Things to do in Cornwall when it rains: 13 best rainy day activities with the kids
From the shores of St Ives to the cathedral city of Truro, the best-laid plans for a sunny West Country beach holiday will often go awry given the UK’s not-so-reliable weather.
You may have thought you’d be eating ice cream on the beach or enjoying the views while hiking along the North Shore, but during bad weather, it’s best to remind yourself that this is what keeps everything green and beautiful. But whether it’s pouring, windy or a gentle drizzle (the Cornish name for fog and drizzle), there are options.
While some are still happily surfing, swimming and exploring in the rain, bad weather has the potential to make your day miserable. We’ve put together a list of some of the best options to ensure you can enjoy the day even when the clouds darken.
From child-friendly learning activities to a relaxed afternoon tea with a view, here are some of the best activities to do when the sun refuses to rise in England’s southernmost county.
The best things to do in Cornwall when it’s raining
1. Go underground
close to Penzance, Geevor A tin mine that has remained largely untouched since its closure in 1990. The site includes a museum and mine tour suitable for children and adults.
In the north, on Bodmin Moor, there is Carnglaze Cavesa former slate mine that offers self-guided underground tours of its three large caves (quarries) and a turquoise-colored underground lake.
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2. Walk through the biome
There’s a walk down from the car park to get around first, but most of the action is Heaven Project It’s set within giant biomes, so you can remind yourself that you’re on vacation when you step into the Mediterranean region and tropical rainforests. The training center is also in a closed area.
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3. Get involved in some art
Tate St Ives Tate is on the beach so there’s not much that can go wrong. Moreover, it is extremely child-friendly, with activities for children and tips to introduce them to art; which means rain could inspire the next Tracey Emin. Don’t miss it when in St Ives Barbara Hepworth Museumor – there is a sculpture garden outside as well as a collection inside.
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4. Go to a vintage cinema
Royal Wadebridge’s has been running for 87 years, Truro’s Plaza It opened in 1936. Don’t worry, they’ve both been refurbished and are screening a wide range of films, from blockbusters to livestreams from London theatres. Cornwall Hall There is also a good live entertainment programme.
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5. Smell the coffee
Cornwall has a solid coffee scene with local roasters origin leading the pack (there’s an outlet in Shoreditch – high praise for sure). Electric Oven Bude has caused excitement since its opening in 2019. 108 Great in Truro too.
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6. See wildlife
of Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium It has everything from things you’d find in Cornish waters to more exotic animals such as giant loggerhead turtles, reef sharks and puffer fish. Its beachside location means you can get out in no time when the sun pops up.
During Newquay Zoo is another popular wildlife attraction, it’s not all indoors. If you still want wildlife fixed, Cornish Seal Sanctuary It is located near the village of Gweek and gives you the chance to see rescued seals up close.
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7. Go to the museum
Even if you’re not the museum type, National Maritime Museum Cornwall Falmouth is actually worth a visit. Situated in the world’s third largest deepwater port, it starts with a local focus before expanding into the UK’s maritime history. Try for something a little darker Bodmin PrisonA museum that closed in 1927 and is now a bit spooky. Do you like execution stories and walking past dark cells? If so, this is definitely the one for you.
For unreconstructed enthusiasts, Telegraph Museum At Porthcurno, where the first submarine cable was laid in 1870. There are also World War II tunnels to explore. If you’re after something a little different, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle has exhibitions dedicated to folk magic, Freemasonry and European witchcraft.
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8. Hit the waves
Although you can’t soak up the sun in the rain, a dose of mizzle can make surfing more atmospheric. But this is probably not the ideal way for beginners to learn, and always check that conditions are safe (a solid red flag means no entering the water). Otherwise, Cornwall’s only Flowrider wave simulator is out and about. Retallack Resort Near St Columb.
Read more: The best hotels in Newquay for surfing and Cornish coastal views
9. Go to the bar
Cornwall has a fine line in atmospheric pubs. try Turk’s Head And Admiral Benbow in Penzance, Blue Anchor in Helston, Tinner’s Arms in Zennor and Old Inn At St Breward’s on Bodmin Moor (Sunday carvery is the best escape from the rain). Watering Hole Perranporth is actually on the beach; So if you can walk there, you can see the sea view despite the weather conditions.
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10. Drink cream tea with a view
There are few better excuses for cake than bad weather, but combine cake with the view and you’ll get the best of both (sugary, holiday) worlds. at the top of the list Boscastle Farm ShopSituated on the headland north of Boscastle, it has unparalleled views of the coastline from its floor-to-ceiling windows. There are two hotels overlooking the cliffs surrounding Mawgan Porth, serving good cream teas – Redfor adults only and Bedruthan Hotel & SpaAlmost exclusively for families, this Carlyon Bay Hotel Located near St Austell, this restaurant attracts an older clientele but has stunning views from the tearoom. in St Mawes, tresanton Cream teas are served in the bar and restaurant overlooking the water.
near Wadebridge, ‘Strong Adolfos’ The cake game is really strong and the views of the surrounding areas are beautiful, if not iconic. Same goes for Trevathan Farm Shop near Port Isaac.
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11. Try the area’s best restaurants
Celebrity chef Rick Stein owns several restaurants in Cornwall; their flagship Seafood Restaurant in Padstow (along with four other restaurants in the town). Padstow also has a Michelin star restaurant. number 6 and managed by Paul Ainsworth), while Port Isaac has both Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen And Outlaw’s New Way.
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12. Taste the best of Cornish wine
Cornwall is home to many excellent vineyards and wineries. If you’re going on a couples trip or the kids are busy doing something else, why not try some of the region’s wines? Two of the best tours that spend a lot of time indoors are: Knight (near St Austell) and Trevibban Mill (near Padstow).
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13. Treat children
If you’ve got the kids with you, Cornwall also has a variety of options for activity-packed days indoors. of Truro Gamer Ready Virtual Reality Arcade will be a popular choice for video game fans and Paradise Park Forest Preserve While there is a large indoor play area for younger children, Country Skittles It is one of the few bowling alleys in the area.
This work was first published in April 2025 and has been revised and updated.
