I lived in England’s only county with two coastlines – here are the best towns that are JUST as good in the rain

I THINK it’s fair to say it seems like summer is on the way out and autumn is on the way in. But there is no need to stress as one UK county ideal for staycations is home to an abundance of spots that are great even in the rain. Devon has some towns that are great for rainy days where you can see live glassblowing or explore museums Credit: Alamy So here is a round up of the best spots to visit Credit: Alamy Having grown up in Devon, I know the county really well and yes, while there are a load of sandy beaches and picturesque coastal walks, there are also loads of towns and attractions that make the ideal day when the weather isn’t great. So with autumn looming and the return of threatening dark skies, here are my top towns in Devon that are perfect for exploring in the rain: Sign up for the Travel newsletter Thank you! Totnes In Totnes, you can explore lots of independent shops as well as a museum Credit: Alamy One spot you need to explore in Devon is Totnes – often dubbed the hippie capital of the UK. Once upon a time it even used to have its own pound note. Read more on travel inspo You won’t see any big branded chains here and that’s the best thing – instead the high street is full of independent boutiques with locally crafted gifts, antique and vintage shops, treasure trove charity shops and cosy coffee spots. Yes – to get to each you’ll need to walk outside, but even in the wind and the rain the high street remains sheltered. At the top of the town make sure to dive into Hairy Barista and grab a cuppa and something to eat – everything here is handmade and delicious. If the rain isn’t giving up, then head to Totnes Museum to discover local history – it costs just £2.50 per person. Or cosy up in Totnes Cinema, which is less commercial and more intimate than your local Vue with classic films, exposed brick walls and vintage seating. If the weather isn’t too bad and you happen to be in the town on a Friday or Saturday, make sure to head to the market where you will find an abundance of antique gems and tasty food stalls. Exeter Exeter has a grand Gothic Cathedral with a massive vaulted ceiling Credit: Getty While technically not a town, the city of Exeter is a great spot for exploring in poor weather. Right by Exeter Central Train Station, you can head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) for free. Inside, you’ll find extensive displays of exotic animals including birds and insects as well as artefacts dating back 2,000 years. For more historical exploration, visit Exeter Cathedral. This impressive Gothic Cathedral dates back to 1050 AD and has the longest uninterrupted stone-vaulted ceiling in the world. Having visited several times, I can easily say it is one of the most impressive buildings I’ve seen – even compared to more famous churches in Europe. Tickets to the Cathedral cost £12.50 per adult and is free for those under 18-years-old visiting with family (you can also get half price entry on Sundays throughout September). If you prefer to shop, head off the high street to Princess Hay Shopping Centre, which is conveniently covered. Here you’ll find brand names including Apple, Superdry, Oliver Bonas, Hollister and HMV. If you want something a little more active, head just outside the city to Exeter Quay where you will find The Quay Climbing Centre for indoor climbing and bouldering. Dartmouth You could head on a steam train through the countryside to or from Dartmouth Credit: Getty Despite being a coastal town, there is still loads to do in Dartmouth when the weather turns bad. The best activity is heading on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. The journey heads between Paignton and Kingswear, where you’ll then hop off onto a ferry across to Dartmouth and you can either go one way or go on a return trip. You could even do the Round Robin experience which begins by hopping on a bus from Paignton to Totnes, where you’ll then get on a 90-minute cruise to Dartmouth, then grab the ferry to Kingswear, where you will then board the steam train back to Paignton. Ticket prices vary depending on the experience you choose. When in Kingswear, make sure to visit Greenway Mansion – Agatha Christie’s holiday home. Managed by the National Trust, the Georgian House has 1950s interiors with first editions of Christie’s novels as well as objects that inspired some of her stories – tickets cost from £18 per adult and £9 per child. And in Dartmouth itself, there are plenty of cosy cafes and shops to explore, as well as the town’s museum. Bovey Tracey In Bovey Tracey, you can head to the House of Marbles which is completely free to enter Credit: Gwen and James Anderson Not too far from Dartmoor National Park, Bovey Tracey is a small yet pretty town. It acts as the gateway to the House of Marbles – a unique attraction where you can explore glass-blowing studios, interactive marble runs and historic games. There are even giant marble runs that head along the walls – including Snooki 2000, which is one of the largest marble runs in the UK. Visitors can press different buttons to get marbles to travel along the runs. The attraction also has a heap of antique games and toys, as well as vintage fairground attractions to try out like distorted mirrors. What makes the attraction even better is that it is completely free to visit. Comment now