Let’s be honest—Cornwall is stunning, but the weather doesn’t always play nice. Rainy days might not be ideal for sunbathing on Fistral Beach, but don’t worry—Cornwall still has plenty to offer when the clouds roll in. Grab a cuppa, and let me walk you through some of the best Things to do in Cornwall in the rain.
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Cornwall, UK Map
1. St. Austell Brewery
- 📍 Location: 63 Trevarthian Rd, St Austell PL25 4BY, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Guided tours, tasting sessions, shop, café, wheelchair access.
- 🌟 Why Visit: St. Austell Brewery is one of Cornwall’s oldest and most famous breweries, known for its award-winning beers like Tribute and Proper Job. The tour takes you behind the scenes to learn about the brewing process, followed by a tasting session. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts and a cozy escape from the rain.
👉 Tip: Don’t miss the brewery shop for souvenirs and exclusive brews.
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2. Camel Creek Adventure Park
- 📍 Location: Tredinnick, Wadebridge PL27 7RA, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Indoor play areas, restaurants, gift shop, parking, baby-changing facilities.
- 🌟 Why Visit: This family-friendly theme park has plenty of indoor attractions and rides for younger kids. From soft play zones to undercover rides, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great option to keep kids entertained despite the weather.
👉 Tip: Check their event calendar for special rainy-day activities.
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3. Retallack Aqua Park
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- 📍 Location: Winnards Perch, St Columb Major, TR9 6DE, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Indoor changing rooms, showers, café, equipment hire, parking.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Rain doesn’t matter when you’re already getting wet! This water-based adventure park is full of inflatable obstacle courses, wakeboarding, and more. Plus, the onsite café is great for warming up after your splashy fun.
👉 Tip: Bring a towel and change of clothes.
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4. Eden Project
- 📍 Location: Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Cafés, gift shop, parking, guided tours, wheelchair accessible.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Known as one of Cornwall’s top attractions, the Eden Project features two massive biomes housing rainforest and Mediterranean ecosystems. The lush greenery and exotic plants make you forget the dreary weather outside.
👉 Tip: Don’t miss the Rainforest Canopy Walkway.
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5. Bude Tunnel
- 📍 Location: Bude, Cornwall EX23 8LH, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Wheelchair accessible, nearby parking, lighting for photos.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Surprisingly famous thanks to online reviews, this quirky transparent tunnel in Bude is an unexpectedly fun spot. It’s a lighthearted stop and perfect for some Instagram-worthy photos.
👉 Tip: Visit in the evening for a beautiful light display.
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6. Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm
- 📍 Location: Penhallow, Truro TR4 9LW, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Guided tours, tasting rooms, café, farm shop, free parking.
- 🌟 Why Visit: This family-run cider farm offers a glimpse into traditional cider-making. You can tour the orchard, sample fresh cider, and explore their jam and spirits range.
👉 Tip: Try their famous Rattler Cider—it’s a local favorite.
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7. The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic
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- 📍 Location: The Harbour, Boscastle PL35 0HD, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café nearby, gift shop, parking, wheelchair access (limited).
- 🌟 Why Visit: This unique museum explores the history of witchcraft, folklore, and magic in the UK. It’s both fascinating and slightly eerie—perfect for a mysterious rainy day.
👉 Tip: Keep an open mind; some exhibits might surprise you!
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8. Davidstow Airfield & Cornwall At War Museum
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- 📍 Location: Davidstow, Camelford PL32 9YF, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, museum shop, free parking, family-friendly.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Explore Cornwall’s wartime history with exhibits from WWII and the airfield’s role during the war. It’s an educational and moving experience.
👉 Tip: Plan for at least two hours to fully enjoy the exhibits.
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9. Geevor Tin Mine
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- 📍 Location: Pendeen, Penzance TR19 7EW, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Guided tours, café, shop, parking, wheelchair access (limited).
- 🌟 Why Visit: Step into Cornwall’s mining history with a tour of Geevor Tin Mine. Explore underground tunnels and learn about the lives of miners.
