enjoy the peaceful sound of rain outside—sometimes doing very little is the best plan of all.
Creative and interesting indoor days
For something a bit different, China Blue in Totnes is a brilliant rainy-day activity where you can paint pottery and get creative, they have a lovely café onsite too.
Greenway House, the former home of Agatha Christie, is especially atmospheric on a moody day and well worth a visit.
We think Kents Cavern in Torquay is a great afternoon out, exploring the oldest known human home in Britain and seeing 400 million year old rocks and stalagmites and it is one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe.
If you’re happy to travel a little further, RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum) in Exeter offers fascinating collections and is perfect for a longer indoor visit. The House of Marbles is also an interesting visit and is home to one of the UK’s largest permanent marble runs, a must see! There are always events taking place alongside their fascinating museums or regular live glassblowing, there is something for all ages.
Or simply embrace the weather
Rain is part of life in South Devon—and it can be part of its charm. Pull on your wellies and raincoat, head out for a walk, visit the beach, and splash through puddles, and enjoy the South Hams in all its misty, dramatic beauty.
After all, there’s nothing better than returning to your warm, cosy shepherd hut or treehouse after a rainy-day adventure, lighting the fire and making a nice hot chocolate, not forgetting the marshmallows!
