Pirates Cove Adventure Golf

The moment you walk through those pirate-themed gates in Dawlish, you know what you're in for - eighteen holes of gloriously tacky fun with a skull-and-crossbones aesthetic that doesn't take itself seriously. There's a ship to putt around, plenty of ramps and obstacles painted in that faded seaside-arcade style, and the whole thing has the kind of charm that comes from being properly old-school rather than trying too hard.

It's exactly the sort of thing families need on a rainy afternoon, or when the kids have hit their limit with actual beaches. Most people will get through it in under an hour, though you'll probably find yourself hanging around longer if the sun's out and you've got time to kill. The difficulty ramps up a bit as you go, so even parents who usually find mini golf tedious might actually enjoy trying to sink the trickier shots.

If you're staying at one of the Haven parks nearby - either Devon Cliffs or the main Resort - Pirates Cove is close enough for a quick outing without needing to drive far from base. It won't blow your mind, but it's a solid rainy-day option that fits perfectly into a week of seaside park life. Bring coins for the putting, expect slightly worn-looking hazards, and don't expect Disneyland standards - what you get is honest, slightly faded fun that's been keeping Dawlish kids entertained for years.