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Whilst Cornwall is renowned for its sunny day outdoor activities, you will also find plenty of things to do in Cornwall in the rain if your caught with a few days of bad weather. From throwing on your wellington boots and waterproofs for a coastal walk, through to choosing one of the many indoor activities Cornwall has on offer, such as hunkering down in one of the county’s fantastic cosy pubs. The rainy day activities vary hugely, which is why we’ve pulled together a list of Cornwall’s things to do when it rains, to help inspire your next Cornish adventure, on a wet day.
Indoor Activities
There is more to this county than you first think and it is only when you start to look around and use your imagination that you end up stumbling across some great things to do indoors on a wet weather day.
Eden Project
This is perfect for family days out in Cornwall, particularly as a rainy day activity. All of your senses will be telling you that you’re outside when you’re in the biomes, with their perfectly formed tropical and Mediterranean biomes to explore. After you’ve walked around the indoor gardens, why not head to one of their fabulous cafes, serving healthy food and drinks. Alternatively, if it is a rainy day in the Cornish winter, you can throw on some skates and enjoy their covered ice rink! Available to book from October to February.1
Fancy exploring the area after your visit? If you want a change of scene, we recommend heading down to Charlestown for a spot of lunch. This pretty harbour village is just ten minutes from St Austell, making it a easy trip from the Eden Project. Plus, there is a big car park right in the centre of the village, meaning you won’t have to walk far in the wet weather to reach a nice café or pub!
St Austell, near the Eden Project, also has a great leisure centre. So if you are looking to make more of your visit when you’re in the area, this is a great place to stop on a rainy day, particularly with young children as they have a great soft play area and a nice swimming pool.2
- Address: Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG
- Grid reference: SX 04870 54739
- What3Words: ridiculed.loaded.restores
Bodmin Jail
This 18th-century jail in North Cornwall makes a great family day out on a rainy day. You can choose to do a self-guided tour, a guided tour or try their immersive experience! They also put on additional shows and experiences, such as spooky ghost experiences in October for Halloween! Bodmin Jail is open daily from 9:30am – 18:00.3
- Address: Berrycoombe Rd, Bodmin PL31 2NR
- Grid reference: SX 06507 67460
- What3Words: being.losses.maybe
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Well worth a visit on a rainy day, both for the museum itself but also as a good excuse to visit the picturesque harbour village of Boscastle on the same outing, where the museum is located. With over 3,000 weird and wonderful relics in their collection, prepare yourself to get lost in the magic and mystery of witchcraft, whilst forgetting all about the bracing wet weather going on outside. They are open daily from 10:00 – 17:30 between April – October.4
Address: The Harbour, Boscastle PL35 0HD
Grid reference: SX 09749 91347
What3Words: funky.shadows.snowmen
Raze the Roof
The town of Penryn has recently been named one of the best places to live in the South West by the Times,5 and for good reason. Not only does the old high street have fantastic food and drink choices, along with vintage shops and art galleries, but on the periphery you have some brilliant offerings for a fun day with the family when it is raining. Firstly, let us tell you about Raze the Roof. They provide soft play, virtual reality games and laser tag all under one roof, making it a great place to visit if you have little ones or older children who need entertaining on a wet weather day. The café on site is good, but if you’re looking for something a little more substantial, you only have to walk next door to Verdant Tap Room and enjoy a pint and a pizza. They also have a play area for kids inside and a wood burner to sit by in the winter months.6
Second up, you have BoulderRyn (a play on words of ‘Bouldering’ and ‘Penryn’). A fun way to challenge yourself and turn your hand to climbing, all from the comfort of the warm, dry indoors! They welcome guests from the age of 8 upwards. It is a pay as you go system and they welcome walk ins, seven days a week.7
- Address: 30a Parkengue, Kernick Rd, Penryn TR10 9EP
- Grid reference: SW 77083 34220
- What3Words: swing.safely.sage
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Locally, the National Maritime Museum is a known go-to place with young children on a rainy day! Located in Falmouth, the museum is perfectly positioned right on the water, overlooking Falmouth harbour, with plenty to look at, even on a rainy day. Inside the space is vast, hosting interactive exhibits throughout the year as well as its impressive permanent exhibition on show year-round. The café is good, but you also have many great food options on your doorstep in Events Square, from fish and chips to pizza. It is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a decent afternoon’s entertainment for the whole family.8
They are open daily from 10:00 – 17:00 apart from a few days over Christmas. It is also close to the Falmouth Docks train station, which is great if you’re travelling from Truro, Perranwell or Penryn.
