Skip to main content

We're a proud new ITV Win provider - win a luxury holiday lodge near St Ives

Things to do in Cornwall when it rains

As one of the most iconic locations globally, Cornwall is a fantastic place to visit, no matter the weather. If you own your own place or are looking for a holiday home for sale in Cornwall then it makes it even easier to enjoy the magnificent coastline views and peaceful rolling countryside at any time of year.

Even if the weather isn't always in our favour, you can still discover everything Cornwall has to offer. From world-renowned Cornish landmarks to exploring the rich history and culture of the region, there is plenty to do in Cornwall when it's raining.

At Lovat Holiday Park's we've created a guide to all the things to do in Cornwall in the rain.

Coastalwalkscornwall1

Cornish landmarks and attractions for a rainy day

Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

With 40 different habitats to explore, Blue Reef Aquarium is a fantastic day out for all the family on a rainy day. Journey through the attraction and spot everything from blacktip reef sharks to loggerhead turtles and pufferfish.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Visit the Sea Life Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek and meet seals, penguins, and sea lions. The charity rescues seals who are sick, injured or in distress, providing a permanent home to them if they can't return them to the wild.

Eden Project, St Austell

The Eden Project is one of the largest attractions in Cornwall. Explore the world-renowned Rainforest Biome, the largest indoor rainforest, and discover more than 1,000 plants. The Eden Project also regularly holds events and concerts.

Land's End

Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery and rugged cliff tops of West Cornwall, Land's End is an iconic location in Cornwall. There are plenty of things to explore if it's raining, from the interactive Aardman experience to Arthur's Quest.

Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Hayle

Meet more than 130 species, including penguins, flamingos, parrots, kookaburras and more, at Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary. The Jungle Barn indoor play centre is open in all weather and is a great activity for younger children on a wet day.

Pirate's Quest, Newquay

Enjoy a round of indoor adventure golf with a unique twist at Pirate's Quest near Newquay. Travel through treasure troves, smuggler's passage, Blackbeard's tavern and Davy Jone's locker before walking the plank at your final destination.

Rainy day cornwall 1

Art galleries and museums to visit when it rains

Bodmin Keep

Visit Cornwall's Army Museum, Bodmin Keep, and explore the former Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry headquarters. The museum collection includes 12,000 items, and you can read through the stories of over 160 years of battles and experiences.

Falmouth Art Gallery

A visit to Falmouth Art Gallery is a must for anybody who loves art and culture. Explore the latest art exhibitions and view renowned artwork from artists including Charles Napier Henry in the art collection.

Museum of Cornish Life, Helston

Discover what life was like in Cornwall at one of the largest collections of social history in the South West of England. The Museum of Cornish Life started their collection in 1937 and has 3 floors of heritage to explore.

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

With 15 galleries split over 5 floors, the National Maritime Museum is a perfect place to visit when it rains in Cornwall. Explore museum exhibitions, boats, or look out onto the harbour from the underwater tidal zone.

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle

If you're looking for something more unique on your holiday, then the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle is a great option. Find out about the history of witchcraft and magical practice in Cornwall and view more than 3000 objects.

PK Porthcurno (Telegraph Museum), Porthcurno

The award-winning Museum of Global Communications at PK Porthcurno explores the incredible story of science and communication around the world. Find out more about Morse code, fibre optics, electricity and technology.

Polperro Museum

Discover everything you need to know about Cornwall's history of smuggling and fishing at Polperro Museum. The museum was once a pilchard factory and sits alongside the stunning harbour.

Royal Cornwall Museum

Find out more about life and culture in South Cornwall at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro. The Royal Institution of Cornwall founded the Royal Cornwall Museum over 200 years ago and today has thousands of objects and one of the finest collections of art in the county.

Tate St Ives

Spend a rainy day indoors looking at artwork from some of the world's best artists at Tate St Ives. The Tate St Ives gallery overlooks Porthmeor beach, offering stunning views over the Cornish coastline and incredible exhibitions.

Rainy day cornwall 2

Food and drink for rainy Cornish days

Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm

Spend a day out of your caravan and go on a guided tour of Healey's Cornish Cyder Farm. There's a lot to see and do, from a gin tasting experience and sampling to an afternoon of Cornish cream tea.

