27 Things to do in Cornwall in the Rain

While we all imagine that when we visit Cornwall the sun will shine and the weather will be glorious it’s not always the case.  And that’s why you’re here.  Looking for things to do in Cornwall in the rain. Don’t let a bit of wet weather get in the way of your fun.  Cornwall is full of plenty of activities and attractions that will keep you entertained when it starts to pour down.  We have you covered.  Here are 27 things to do in Cornwall in the rain.

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Cornwall is an amazing place to visit, but despite all the fabulous photos you see the sun doesn’t shine every day.  Sometimes we have rain. But when it does rain, there are also some fabulous things to do in Cornwall.  And we’ve pulled them all together.  Well perhaps not all of them, but a good number.  Here are 27 fun things to do when it rains in Cornwall.

27 Things to do in Cornwall in the Rain

Cornwall is glorious.  And the weather here is wonderful.  But it’s not the case all year round.  And you need to have a plan in case the sun isn’t shining for your entire visit.  Rain in Cornwall isn’t the end of the world.  But it can put a stop to some of the activities that you’ve planned.  So here you go. Here are some alternatives – 27 things to do in Cornwall in the rain.

1. Explore the National Maritime Museum when it rains in Cornwall

The National Maritime Museum in Cornwall is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the history of seafaring and the maritime world. The UK’s National Maritime Museum is located in Falmouth, Cornwall and houses an impressive collection of artefacts from shipwrecks, vessels, navigation equipment and more. (There’s more about what to see and do in Falmouth in our guide here).  Visiting this museum is one of the top things to do in Falmouth and it’s here that you can learn about historic naval battles, discover stories from sailors’ lives as well as see displays on marine animals and their habitats. With interactive exhibits and activities for all ages, it’s a great place to spend some time learning about our shared seafaring heritage.

• Address of the National Maritime Museum: Discovery Quay, Falmouth TR11 3QY
• Entrance fee for the National Maritime Museum: Adults – £15.50, Children – £7.75, Under 5s – Free
• Opening times of the National Maritime Museum: 10 am – 5 pm daily

2. Head to the Royal Cornwall Museum when it’s raining in Cornwall

The Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro is one of the oldest museums in the county and houses a vast collection of artefacts, artwork, and archaeological remains. With exhibits on Cornish history, geology, natural history, fine art, and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while they explore this historic building. Plus, with activities like creative workshops and family trails, it’s a great place to keep the kids entertained on a wet day.  Honestly. If you’re in Truro and you don’t visit you’re missing out.

• Address of the Royal Cornwall Museum: 25 River St, Truro TR1 2SJ
• Entrance fee for the Royal Cornwall Museum: 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesdays – Saturdays
• Opening times for the Royal Cornwall Museum: Adults – £7.50, Under 18s – Free

3. Explore Cornwall’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum near St Austell

The Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown, Cornwall is a historical museum that’s home to over 8,000 unique artefacts from more than 150 shipwrecks.  It’s a great (and easy) place to visit if you’re staying in St Austell.  And you can explore a variety of items including coins, jewellery, tools, and more while they learn about Cornwall’s seafaring past. This fabulous museum in St Austell has interactive displays and activities for all ages, it’s the perfect place to learn about our shared maritime history in a fun and engaging way – even on a rainy day, so if you’re looking for fab things to do in St Austell, come on down.

• Address: of the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Cornwall: Quay Rd, Charlestown Rd, Saint Austell PL25 3NJ
• Entrance fee for the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Cornwall: Adult Ticket – £6.50, Child – £3.50, Under 5’s – FREE
• Opening Hours for Cornwall’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum: 

4. Explore Bodmin Jail when it rains

Bodmin Jail is a historic former prison situated in Bodmin, Cornwall. Built in 1779 and closed in 1927, a large range of buildings have since fallen into ruin – but parts of the prison have been turned into a tourist attraction as well as more recently another large part has been converted into a hotel.   

You can explore the dungeon, courtrooms and prison cells, learning about the history of crime and punishment in Cornwall. With interactive exhibits and activities for all ages, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon – even if it’s raining outside. There’s more on what to do in Bodmin here.

• Address of Bodmin Jail: Berrycoombe Rd, Bodmin PL31 2NR
• Entrance fee for Bodmin Jail: Tickets from £18.50
• Opening times for Bodmin Jail: 9.30 am-4.30 pm daily

5. Head to Jamaica Inn

Jamaica Inn is a traditional coaching inn located on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, UK. Built in 1750, this historic building has been traditionally associated with pirates and smugglers. It was the setting for Daphne du Maurier’s 1936 novel Jamaica Inn ( a favourite book about Cornwall) and Tori Amos’s 2005 song of the same name.