- Address: Discovery Quay, Falmouth TR11 3QY
- Grid reference: SW 81398 32421
- What3Words: cheer.rating.films
Carnglaze Caverns
On the edge of Bodmin Moor, in Liskeard, you’ll find one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. Carnglaze Caverns were a quarry, but 300 years ago, miners became a little more hands on and dug three caverns that you can now visit and enjoy today. If you do venture here on a wet day but fancy a little more exploring, they also have a woodland walk with mystical creatures to spot along the way! Plus, if you go in May, you can enjoy the bluebell display (if you’re interested in bluebell displays, take a look at our Best Bluebell Woods in Cornwall blog).
They are open daily from 10:00 – 18:00 during the school holidays, with reduced hours the rest of the year.9
- Address: Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, Liskeard PL14 6HQ
- Grid reference: SX 18693 66780
- What3Words: slime.provide.reliving
Outdoor Adventures
It is hard to know what to do in Cornwall in bad weather if you still hope to get a little fresh air and explore the county’s natural beauty. That’s why we have pulled together a few rainy day ideas that involve a bit of the great outdoors.
Lanhydrock, National Trust
With a great mix of things to see both indoors and out, Lanhydrock makes a perfect place to visit on a wet day in Cornwall. Built in the Victorian era, Lanhydrock House shares its incredible interiors with visitors, including its art collection, and a vast number of rooms. If you’re feeling brave and don’t mind a little rain, you can also walk around the beautiful manicured gardens or walk around the 1,000 acres of parkland. Alternatively, if you really don’t mind getting a little wet and muddy, you can choose to cycle the parklands too!
This impressive National Trust property also offers great facilities, including a cafe, second-hand book shop, gift shop and plant centre. It is also worth noting that some of the areas are accessible by wheelchair.
It is open daily and the outside areas are dog friendly. It is worth checking their opening times on their website before visiting as it varies throughout the year.10
Address: Bodmin PL30 4AB
Grid reference: SX 08585 63589
What3Words: shuffle.reconnect.saunas
See: Exploring National Trust Cornwall: Top 10 Places to Visit
Paradise Park
This award-winning wildlife sanctuary not only has amazing and colourful birds and unusual wildlife from all over the world, but it also offers visitors a fantastic indoor play area, meaning you can enjoy activities both outside and in on a rainy day. Located in Hayle, you also aren’t far from Hayle Towans, if you want to really blow away the cobwebs, and further along only a few miles away you’ll find the arty town of Penzance. Perfect for a spot of lunch after a morning’s activities at Paradise Park.