👉 Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—it can be slippery underground.
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10. King Arthur’s Great Halls
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- 📍 Location: Fore St, Tintagel PL34 0DA, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Guided tours, gift shop, wheelchair access.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Dive into Arthurian legends in Tintagel. The stained glass windows and rich history make this a magical stop.
👉 Tip: Combine this visit with Tintagel Castle nearby.
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11. Bodmin Jail Attraction
- 📍 Location: Berrycoombe Rd, Bodmin PL31 2NR, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Tours, café, gift shop, parking.
- 🌟 Why Visit: A hauntingly fascinating experience, Bodmin Jail tells chilling stories of Cornwall’s past.
👉 Tip: Brave the After Dark Experience!
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12. National Maritime Museum Cornwall
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- 📍 Location: Discovery Quay, Falmouth TR11 3QY, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, shop, parking, interactive exhibits.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Learn about Cornwall’s seafaring past with impressive exhibits and hands-on displays.
👉 Tip: Kids will love the pirate-themed sections.
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13. Truro Cathedral
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- 📍 Location: St Mary’s St, Truro TR1 2AF, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, gift shop, parking nearby.
- 🌟 Why Visit: A stunning Gothic cathedral with towering spires and intricate stained glass.
👉 Tip: Attend an organ recital if possible.
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14. Carnglaze Caverns
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- 📍 Location: St Neot, Liskeard PL14 6HQ, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Guided tours, gift shop, parking.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Explore underground caves with crystal-clear pools.
👉 Tip: Wear a jacket—it’s cool underground.
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15. St. Mawes Castle
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- 📍 Location: Castle Dr, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5DE, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, parking, guided tours, gift shop, wheelchair access (partial).
- 🌟 Why Visit: One of the best-preserved coastal artillery fortresses from the Tudor era, St. Mawes Castle offers rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful views of the Fal Estuary. Rain adds a dramatic touch to this ancient stronghold.
👉 Tip: Don’t forget your camera—the views are spectacular even in misty weather.
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16. Kidz R Us
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- 📍 Location: Lower Stennack, St Ives TR26 1QG, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Indoor seating, refreshments, wheelchair access, parking nearby.
- 🌟 Why Visit: A fantastic indoor theater showcasing family-friendly performances and musicals. The cozy atmosphere and talented performers make it a delightful experience, rain or shine.
👉 Tip: Book your tickets in advance—they often sell out!
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17. Blue Reef Aquarium
- 📍 Location: Towan Promenade, Newquay TR7 1DU, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, gift shop, parking nearby, wheelchair access.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Explore an underwater world featuring tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and more. The underwater viewing tunnel is a highlight, offering close-up views of marine life.
👉 Tip: Perfect for families—kids will love the interactive rock pools.
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18. National Lobster Hatchery
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- 📍 Location: South Quay, Padstow PL28 8BL, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Gift shop, guided tours, wheelchair access, parking nearby.
- 🌟 Why Visit: A unique experience where you can learn about lobster conservation and even adopt a baby lobster. The interactive exhibits are both fun and educational.
👉 Tip: Great for kids—they’ll love seeing baby lobsters up close.
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19. Penlee House Gallery & Museum
- 📍 Location: Morrab Rd, Penzance TR18 4HE, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, gift shop, parking nearby, wheelchair access.
- 🌟 Why Visit: This charming gallery showcases Cornish art, including works from the Newlyn School. The museum also offers historical exhibits on Cornwall’s heritage.
👉 Tip: Enjoy tea and cake in their lovely café after browsing the exhibits.
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20. Tate St. Ives
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- 📍 Location: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1TG, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, gift shop, parking nearby, wheelchair access.
- 🌟 Why Visit: A must-visit for art enthusiasts, this stunning gallery features modern and contemporary art inspired by Cornwall’s landscapes and culture. The views from the café are a bonus.
👉 Tip: Check out their seasonal exhibitions—they often feature internationally acclaimed artists.