Today, spend a rainy afternoon at the Inn imagining what this historic place must have been like during its smuggling era. It’s also said to be one of the most haunted places in Cornwall, so maybe you’ll spot a ghost or two.

• Address of Jamaica Inn: Bolventor, Launceston PL15 7TS
• Opening times of Jamaica Inn: 7.30 am – 11 pm daily

6. Explore PK Porthcurno

Also known as the Porthcurno telegraph museum, PK Porthcurno is a museum near Penzance. It’s home to an impressive collection of artefacts from the world-famous submarine telegraph cables which were brought ashore at this unique location over 150 years ago. You can explore the science that made global communications possible and discover how digital technology has changed the world.

• Address of PK Porthcurno: Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance TR19 6JX
• Opening times of PK Porthcurno: 11 am – 3.30 pm, Closed on Fridays

7. The Eden Project

The Eden Project is the world’s largest indoor rainforest and is one of the best places to visit in Cornwall. It is located in a reclaimed china clay pit, 5 km (3 mi) from St Austell. The complex is made up of two huge dome-shaped enclosures that house thousands of plant species, each enclosure emulating a natural biome. With interactive exhibits and activities for all ages, it’s a great place to explore and learn all about sustainability and our reliance on plants and the natural world. Truly a unique experience.

• Address of the Eden Project: Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG
• Entrance fee for the Eden Project: Adults – £32.50, Children – £11, Under 4s – Free
• Opening times for the Eden Project: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm

Like Gardens? Here’s our guide to Cornwall’s best gardens.

8. Head to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay

The Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, Cornwall is the perfect place to explore the fascinating underwater world. With dozens of different species from around the world living under its roof, you’ll be able to learn about and observe a wide variety of sea creatures. Plus, with interactive exhibits, touch tanks and educational talks throughout the day, there’s something for everyone – no matter the weather.

• Address of the Blue Reef Aquarium: Towan Promenade, Newquay TR7 1DU
• Entrance fee for the Blue Reef Aquarium: £13.25, Under 13s – £10.25, Under 3s – Free
• Opening times of the Blue Reef Aquarium: 10 am – 5 pm

9. Head to Geevor Tin Mine

Located on the rugged cliffs of Penwith, close to the lovely town of St Just, Geevor Tin Mine is a preserved mining site that features a museum, underground tour and visitor centre. This is the perfect place to learn about Cornwall’s mining history in a fun and engaging way. If it is not too wet, then above ground, you can see some of the mining machinery from years gone by or take a guided tour of the underground (and somewhat drier) tunnels to get an up-close look at tin mining techniques.

• Address of Geevor Tin Mine: Pendeen, Penzance TR19 7EW
• Entrance fee of Geevor Tin Mine: Adult – £17.50, Children – £9.90, Under 4s – Free
• Opening times of Geevor Tin Mine: 9 am -4 pm, Closed Fridays & Saturdays

10. Go Surfing in the rain in Cornwall

Rather than trying to stay dry on a rainy day in Cornwall, why not embrace getting wet? Cornwall is an excellent place to learn to surf, with its warmer waters and consistent waves. There are plenty of surf schools across Cornwall offering lessons for all levels and abilities. So, grab a wetsuit and hit the beach – you’re sure to come away feeling refreshed and invigorated.

• Price: Varies depending on surf school. Expect to pay around £20 for half day board rental and a wetsuit or £40 for a group lesson

11. Enjoy a Cornish cream tea

On a rainy day, nothing beats warming up with a hot cup of tea and some delicious traditional Cornish food. Cornwall is famous for its cream teas – freshly baked scones served with jam, clotted cream and a pot of steaming tea. There are plenty of delightful cafes located around the county where you can indulge in this classic treat.  There’s more on Cornish cream teas and favourite Cornish foods in our guide here.

12. Explore Bude Castle

Bude Castle is a striking 19th-century building located in Bude, Cornwall. It was built in 1830 by Sir Goldsworthy Gurney. Today, it serves as an interactive museum that offers visitors the chance to explore and learn about this unique piece of history. It’s elegant and unaltered, Victorian façade houses a Heritage Centre, Art Galleries, Café and shop and it’s the perfect place to head to on a rainy Cornish day.

• Address of Bude Castle: The Wharf, Bude EX23 8LG
• Entrance fee for Bude Castle: Free
• Opening times of Bude Castle: 10 am -4 pm daily

13. Explore Lanhydrock – a National Trust property

Lanhydrock is a gorgeous Victorian country house with a garden and wooded estate. It’s a fantastic place for anyone looking to explore nature and enjoy some peaceful strolls. Even on a rainy day, you can get out and explore the estate’s 890 acres of beautiful countryside. There are also plenty of activities to keep smaller guests entertained with children’s trails, bike rides and picnic areas as well as the grand house itself.