The opening hours vary so it is worth checking their website when planning a visit.11
- Address: 16 Trelissick Rd, Hayle TR27 4HY
- Grid reference: SW 55551 36616
- What3Words: domestic.showrooms.bland
Sea Life Sanctuary
Experience all sorts of sea life at the Sea Life Sanctuary, located in South West Cornwall in the village of Gweek. This is a charity, rescuing sick and destressed seals, taking them in and caring for them, before releasing animals into the wild when they’re ready. On your visit, you won’t only see seals either. You’ll also spy otters and even puffins and find out all about the wildlife in our waters. It is well worth a visit, come rain or shine.12
It is open daily from 10:00 – 17:00
Address: Gweek, TR12 6UG
Grid reference: SW 70812 26599
What3Words: different.rocks.dined
Water Sports at Retallack Resort
If you’re hoping for some fun family-friendly water sports activities to fully embrace getting wet on a rainy day then Retallack Resort is your place! Offering ‘FlowRider’, a surf simulator, wakeboarding and a Total Wipeout-style inflatable adventure park on water, there is something fun and challenging for all ages! Its location also makes it an appealing option if you’re on holiday on the north coast, with the resort only a short drive away from Padstow, Newquay and Wadebridge.13
- Address: Winnard’s Perch, St Columb Major, Saint Columb TR9 6DE
- Grid reference: SW 93264 65914
- What3Words: depravity.fruits.depth
Cosy Pubs and Places to Eat
One of the most enjoyable activities on a rainy day, not only in Cornwall but anywhere in the UK, is going to a cosy pub. Whether you’re stopping for a pint, to read a book fireside, or for a full Sunday roast, there is no cosier more comforting place to be than an English pub on a wet day. We’ve picked two of our favourites places to escape to on a wet day.
The Gurnard’s Head
Perched just inland from the far west coast of Cornwall, in between St Ives and Penzance, is the Gurnard’s Head. If you fancy working up an appetite first, the coastal walks from the doorstep are fantastic, walking along rugged cliffs and low-lying Cornish hedges. Then, after you’ve soaked up the sea air and wet weather, you can enjoy the warm hug of the Gurnard’s Head. The pub food is very good, with fantastic roasts on Sunday. And if you want to really treat yourself, you can book a room here for the night, and feast the next day too! We do advise you book, because it is a popular pub.14
Address: Zennor, Saint Ives TR26 3DE
Grid reference: SW 43571 37574
What3Words: sparrows.from.players
Headland Hotel
This striking red-brick Victorian five-star hotel is perched on the cliffs on the north coast of Cornwall, above Fistral Beach. As soon as you enter, you’ll forget all about the rainy day outside, with an open fire roaring away and the warmth of the colourful interiors surrounding you.
They have several spaces for drinks and dining, all with their own unique design and atmosphere, and nearly all of them with incredible sea views. One of the must-visits, in our opinion, is The Ballroom, to indulge in a cream tea. Lounge on a comfy sofa or armchair with a cup of tea and delicious scone whilst the wet weather outside whisks along the coast; heaven.15
- Address: Fistral Beach, Headland Rd, Newquay, TR7 1EW
- Grid reference: SW 80100 62438
- What3Words: stray.minimums.bloodshot
Shopping
If you’ve had your fair share of rainy day attractions and quite fancy just meandering around a pretty town and indulging in a little retail therapy, then a shopping trip is often an appealing wet weather activity in Cornwall.
St Ives
Even on a rainy day, St Ives still manages to look a little tropical, with the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This picturesque north coast harbour town is great for a day out in wet weather. Wander the cobbled streets, exploring the galleries and independent shops as you go is easily doable on a rainy day as the main street is small with many tempting shops and cafes to dip into. Alternatively, you can while away the afternoon at the fantastic Tate St Ives. The gallery has a great permanent exhibition and always has other exhibitions and events to enjoy throughout the year too. There is a children’s creative play area, a lovely shop and a great cafe, overlooking Porthmeor Beach.16
The Tate St Ives is open daily from 10:00 – 17:20.
- Address: Station Car Park, St Ives, TR26 2BH
- Grid reference: SW 51949 40212
- What3Words: visual.swells.stood
Newquay
A town with so much on offer for families visiting on a rainy day. The shopping is great, with a great mix of the old-school surf shops along with a new wave of more contemporary independent shops. From vintage clothes shops, such as The Love of Lemons, to more scandi homeware stores, the variety in this eclectic town makes it a great shopping experience on a wet weather day.
If you’re planning to make a day of it with the family, there are plenty of attractions in Newquay too, with Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Zoo in and near the town centre, and Newquay Trampoline and Play Park nearby too.
