Torquay Museum

You'll find this museum right in Torquay town centre, and it's one of those places that justifies a rainy afternoon far better than you'd expect. The collections run from local geology and natural history through to archaeology and social artifacts - all the bits that tell you how people actually lived along this stretch of the Devon coast across the centuries.

The real draw here is the depth of local material. There's proper Victorian and Edwardian domestic stuff, some interesting archaeological finds from the caves that dot the area, and enough maritime history to keep anyone with a naval interest occupied for a good hour or so. If your kids are under ten, honestly, they might find it a bit dry - it's not a hands-on interactive kind of place. But teenagers with even a passing interest in history, or adults on a rainy day, will find genuine value in it.

It's free to enter, which means you can dip in and out without guilt. Allow around 90 minutes if you're reading the labels properly. The museum's compact enough that you won't get exhibition fatigue, and the layout makes sense.

Worth timing your visit for mid-week when it's quieter. If you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Torquay Holiday Park or any of the other parks clustered nearby - and there are several good ones within a few miles - this works as a solid plan B when the weather turns. It won't blow your mind, but it's solid local history done properly.