• Address of Lanhydrock: Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AB
• Entrance fee for Lanhydrock: Adult – £18, Child – £9
• Opening times for Lanhydrock: 11 am – 5 pm daily

14. Pendennis Castle

Pendennis Castle is an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII near Falmouth, Cornwall, England between 1540 and 1542. It has a rich and poignant history, with the castle having defended Cornwall since Tudor times and playing a vital role in protecting the coast during the two World Wars. At Pendennis, you can easily explore the striking castle fortress and view the historic artefacts on display. There is also a museum and visitor centre where you can learn more about the castle’s history.

• Address of Pendennis Castle: Castle Dr, Falmouth TR11 4LP
• Entrance fee for Pendennis Castle: Adult – 12.80, Children – £7.50
• Opening times for Pendennis Castle: 10 am – 4 pm, closed Monday & Tuesday

15. St Mawes Castle

St Mawes Castle is one of the finest examples of coastal fortifications built by King Henry VIII in England. The castle was built to protect against a potential French invasion during the 16th century. Its circular design and four-storey keep offering an interesting insight into the defensive architecture of that time period. Even on a rainy day, you can explore the castle, with its impressive gun platforms providing amazing views of the surrounding area.  Pendennis and St Mawes Castle are two of the top Cornish Castles to visit, and you can read about others here.

• Address of St Mawes Castle: Castle Dr, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5DE
• Entrance fee for St Mawes Castle: Adult – £7.80, Child – £4.70
• Opening times for St Mawes Castle: 10 am – 4 pm, closed Monday & Tuesday

16. Explore the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing

The Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing is the perfect place to find out about the area’s fascinating history. Located in a Grade II listed building, it tells the story of smuggling, fishing and boat building in this part of Cornwall. The museum has lots of interactive exhibits that bring this unique past to life.

• Address of the Polperro Heritage Museum:  4 The Warren, Polperro, Looe PL13 2RB
• Entrance fee for the Polperro Heritage Museum: £3, Under 16s – Free
• Opening times of the Polperro Heritage Museum: Open Easter until the end of October. 10.30 am – 4.30 pm.

17. Visit the Tate St Ives

Tate St Ives is an art gallery devoted to modern and contemporary art, located in the beautiful coastal town of St Ives. It showcases a range of works from local, national and international artists. On a rainy day, it’s the perfect place to explore and marvel at some amazing pieces of art. When you’re done with the Tate, head out and explore some of the other great things to do in St Ives.

• Address of the Tate St Ives: Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives, TR26 1TG
• Entrance fee for the Tate St Ives: £10.50
• Opening times of the Tate St Ives: 10 am – 5.30 pm daily

18. Helston Museum of Cornish Life

The Helston Museum of Cornish Life is a must-visit for anyone looking to learn more about the history, folklore and culture of Cornwall. Its permanent exhibitions include displays of local artefacts, costumes and archaeological finds. The museum also has a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, giving you a great chance to explore something new each time you visit.

• Address of the Helston Museum of Cornish Life: Market Pl, Helston TR13 8TH
• Opening Times for the Helston Museum of Cornish Life: 10 am – 4 pm, Closed on Sundays
• Entrance Fee for the Helston Museum of Cornish Life: Free

19. Head into Carnglaze Caverns

Carnglaze Caverns consists of three man-made caverns formed as part of a slate quarry in the Loveny Valley, near the village of St Neot, Liskeard, Cornwall, England. It’s a cheaper place to visit with lots of history to explore. Take a self-guided tour around the site at your own pace, and you can even meet the owners to ask questions about the site’s history.

• Address of the Carnglaze Caverns: Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, Liskeard PL14 6HQ
• Entrance fee for the Carnglaze Caverns: Adult – £8, Children – £5, Under 3s – Free
• Opening times for the Carnglaze Caverns: 10 am -5 pm, closed Mondays & Tuesdays

20. The National Lobster Hatchery – Padstow

The National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow is working to protect the native Cornish lobster population from decline, with their main goal being to help maintain sustainable fisheries. This fabulous facility houses tanks of juvenile lobsters, where you can learn about the species and its environment. There is also an interpretative centre for more information on lobster conservation, as well as plenty of interactive activities for kids of all sizes.

• Address of the National Lobster Hatchery: The National Lobster Hatchery, South Quay, Padstow PL28 8BL
• Entrance fee for the National Lobster Hatchery: Adult – £7.50, Children – £5
• Opening times of the National Lobster Hatchery: 10 am – 4 pm daily

21. Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance

The Penlee House Gallery & Museum is the only public gallery in Cornwall dedicated to showcasing the artwork of Western Cornwall, including world-renowned Newlyn School painters. There’s an impressive collection of 750 paintings, and this beautiful museum offers a unique opportunity to view some truly captivating works from local and international artists alike – it’s a great place to spend some time on a rainy day in Cornwall.

