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Rainy Day Things to Do in Croyde & North Devon (for couples, families & kids)

Don’t let the weather spoil it… here are tried-and-tested rainy day ideas within easy reach of Croyde

At a glance

  1. Best for babies, toddlers & little kids
  2. Best for families (mixed ages)
  3. Best for couples
  4. Outdoor Saunas
  5. If you don’t mind getting wet anyway (water activities)
  6. Cinemas (easy win)
  7. Museums & indoor culture
  8. If the rain stops (bonus half-day trips)
  9. FAQs + Last updated
• Babies, Toddlers & Little Kids • Family • Couples • Outdoor Saunas • Water Activities • Cinema) • Museums & Indoor • If the rain stops • FAQs

Best for babies, toddlers & little kids

The Quay Centre – Indoor “beach shack” soft play with a café for grown-ups. Great when you need a guaranteed energy-burn and somewhere warm to regroup.

JunglaRoo – Big indoor soft play in Barnstaple with café seating for parents; ideal on proper all-day rain when you want a simple plan that works.

The Big Sheep – Family attraction with a strong all-weather angle thanks to indoor play (plus shows/animals when it eases). It’s a good “make a day of it” option.

Best for families (mixed ages)

The Milky Way Adventure Park – Proper rainy-day back-up: an all-weather family attraction with indoor play and plenty to do in one place.

Ilfracombe Aquarium – Great for an hour or two when it’s pouring: indoor, interesting for kids, and right on the harbour so you can add a hot drink after.

Best for couples (spa day)

Saunton Sands Hotel – A proper “treat day” option with their Source Spa & Wellness set-up (book ahead in peak weeks).

Woolacombe Bay Hotel – Spa day vibes with pool/thermal experiences; ideal when you want to reset, warm up and still feel like you’ve done something special.

Saunas (rain-friendly and very “North Devon”)

Cherry Tree Farm sauna & ice baths – Wood-fired sauna with sea views plus ice baths; brilliant if you want a feel-good hour even when the weather’s grim.

Croyde Sauna and Cold Bath (Surfing Croyde Bay) – Another Croyde option overlooking the bay: sauna + cold plunge = instant “holiday reset” after a wet walk.

Sea Sauna – Mobile Nordic wood-fired sauna right by the sea at Saunton — perfect for “it’s raining but we’re doing it anyway” days.

If you don’t mind getting wet anyway (water activities)

North Devon Wake Park – Wakeboarding/Aqua Park style fun; you’re getting wet anyway, so a bit of rain doesn’t matter (wetsuit hire + sessions).

Surfing Croyde Bay – Run surf lessons for all levels and coasteering sessions too. You’ll be in a wetsuit anyway, so rain doesn’t matter much. Book ahead in busy weeks.

Ultimate Adventure Centre – Adventure day options including coasteering (age limits apply). Great for older kids/teens or couples who want something memorable.

Cinemas (easy win)

Scott Cinemas Barnstaple – The simplest rainy-day plan: matinee, snacks, done. Perfect for toddlers (short screenings) or a chilled couples afternoon.

Embassy Cinema – Handy if you’re already in Ilfracombe for the harbour/aquarium — check what’s on and turn it into an easy half-day.

Neo Cinema (Woolacombe) – A quick rainy-day fix: pick a film, grab snacks, warm up. Great for families or an easy couples plan.

Museums & indoor culture

Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon – A solid, low-cost indoor option when you want something calmer than soft play (good for mixed ages).

Ilfracombe Museum – Quirky and packed with curiosities; a nice add-on if you’re doing Ilfracombe on a wet day.

Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum – Regency house + carriage museum (brilliant if you want history, indoors, without needing sunshine).

If the rain stops (bonus half-day trips)

Valley of the Rocks – A quick, scenic cliff walk with dramatic rock formations and big sea views (often with goats). Great if the rain eases or you’ve got waterproofs for a bracing stroll.

Heddon’s Mouth – Woodland-to-sea walk that feels magical after rain (great when showers ease).

Clovelly Village – A proper North Devon bucket-list wander when the weather lifts a bit; steep streets, views, and it feels like a day out.

Other great “walk and look” places: Lynmouth, Abbotsham Cliffs, Clovelly, Arlington Court, Hartland.

My rainy-day “pick one” plans

  1. Toddlers: soft play + hot chocolate
  2. Family day: Milky Way / Big Sheep
  3. Couples: sauna + cosy pub dinner
  4. All-day rain: cinema + museum combo
What’s best for toddlers near Croyde when it rains?

The Quay Cafe

What can we do if it rains all day in North Devon?

North Devon is still wonderful when it rains, read this page to find your ideal day

Do we need to book spas/saunas/activities?

In the peak times, pre-booking is advised

What’s good for teens on a wet day?

I would recommend any of the Water activities

Last updated: Feb 2026 (keep this current)