Address: Albany Road, Newquay, TR7 2NQ
Grid reference: SW 81713 61762
What3Words: tilts.undertook.clouding
Conclusion
Having done some research into wet weather activities in Cornwall, it quickly became apparent that come rain or shine, you will always have plenty of ways to enjoy a day out in this brilliant county. From cultural experiences, to embracing the elements, or purely just a little simple fun with the family, there really is something for everyone to enjoy on a rainy day in Cornwall.
Article Sources
- Eden Project (no date). edenproject.com. Available at: https://www.edenproject.com/visit/things-to-do (Accessed 24 October 2025) Eden Project[↩]
- St Austell Leisure Centre (no date). Dayoutwiththekids.co.uk Available at: https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/attractions/st-austell-leisure-centre-aceea263 (Accessed 28 October 2025) St Austell Leisure[↩]
- Bodmin Jail (no date). bodminjail.org. Available at: https://www.bodminjail.org/ (Accessed 24 October 2025) Bodmin Jail[↩]
- Museum of Witchcraft and Magic (no date). museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk. Available at: https://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/visit/ (Accessed 24 October 2025) Museum of Witchcraft and Magic[↩]
- Best Places to Live (March 2025). The Times. Available at: https://www.thetimes.com/best-places-to-live/southwest-england/article/penryn-cornwall-area-guide-pzjs5twl3 (Accessed 24 October 2025) The Times[↩]
- Verdant Brewing (no date). verdantbrewing.co. Available at: https://verdantbrewing.co/ (Accessed 24 October 2025) Verdant Brewing[↩]
- Boulderryn (no date). boulderryn.co.uk. Available at: https://boulderryn.co.uk/ (Accessed 24 October 2025) Boulderryn[↩]
- National Maritime Museum Cornwall (no date). nmmc.co.uk. Available at: https://nmmc.co.uk/ (Accessed 24 October 2025) National Maritime Museum Cornwall[↩]
- Carnglaze Caverns (no date). carnglaze.com. Available at: https://www.carnglaze.com/ (Accessed 26 October 2025) Carnglaze Caverns[↩]
- Lanhydrock (no date). nationaltrust.org.uk. Available at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lanhydrock (Accessed 26 October 2025) National Trust[↩]
- Paradise Park (no date). paradisepark.org.uk. Available at: https://paradisepark.org.uk/ (Accessed 26 October 2025) Paradise Park[↩]
- Seal Sanctuary (no date). sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org. Available at: https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/ (Accessed 26 October 2025) Seal Sanctuary[↩]
- Retallack Resort (no date). retallackcornwall.com. Available at: https://www.retallackcornwall.com/ (Accessed 28 October 2025) Retallack Resort[↩]
- Gurnard’s Head (no date). gurnardshead.co.uk. Available at: https://www.gurnardshead.co.uk/Home.aspx (Accessed 28 October 2025) Gurnard’s Head[↩]
- Headland Hotel (no date). headlandhotel.co.uk. Available at: https://www.headlandhotel.co.uk/ (Accessed 28 October 2025) Headland Hotel[↩]
- Tate St Ives (no date). tate.org.uk. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives (Accessed 28 October 2025) Tate St Ives[↩]
Frequently Asked Questions
You have plenty of choice when it comes to planning activities for a rainy day in Cornwall. From soft play areas and indoor attractions, through to water sports activities, shopping or simply hunkering down in a cosy pub for a Sunday roast. Plan ahead and make the most of the wet weather in Cornwall.
If it’s raining, Newquay has some great family friendly attractions to do indoors, including Blue Reef Aquarium and Newquay Trampoline and Play Park. If you don’t mind a little rain, then Newquay Zoo is worth a visit, as is the town itself, with a great selection of independent shops.
It is well worth visiting Retallack Resort if you’re looking for something fun to do on a rainy day near Padstow. They have a great choice water sports activities, including a surf simulator, wakeboarding and a water adventure park.
