10 things to do when it rains in Cornwall
Today’s post is all about things to do when it rains in Cornwall. We all know that when the Summer holidays hit then it’s bound to rain (maybe from the exception of last summer) and we’re stuck on what to do. Even as a local on many occasions I can find it difficult what to do with myself when it’s raining let alone when you have guests and want to entertain them!
Let’s face it most people come to Cornwall for the beaches however, when it’s raining that doesn’t seem so appealing. So I have put together a list of places to go for when the weather is not so good on your holidays and hopefully you can avoid getting wet.
1. Eden Project
If you have never been to the Eden Project before and it also happens to be a rainy day then go! The Eden Project is an incredible place and even though I’ve been hundreds of times I still enjoy going. Most of Eden is indoors, there is a mediterranean and tropical biome, the core, cafes, shops and normally an activity. In the winter it’s ice skating and in the summer it tends to be an interactive children’s exhibition of some sorts, in the past years they have done space and dinosaurs.
Check out my previous Eden Project blog posts here and here.
2. Blue Reef Aquarium
Now I’ve been to the Blue Reef Aquarium a couple of times when I was a child but haven’t been since. From what I can remember is that it is a pretty sweet aquarium that isn’t that big, so don’t think you can spend the whole day there! However, it is located right on Towan beach so if the rain does clear up you can go for a lovely walk or explore Newquay’s town. I leave a link the the aquarium here.
3. Lanhydrock
Lanydrock is a country house and estate located near Bodmin, Cornwall. It’s owned by the National Trust so if you’re a member then it’s free entry! I think it’s the perfect thing to do on a drizzly day as you can explore the massive wealthy Jacobean house as well as its grounds. I have done a blog post all about Lanhydrock which you can find here.
4. National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is a great educational indoor activity to do while it rains in Cornwall. Like many museums they have many exhibitions which chop and change meaning that you never get bored. When I last went in 2017 they had a tattoo exhibition which was very interesting and beautiful to look at. Also with the Maritime Museum once you pay you get free entry for the year!
5. Tate – St Ives
For those of you who enjoy art, I would highly recommend visiting the Tate in St Ives. Although it is not a very big art gallery, it is in the most beautiful of setting. Even it is pouring it down with rain and don’t fancy bracing the conditions you can sit and watch the waves from the lovely cafe on the top floor. Again I will link a blog post I did on the Tate and St Ives here.
6. Bowling
Of course bowling is something you can alway do rain or shine. If you’re staying in a hotel or caravan park they may have their own bowling alley. However, if not then there are two main bowling alleys I visit, Truro Bowl and Ozzel Bowl in St Austell.
7. Swimming
When it’s raining outside you can go wrong with getting wet inside! Some of my favourite swimming pools to visit when I was child were: Oasis – Hendra holiday park in Newquay. Waterworld in Newquay and Ships and Castles in Falmouth.
8. Cinema
If all else fails and you really want to keep dry there is always the cinema. In the Summer holidays there is always children’s films that are released. In Cornwall there is a chain of cinema called WTW Cinemas with theatres in St Austell, Newquay, Wadebridge and Truro.
9. Retallack Aqua Park
Now this looks like so much fun! I’ve never done it before but have heard of friends who have and they absolutely loved it. I know it’s outdoors but they provide you with a wetsuit so you will be able to keep warm and well you’re getting wet anyway.
10. Bodyboarding/ Surfing
I reoccurring theme if you’re going to get wet you must as well embrace it! Still go bodyboarding and Surfing, yeah it may not be a relaxing beach day but you can still pop in the sea for an hour and then go somewhere nice and warm to dry off. Honestly if you’re in a wetsuit and in the sea it does feel a lot warmer than if you were out, trust me. Don’t let the rain spoil your plans or holidays!
Other posts
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on 10 things to do when it rains in Cornwall. I hope you have a lovely time regardless of the weather. If you enjoyed this post on Cornwall, you might also enjoy these: St Mawes, Charlestown, Falmouth, St Ives, Padstow, Polperro and Looe.
Lots of love, Melissa x
