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Voted Devon’s Best Large Attraction in 2016, this adventure
park is possibly the biggest all weather, family day out in the South West.
Even when it's wet outside there are so many things to do indoors, with over
110,000 sq ft of indoor activities. All the family can play together here too,
as the rides and attractions are designed for adults as well as children – and
all for one entry fee.
See all wet
weather attractions at The Milky Way
This outlet shopping village near Bideford is all under
cover, and has shops that’ll appeal to everyone in your group – plus food and
play options too. Big names selling discounted lines there include M&S,
Gap, Beauty Outlet, Cotton Traders, Denbury, Cotton Traders, Salt Rock, The
Works, Holland and Barrett, Mountain Warehouse, Pro-Cook, Tresspass, Urban and
Cadbury (yes – there is a whole shop selling only chocolate, at low prices!) –
so as long as someone in your group likes clothes, make-up, sweets, toys, books
or cookware, then they’ll be happy! You’ll also find a choice of places to eat,
as well as mini-bowling and the Atlantis play area.
What a way to let off some energy! Air Extreme is an
award-winning trampoline park, with what seems like 1,001 ways to bounce.
Packed with activities to suit everyone, whatever your age or ability, you’ll
have an amazing time. Activities can be as easy or as challenging as you like,
and though you have to be aged over 5 to join in the main sessions, there are
special early morning sessions for little ones. If you need a break from the
action, or you’re simply happy to watch the high-flying action unfold, you can
sit in the cafe area with coffee and a cake.
Barnstaple Pannier
Market
This is one of the UK's largest, most historic and prettiest
indoor markets – and there's something for everyone. Largely unchanged in over
150 years, you can expect to find everything from fresh local produce, flowers
and crafts, to prints, pictures, toys, collectables and antiques. It’s open all
year round from 9am-4pm, except Sundays and bank holidays – and there’s a great
mix of national and independent shops nearby, including those at the
recently-refurbished Green Lanes Shopping Centre, and more artisan finds at
Butchers Row. If you want to make a full day of it, eat at one of Barnstaple’s
many town centre cafes, then take in a film - Scott Cinema on Boutport Street
has 5 screens.
More
about Barnstaple Pannier Market
Even if it’s raining you can still get active on your
holiday. Right by the riverside just a couple of minutes’ walk from Barnstaple
town centre is the North Devon Leisure Centre, and a wide range of sports and
activities to get stuck in to: swimming (including a learner pool, quieter
areas, jacuzzi and lanes), badminton, soft play, squash, racketball, table
tennis, badminton, bowls – and a gym. If tennis is more your thing then take
just a further minute’s walk down the road from the leisure centre and you’ll
find Tarka Tennis, which has lots of courts indoor and out, many of which can
be booked on the day. Both centres have equipment available to hire, but do
phone before you set out to check availability.