15 things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall
Golden beaches, epic waves and stunning coastal views just aren’t as fun in the rain! We hear you. Here are 15 rainy day activities to get stuck into when things get soggy.
Get creative: art and culture
Tate St Ives, St Ives
The granddaddy of all Cornish art galleries, Tate St Ives is a great place to while away a wet morning or afternoon. Discover 100 years of art, celebrating how West Cornwall has welcomed and inspired artists and revealing new connections to artists from around the world.
Fish Factory Art Space, Penrhyn, Falmouth
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The Fish Factory is a multi-function arts space hosting public events and exhibitions from gigs, talks and sales to workshops, fairs and screenings. Wander around the gallery and enjoy a coffee, lunch or tea in the colourful cafe afterwards.
Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle, near Bude
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This unique seasonal museum on Boscastle’s harbourside explores the history of witchcraft and magic in Cornwall and Britain. World renowned for its collection of witchcraft-related artefacts and occult art, it reopens for spring/summer 2023 on 1 April.
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
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Time to buckle your swashes! New for 2023 at the NME is a thrilling exhibition on pirates. Dashing, daring and adventurous or bloodthirsty, immoral and greedy – were 18th-century pirates the heroes of the age or no more than callous cut-throats? There’s also loads more to enrich your understanding of the sea and Cornwall.
PK Porthcurno, Porthcurno, Penzance
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The rain may stop you from enjoying Porthcurno, one of Cornwall’s picturesque beaches, but you can admire the view from PK Porthcurno. This interactive museum explores the amazing story of our connected world, and how a tranquil valley in Cornwall became host to the past, present and future of worldwide communications.
The Shipwreck Museum, Charlestown
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Is it gold? Is it adventure? Is it the find, or the journey it took to get there? Find out about Cornwall’s past and the treasure found in wrecked vessels along its shores. The Shipwreck Museum also looks into Arctic exploration with the Shackleton photography exhibition and how cutting-edge technology has changed shipwreck hunting for archaeologists in polar regions.
History lesson: museums, stately homes and mines
Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
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Built in 1779, Bodmin Jail is a landmark historical site in the heart of Cornwall. Showcasing the rich and darkly fascinating legacy of Georgian and Victorian crime and punishment, the jail is an immersive experience for all the family (but not very young children). Expect heritage tours as well as paranormal experiences!
Lanhydrock House and Garden, Bodmin
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Take a step back into history and see how a wealthy family would have lived in late Victorian Cornwall. From stunningly decorated bedrooms and the detailed children’s nursery to immense kitchens, sumptuous dining rooms and the famous tiger skin in the billiard room, Lanhydrock is the perfect rainy day activity for all the family. Enjoy a snippet here.
Carnglaze Caverns, near Bodmin Moor
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Discover Cornwall’s bluest water away from the coast. Set among eight acres of ancient oak woodland in the steep-sided Loveny Valley on the southern edge of Bodmin Moor, Carnglaze showcases three caverns created by miners 300 years ago. The third cavern is now flooded and forms an underground lake, with its crystal-clear aquamarine water.
Nature and sustainability: eco and animals
Eden, St Austell
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From barren former clay mine to beautiful global garden, Eden’s rainforest and Mediterranean biomes are a great way to stay warm and dry when the Cornish weather goes south. There are places for the whole family to rest, play and eat, and opportunities to pick up inspiring ideas to take home on how to care for the planet.
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
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Take a journey from the Cornish coast, to exotic seas in faraway lands at Newquay’s aquarium.
Come face to fin with freshwater turtles, meet some creepy caiman and check out funky fish from all over the world. Experience what it’s like to be under the sea by taking a walk through the underwater tunnel – you may even spot a reef shark lurking in the depths.
National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow
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Learn all about lobsters and the pioneering marine conservation work that enhances the wild lobster population in our seas. View the lobster hatchery and maternity suite where baby lobsters are nurtured until release – you can even adopt your own lobster and track its life cycle online.
Retail therapy: places to shop under cover
The Shipyard Market, Porthleven
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Seeking out independent Cornish brands in a place where chilled tunes, community vibes and creativity flows? Head to the Shipyard where you can buy everything from local art and kimonos to gin, vegan smoothies, dahl and poke bowls.
Hawksfield Cornwall, Wadebridge
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Hawksfield is a retail park with a difference. It’s a fresh and exciting stop on the Atlantic Highway (AKA the A39) for food, coffee, shopping, classic cars, bikes and art. Browse the clothes at Cornish Instagram influencers’ fave Finisterre, select some yummy eats at speciality food and wine purveyor The Arc and try on the vintage threads at Mooch.
Lemon Street Market, Truro
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This light and airy covered lifestyle market is split across two levels of shops and cafes. Browse the Refill Store for store cupboard essentials and contemporary homewares at Illustrated Living and Wishlist. There are great sweet and savoury treats at Fig and Cafe Villa when you’re all shopped out.
When the rain pours, stay indoors! Stock up on some local treats and hunker down in your Cornish holiday cottage next to the fire.
View all our cosy holiday cottages here.
Driftwood | Owl’s Rest | Trelawney Cottage | Martha’s Harbour