Jamaica Inn

Located on Bodmin Moor, Jamaica Inn was made famous by author Daphne du Maurier and is well-known as the most famous smuggling inn in Cornwall. Escape the rain and enjoy a bite to eat or explore local produce in the farm shop.

Rainy day cornwall 3

Cornish Heritage attractions to explore when it rains

Bodmin Jail

Bodmin Jail was built in 1779 and was used as a prison until 1927. Today it is one of the biggest heritage attractions in Cornwall. Find out about the dark history of Cornwall's past and discover stories of past prisoners of Bodmin jail.

Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Bodmin

If you want to explore Cornwall's stunning countryside but don't want to get wet, take a ride on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. The attraction is dog-friendly and travels over 6 miles between Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction.

Bude Castle

Grade 2 listed Bude Castle overlooks Summerleaze beach and was built by Sir Goldsworth Gurney in 1830. Take a walk through the heritage centre, galleries and exhibitions to discover the local history of Bude and North Cornwall.

Lanhydrock

Lanhydrock country house and estate near Bodmin are run by the National Trust and is a spectacular example of Victorian Cornish heritage. Take a walk through the stately home to keep dry or brave the rain and explore the incredible gardens.

Lappa Valley Steam Railway, Newquay

If you're looking for a family day out on a rainy day, Lappa Valley Steam Railway is a fantastic attraction to visit. Enjoy views of the countryside or find a bite to eat at the whistlestop cafe.

Pendennis Castle

Located near Falmouth, the fortress was built by Henry VIII on the headland to defend against invasion. Take in the coastal views or explore the keep of Pendennis Castle and wander through the gun rooms and turrets.

Tintagel Old Post Office

Explore over 600 years of history and follow the journey of Tintagel Old Post Office from a farmhouse in the Middle Ages to a 19th-century letter-receiving station. Journey through the house or take a stroll through the back garden.

Rainy day cornwall 4

Mining history attractions to discover on rainy days

Carnglaze Caverns, Liskeard

Visit Carnglaze Caverns near Liskeard and discover all there is to know about the industrial heritage of Cornwall. The attraction is set in 8 acres of ancient oak woodland and offers underground tours of the former slate mine in all weather conditions.

Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen

Explore the history of tin and copper mining in Cornwall at Geevor Tin Mine. The 18th-century tin mine is perfect for a family day out. Visit the hard rock museum, wheal Mexico underground mine, or try out mineral panning.

Heartlands, Redruth

Immerse yourself in Cornish culture at Heartlands, set in the former Robinson's Shaft mining complex. The attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a visitors centre, museum, adventure playground, and cafe.

Poldark Mine, Helston

As one of the most famous Cornish mines, Poladark Mine in Helston is well worth visiting on rainy days in Cornwall. Find out more about the mine on an underground tour through 3 levels of passageways.

Rainy day cornwall 5

Outdoor attractions for wet weather

Adrenalin Quarry, Liskeard

If you love adventure and don't mind getting wet, Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard is the perfect attraction for rainy days. The quarry features a gravity park, water park and race track set in a stunning backdrop. There's something for everyone, from a 490m zip wire to axe throwing and go-karting. The inflatable water playground is an ideal adventure for wet days as you can climb, slide and bounce through the course without worrying about the weather.

Extreme Academy, Watergate Bay

Surfing is iconic in Cornwall, and it's a great activity to try out even when it’s raining. Extreme Academy is located in Watergate Bay and offers lessons in surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), bodyboarding, hand planing, waveski surfing, and traction kite surfing.

Jubilee Pool

Visit the UK's largest Art Deco seawater lido and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the geothermally heated pool. Jubilee Pool is run by the local community and promotes health and wellbeing. There is also a cafe serving food and drink, which is the perfect place to escape the showers.

The Vale of Avalon

Wander through countryside once walked by King Arthur at the Vale of Avalon near Tintagel. Explore Camlann battlefield, the 'Ogham' stone, Lady Falmouth's Secret Garden, and the remains of a 13th-century longhouse. If it’s raining, spend time looking through the exhibition room or enjoying refreshments in the tea room.

Enjoy Cornwall's magnificent beauty in any weather

Even if it's a rainy day, you can still explore the incredible beauty Cornwall has to offer, from visiting indoor attractions with the family to discovering the region's historical past.

Start your holiday home ownership journey with Lovat or just enjoy a getaway with us in one of the most breathtaking locations in the world. Each of our Cornwall holiday parks is set in a stunning location.