• Address of the Penlee House Gallery & Museum: Morrab Rd, Penzance TR18 4HE
• Entrance fee for the Penlee House Gallery & Museum: Adult – £6, Children – Free
• Opening times of the Penlee House Gallery & Museum: 10 am – 4.30 pm, Closed on Sundays

22. Falmouth Art Gallery, Falmouth

Falmouth Art Gallery is home to a large collection of art from the 18th century to the present day. It’s an ideal place for anyone looking for things to do in Cornwall on a rainy day, as it houses over 400 works from local and international artists including Old Masters, Post-Impressionists and British contemporary artists.  If you’re looking for more things to do in Falmouth, then our guide is here.

• Address of the Falmouth Art Gallery: Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth TR11 2RT
• Entrance fee for the Falmouth Art Gallery: Free
• Opening times of the Falmouth Art Gallery: 10 am – 4 pm Monday – Saturday. Closed on Sundays

23. Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is located in the picturesque Cornish coastal village of Boscastle and houses one of the world’s largest collections of items relating to witchcraft, the occult and magic. With over 3000 objects on display, it’s home to a fascinating array of artefacts that are bound to intrigue anyone interested in these topics.

• Address of the Museum of Witchcraft: The Harbour, Boscastle PL35 0HD
• Entrance fee for the Museum of Witchcraft: Adults £7, Children – £5, Under 5s – Free
• Opening times of the Museum of Witchcraft: 10 am – 5.30 pm daily, Open from April 1st to October 31st

24. Enjoy a Spa day in Cornwall

What better way to spend a rainy day in Cornwall than relaxing at a spa? Cornwall boasts some of the best spas and health clubs in the country, offering an extensive selection of treatments and therapies designed to melt away any stress or worries. From massage and beauty treatments to hot tubs and saunas – it’s the perfect place to take some time for yourself and relax. Some of the most popular spas in Cornwall are The Headland Cornwall and the Bedruthan Hotel and Spa.

• Address: Various Locations in Cornwall
• Entrance fee: Prices vary, depending on the spa/health club you visit.
• Opening times: Hours of operation vary, depending on the spa/health club you visit.

25. Go wild swimming

Wild swimming is the perfect way to experience Cornwall’s rugged coastline, and even during rainy days, it can be a great adventure. You’ll find plenty of wild swimming spots across Cornwall, from sheltered coves to dramatic cliffs – just make sure you check tide times and be prepared for the water temperature.

• Address: Various Locations in Cornwall
• Entrance fee: Free
• Check the local tide times and beach webcams for the best time to go

26. Explore Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm

Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm is a great place to visit on a rainy day – and perfect for those who love cider. The farm has been producing some of the best cyder in Cornwall since planting their first trees in 1986 and is also home to Cornwall’s first distillery in 300 years. The farm offers daily tours of their working farm. You can sample their delicious ciders and explore the history behind this iconic Cornish drink.

• Address of Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm: Penhallow, Truro, TR4 9LT
• Entrance fee for Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm: Adult: £16, Children £8, Under 5s – Free
• Opening times of Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm: 9 am – 5 pm daily

27. Head indoors to the Paradise Park Jungle Barn

Located at Paradise Park, the home of the world parrot trust, Paradise Park Jungle Barn is a great indoor activity centre for children and families on a rainy day. The play area includes soft play, a ball pit and much more. The park also has plenty of animals to meet and petting opportunities, the Jungle Barn will keep everyone entertained – no matter what the weather outside.

• Address of Paradise Park: 16 Trelissick Rd, Hayle TR27 4HY
• Entrance fee of Paradise Park: Adult: £17.95, Children: £14.50, Under 3s – Free
• Opening times of Paradise Park: 10 am – 4 pm daily

Final on the Best Things to do in Cornwall in the Rain

Cornwall is a beautiful, picturesque region of the UK and there are so many things to do even if it rains. Explore Cornwall’s fascinating museums, take a relaxing spa day, go wild swimming or visit Paradise Park Jungle Barn for an indoor play experience. Whatever you choose to do on your rainy Cornish getaway – make sure you take advantage of the unique experiences this beautiful location has to offer.

Thanks to JJ from Travel Across The Borderline for putting together this guide on how to deal with a rainy day in Cornwall.  JJ loves a good adventure and has a passion for misunderstood places, post-conflict destinations, and responsible tourism.   JJ loves to get off the beaten path and explore some of the most unique destinations in the world as well as discover hidden gems in popular destinations.  You can read more at Travel Across The Borderline and on Instagram.

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