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21. Cotehele
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- 📍 Location: St Dominick, near Saltash PL12 6TA, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, shop, parking, gardens, partially wheelchair accessible.
- 🌟 Why Visit: A beautifully preserved Tudor house with intricate tapestries, antique furniture, and stunning gardens. Even on a rainy day, the interiors are warm and fascinating.
👉 Tip: The on-site café serves delicious homemade treats.
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22. The Flicka Foundation – Donkey Sanctuary
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- 📍 Location: Penty Noweth Farm, Penryn TR10 9JB, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, gift shop, parking, wheelchair access.
- 🌟 Why Visit: A heartwarming visit where you can meet rescued donkeys and ponies. The sanctuary is dedicated to providing them with a safe, loving home.
👉 Tip: Donations help support the animals—consider adopting a donkey!
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23. Shipwreck Treasure Museum
- 📍 Location: Charlestown Rd, Charlestown, Saint Austell PL25 3NJ, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, gift shop, parking nearby, wheelchair access (partial).
- 🌟 Why Visit: Dive into Cornwall’s maritime history with exhibits featuring shipwreck artifacts, treasure chests, and even real cannons. It’s like stepping into a pirate’s world.
👉 Tip: Kids will love the interactive treasure hunt.
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24. Carnglaze Caverns
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- 📍 Location: St Neot, Liskeard PL14 6HQ, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Guided tours, café, gift shop, parking.
- 🌟 Why Visit: Explore a fascinating underground world with crystal-clear lakes and echoing caverns. The atmospheric lighting makes it feel like an adventure movie set.
👉 Tip: Wear sensible shoes and a warm jacket—it’s chilly underground.
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25. St. Mawes Castle
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- 📍 Location: Castle Dr, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5DE, UK
- 🛠️ Facilities: Café, guided tours, parking, gift shop.
- 🌟 Why Visit: One of the most beautiful coastal castles in England, St. Mawes Castle offers fantastic architecture and unbeatable views of the water.
👉 Tip: Pair it with a visit to Pendennis Castle for a full Tudor fortress experience.
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26. Bonus Tips for a Rainy Day in Cornwall
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- Take a Scenic Drive: Cornwall’s countryside looks even more magical in the mist.
- Visit Local Cafés: Cozy up with a Cornish cream tea or a bowl of fresh soup.
- Go Shopping: Explore Truro’s indoor markets or Falmouth’s boutique stores.
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Final Thoughts
Rain in Cornwall isn’t the end of your adventure—it’s just a different vibe. From underground caverns to cozy museums, quirky tunnels, and lush biomes, there’s no shortage of Things to do in Cornwall in the rain. So, grab your raincoat, embrace the drizzle, and make the most of Cornwall’s rainy charm!
Did I miss any of your favorites, or would you like me to add something specific? 😊☔
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FAQs about Things to Do in Cornwall in the Rain
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Q: How do you spend a rainy day in Cornwall?
A: Explore indoor attractions like the Eden Project, Tate St Ives, or Pendennis Castle. Enjoy a Cornish cream tea or visit cozy museums.
Q: Does it rain a lot in Cornwall?
A: Cornwall experiences rain throughout the year, especially in autumn and winter, but the mild climate keeps it enjoyable.
Q: What to do in St Ives in the rain?
A: Visit Tate St Ives, enjoy local galleries, cozy up in seaside cafes, or catch a show at Kidz R Us Theatre.
Q: What to do in Newquay when it rains?
A: Explore the Blue Reef Aquarium, visit Trerice House, or relax in one of Newquay’s many indoor cafes and restaurants.
Q: Are there family-friendly activities for rainy days in Cornwall?
A: Yes! Try Camel Creek Adventure Park, the National Maritime Museum, or the Shipwreck Treasure Museum for fun indoor activities.
Q: Can you visit castles in Cornwall when it’s raining?
A: Absolutely! Pendennis Castle and St Mawes Castle have indoor exhibits and sheltered areas perfect for rainy-day visits.