The Eden Project is a great place to visit in the rain. The biomes are fully covered, and there are several other areas you can visit that are uncover too, such as the cafe, the shop and the incredible Core building, often displaying interesting exhibitions. It is worth noting that you will need to walk outside in between the spaces so go prepared with an umbrella or raincoat.
Some of the most popular attractions to visit are the Eden Project and the National Maritime Museum. If you’re looking for cultural history attractions, check out the Geevor Tin Mine, or the Museum of Global Communication, at Porthcurno. For family friendly indoor attractions, Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium is popular, as is the Tate St Ives.
Yes — Cornwall is absolutely worth visiting in the rain. In fact, wet weather can make the landscape even more dramatic, with moody coastlines, roaring waterfalls, and fewer crowds. You can still enjoy top attractions like coastal drives, historic castles, museums, and cosy pubs with fireplaces.
Why it’s worth it:
- Dramatic scenery in the rain (especially the cliffs and beaches)
- More peaceful, fewer tourists
- Great indoor options: museums, galleries, historic houses, and spas
- Rainy weather makes Cornwall feel more atmospheric and authentic
Tip: Pack waterproof layers and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities to make the most of your trip.
Cornwall gets the most rain in autumn and winter, with October to January typically being the wettest months. During this time, stormy Atlantic weather brings heavy showers, strong winds, and longer rainy spells.
Spring and summer are usually drier, though Cornwall can still get occasional showers year-round due to its coastal climate.
For a rainy trip to Cornwall, pack waterproof essentials and warm layers.
Must-haves: waterproof jacket, waterproof boots, warm jumper, umbrella or rain hat, quick-dry clothes, and a waterproof bag.
Optional: thermal layers and a portable charger.
This keeps you dry and comfortable while exploring Cornwall in the rain.
Yes — Cornwall has unique rainy-day experiences that make wet weather feel special, not limiting.
Top rainy-day activities:
- Explore Cornwall’s museums and art galleries (many are world-class)
- Visit historic castles and stately homes with indoor tours
- Go underground in mines or caves (safe and dramatic in the rain)
- Enjoy cosy Cornish pubs with fireplaces
- Try a spa day or indoor surfing
- Discover indoor food markets and artisan shops
These experiences are perfect for rainy days and showcase Cornwall’s culture, history, and coastal charm.
Yes, you can still enjoy coastal walks in Cornwall in the rain, but it’s best with the right gear. Rain makes the cliffs and beaches look more dramatic, and there are usually fewer crowds.
Tips for rainy coastal walks:
- Wear a waterproof jacket and boots
- Stick to marked trails and avoid slippery cliff edges
- Check the weather forecast and tides
- Bring layers and a waterproof bag
With proper preparation, rainy coastal walks can be one of the most memorable Cornwall experiences.
Here’s a 3-day rainy day Cornwall itinerary that still lets you enjoy the best of the region.
Day 1: Museums & History
Visit St Ives Tate, National Maritime Museum Cornwall, or Truro Museum, then explore a historic castle or stately home.
Day 2: Indoor coastal charm
Drive the coast and stop at seafood restaurants, artisan shops, and indoor markets. Finish with a cosy pub dinner.
Day 3: Adventure indoors
Try indoor surfing, a spa day, or explore caves and mines like the Eden Project (indoors) or Geevor Mine.
Tip: Focus on indoor attractions, coastal drives, and cosy food stops to make the most of a rainy Cornwall trip.
Written by
Penelope’s background in marketing and literature, combined with her love of all things Cornwall, makes it a real joy for her to write about local towns, places to visit, and sights to see in this beautiful corner of the UK. Brought up on the south coast of Cornwall on an arable farm, Penelope’s passion for the natural landscape and local communities shines through in her writing, particularly when creating guides to the best things to do at different times of the year.
10 articles published on Cornwall.co.uk
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