Cornwall's weather is famously changeable, and even in summer there will be days when the beach is off the table. The good news is that the county has plenty to do under cover, from world-class museums and gardens under glass to aquariums and art galleries. Here are some ideas to keep a wet day fun.
Plan ahead
When rain sets in, everyone has the same idea, so indoor attractions get busy, especially in school holidays. Book tickets online where you can, arrive early and have a back-up plan. It is also worth checking the forecast by area: Cornwall is long and thin, and it can be raining on one coast and bright on the other.
The Eden Project
Near St Austell, the Eden Project's huge biomes house a tropical rainforest and a Mediterranean landscape, so much of the visit is indoors and warm. There are plenty of exhibitions and a café too. Allow most of a day. See our separate guide to the Eden Project for more detail.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
On Falmouth's harbour front, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall tells the story of the sea and Cornwall's relationship with it, from small boats to great voyages. Its look-out tower has views over one of the world's largest natural harbours, and an underwater gallery lets you see into the harbour itself. Exhibitions change regularly, so check what is on.
Museums in Truro
Cornwall's only city is home to the county museum on River Street, long known as the Royal Cornwall Museum and now called the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, with collections covering Cornish history, archaeology, minerals and art. Combine it with a visit to Truro Cathedral, a striking Gothic Revival building completed in the early 20th century, and the city's shops and cafés.
Art galleries in St Ives
St Ives has a long history as an artists' colony, and two of its best-known galleries are run by Tate. Tate St Ives shows modern and contemporary art in a building overlooking Porthmeor Beach, and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden preserves the studio and garden where the sculptor lived and worked. The garden is outdoors, but even in light rain it is atmospheric. The town also has dozens of independent galleries to browse.
Mining and history
Geevor Tin Mine near Pendeen offers guided underground tours and a large indoor museum, and PK Porthcurno tells the story of the undersea telegraph cables that once made a tiny Cornish valley a hub of world communications, including tunnels built during the Second World War. Both are good for curious older children and adults.
Aquariums and sea life
Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay, close to Towan Beach, has displays of local and tropical sea life. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, on the Helford River, cares for rescued seals. Much of it is outdoors, so it suits a showery day rather than a downpour. Check opening times and feeding talks before you go.
Other ideas
- Visit one of Cornwall's National Trust houses, such as Lanhydrock near Bodmin, a grand Victorian country house with its kitchens and servants' quarters on show.
- Book a pottery-painting, cookery or craft session. Many towns have independent studios that run drop-in sessions.
- Head to a leisure centre pool or a soft play centre with younger children.
- Embrace it: put on waterproofs and walk a sheltered wooded valley, or watch the storm waves from a safe viewpoint, well back from the edge.
Good to know
- Opening hours for many attractions change by season. Always check the official website before travelling.
- Roads can be slow in bad weather and in summer. Allow extra time.
- Keep well away from cliff edges and harbour walls in storms. Waves can be much bigger than they look.
Photos: The museum in Truro by Mutney, CC BY 4.0; National Maritime Museum Cornwall by Tim Green, CC BY 2.0; via Wikimedia Commons.
