I need a Plan B if weather is bad we re staying 30mins from Dartmouth, whatt is there to do?

[dontdillydallyontheway]

sorry for posting here but Ive posted elsewhere and no answers!

Had planned a beach everyday holiday dont mind if it spits but forecast isnt good. So need some ideas for a Plan B.

We are staying near Ivybridge so 30mins from Dartmouth - Ive found Woodlands play area and will probably do the cinema.

What else can we do if weather is really bad

Indoor pool in Ivybridge
Ice skating at Plymouth Pavilions (swimming there too and of course shopping!)
Kent Caverns - Torquay
Bygones - Paignton

(you could combine the last two, as both probably only half day things)

Totnes steam railway

oh many thanks for this will check out the steam railway my ds adores trains and ice skating sounds fun for us all never done it!!!

Was about to suggest totnes steam railway but see its been recommended already.

Doesn't look like a great week down here! But it's always very changeable, so you might get some time on the beach. Be flexible and have the car (if you're in one) packed for all eventualities. You often get nicer weather late afternoon/ early evening (and it's gorgeous today!).
Plymouth aquarium
Rare breeds farm at Totnes steam railway (cafe outside farm lovely, entry to farm cheap and it's so nice there)
Or Otters and Butterflies at Buckfastleigh (at the steam railway station too)
Buckfast Abbey - depends on the age of your DC
Caves at Buckfastleigh open Wed and Thurs in August - guided cave walks 10am and 2pm (I think)
House of Marbles - Bovey Tracey (getting a bit further away from Ivybridge)
Miniature Pony Sanctuary Moretonhampstead (longish drive across Dartmoor - or A38 to avoid) but has indoor play areas as well as lovely outdoor ones so good for an unpredictable day.

I've got my parents down for the week - was also hoping for a beachy/ bbq week (DD's first birthday!)

many thanks Belinda - we are actually staying in Modbury and was hoping for a chilled out beach based hol at nearby beaches (We love Bigbury). Dont mind a bit of rain but if too much need to do other things.

I think on days when we know its going to be a big downpour we'll do lazy mornings, big breakfasts then cinema one day, swimming perhaps and definately the Totnes railway and the caves sound really interesting as well as the Pony sanctuary

thanks again

Bigbury is the nicest beach in the world! Come for DD's birthday party! (if the sun comes out..!)

Yes I agree we took our DS 3 years ago (he was 2 and a half) and had the best time, just digging, crabbing, walking, great deli/cafe near car park... the weather was perfect, we talk about it so much so have decided to go back this year as our DS cant remember it although he remembers other things about the holiday!

I haven't been to the caves yet - we're going this week while we have babysitters. Apparently there's dinosaur remains down there, so would be good for a 5 year old!

Salcombe is nice to mooch about in.

Was on Bigbury Sun to be honest the weather hasn't been too bad this summer, more cloudy and warm,occasional downpour but not for very long. Most days have had some sun.

I hate Woodlands-with a passion!!!!

Bicton has a nice indoor play area(might be a bit far)

Then there is the dreaded Crealy although I prefered that to Woodlands.

Love Miniature Pony Centre,Castle Drogo is quite interesting too.

China Blue at Totnes is quite nice if you're into painting china and Totnes is nice to mooch about,The Barrel House at the top of the hill does nice food and is kid friendly.

Dartington Cider Press near Totnes has a fab toyshop they don't mind the kids playing in(within reason).

Ivybrige swim pool
Plymouth Pavillions fun pool & Ice skaeing
Plymouth Aquarium
Buckfastleigh - Totnes train
Tavistock Pannier Market ( and another swim pool)
Cotehele house and quay
Plymouth for 10pin bowling
Boat trips up the Dart or Tamar

House of Marbles at Bovey Tracey- FREE. Good i you like watching giant marble runs. Nice park round the corner.

Check whats on at Ivybridge College sports hall, they do a lot of community open access stuff in the holidays.

Bigbury has been my favourite beach for 50 years It hasn't changed that much!

I haven't been to Woodlands for six or seven years now, but it used to be great - what's so bad about it now, MilaMae?
Don't tell me they've got rid of the Triple Death slide! DS & DD used to spend practically the entire day on it...

go to the beach anyway.

I love bigbury too.

Ah Bigbury! Burgh Island and the Pilchard Inn!

If you go into Kingsbridge, try Pig Finca cafe for an eccentric dining experience. It's been a few years since I went there for lunch but I can remember it being very bohemian and the food was good.

Second the Miniature Pony Centre. A friend of mine with a 5- and 3-y-o has a season ticket!

Have a lovely hol! :)

thanks everyone

We had a lovely day at Bigbury today - were you there OP?

Been to the caves today. Fascinating for adults, but wouldn't recommend for a 5 year old.

If your DS loves trains, there's also the steam train from Kingswear (other side of the river from Dartmouth) to Paignton. Link here.