Top 15 things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall
With so many outdoor things to do in Cornwall, what do you do if the weather isn’t playing fair? We’ve scribbled our list of fifteen different experiences to try on a rainy day to keep all the family amused…
Cardinham Woods, bodmin
Enjoy lots of cover from the elements here! Popular with local dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists, Cardinham is a beautiful mixed woodland. With many activities for children to explore, as well as hikes for the more experienced traveller, there’s something for everyone to enjoy whilst seeking shelter from the rain. Feeling peckish? Finish your adventure in the Woods Café. The perfect cream tea is waiting for you to enjoy.
Pottery Painting AT Star Glazers, falmouth
It’s time to bring out the Van Gogh or Picasso within! Located on the old high street of Falmouth, Star Glazers offers a relaxing creative space for adults and children of all ages. Painting pottery has never been so much fun! Enjoy endless cups of coffee and tea alongside tasty treats to keep you going while you paint. Once you’ve finished your work of art, hand it over to the staff to glaze and be fired up, before taking it home as the latest must-have collectable.
national Maritime Museum cornwall, falmouth
With over fifteen galleries over five floors, explore the overwhelming influence of the sea, its history and its culture at The National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Located on the Discovery Quay in Falmouth, this iconic building is home to many exciting exhibitions, as well as a wide range of galleries that take visitors on a journey. Don’t forget to explore the Lookout Tower for breath-taking views over the harbour, docks and estuary. Even on a rainy day, this view is unbeatable.
Sea Swimming at JUBILEE POOL, penzance
So you got wet from the rain, why not get wetter by jumping into the art deco Jubilee Pool saltwater lido? One of the most unusual and pleasingly designed lidos of the era, the pool was designed in the early 1930s. When you’ve cooled down in the pool, venture on into the warm indoor café, that serve a variety of goodies from pizza to cocktails.
The POLY, falmouth
A cinema is normally an obvious choice when it comes to things to do when it’s raining. But The Poly in Falmouth is quite a special cinema. A thriving charity promoting engagement in the arts, sciences and Cornish history through film, live events, exhibitions, lectures and workshops, this company was formed in 1833 and offers quirky and independent entertainment for all.
Tate St Ives
A major art gallery nestled in the little southwest coastal town of St Ives is the perfect place to go on a rainy day. With so many artists coming to St Ives to paint, Tate noticed its popularity and took over the management of the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden before building a Tate art gallery alongside it overlooking Porthmeor Beach, to promote work by artists who had lived or worked in St Ives.
Stay in…
When the weather is misbehaving, why venture outside when you can stay in? The Greenbank Hotel, perched on Falmouth’s historic waterfront, is an experience like no other. Relax in our Water’s Edge bar with a G&T or two, before wandering down to our Water’s Edge restaurant for a decadent three course meal. Or, if you wish to stay in the comfort of your own hotel room, why not ring down for room service, served 24 hours a day? The ultimate relaxing getaway.
Bodmin Jail
A historic former prison situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor, built in 1779. Now the prison and its ruins have become a tourist attraction, it hosts many activities and exhibitions telling the history of the jail and the offenders imprisoned there. Visitors can wander through the depths of the jail over five levels and browse creative exhibits depicting penal life in Victorian Cornwall.
Charlestown Shipwreck Centre
The shipwreck and historical artefacts on display in Charlestown’s Shipwreck Centre are the largest private collection of this type on display in Europe. Brought together over the last 50 years, it forms the basis of one of the most unusual collections open to the public. With nearly 8000 artefacts from over 150 shipwrecks, this centre is one to definitely visit on a rainy day. These rare displays bring stories of the sea to life with rich tales of triumph, treasure and tragedy.
Eden Project, st austell
With its impressive biomes of tropical plant life, the Eden Project will transport you to another country as you enter from the rain. You will most likely find yourselves walking around in temperatures that can reach 35 degrees. Rain, what rain?
Jamaica Inn, bodmin
Made world-famous by Dapne du Maurier’s tale of smugglers, wreckers and rogues, the Jamaica Inn is nestled high up on the wild Bodmin Moor. Full of legend, mystery, romance and even, according to folklore, the odd friendly spirit, the historic inn offers a fascinating smugglers’ museum, where tales of murderers and villains are brought wonderfully to life!
Lanhydrock, bodmin
Lanhydrock is the perfect country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. In 1881, a devastating fire destroyed parts of the Jacobean house, which was then refurbished in high-Victorian style, with the best in country house design and planning. Discover two sides of Victorian life from the kitchens, nurseries and servants’ quarters to the luxurious family areas, elegant dining room and spacious bedrooms.
Godolphin House, near helston
Rich in archaeology and wildlife, Godolphin house and gardens offers a chance to step back in time to the 17th century. One of the most fashionable houses in Cornwall during this era, soak up the atmosphere of peace and antiquity as you explore this romantic home.
Paradise Park, hayle
There’s so much to do at Paradise Park. With over 140 species and a total of over 650 birds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Daily events include eagles of paradise displays, the free flying bird show, penguin feeding and so much more. Come rain or shine, you’ll have fun at Paradise Park.
Truro Cathedral
Designed by architect John Loughborough Pearson, Truro Cathedral is one of only three cathedrals in the UK which has three spires. Completed in 1910, it’s a magnificent example of gothic revival architecture. A must-see place to visit with free entry when the weather isn’t behaving!
