Unfortunately, the weather cannot be guaranteed in Cornwall even though it is famed for its many hours of sunshine in the summer months. Despite the many sunny days, there are still those days when the rain is incessant on falling.
If you are unlucky enough to encounter a wet day during your stay, we are pleased to say that there are still plenty of activities to entertain visitors. So regardless of the weather you can still be assured a great time here in Cornwall.
Cornwall is home to an excellent variety of attractions and activities that will while away those rainy days. Don't let the rain put a dampener on your holiday experience. If you happen to find yourself in this position these fantastic places here in Cornwall are ideally suited to cater to all preferences and ages.
There is still time to have fun, despite the weather.
Retallack Aqua Park, St Columb Major
An attraction that makes sense if it is raining as you are going to get wet after all. Fun and hilarity are guaranteed for all ages at this total wipeout style aqua park. Huge inflatables and obstacles that require you to climb, slide and bounce, and stay out of the water if you can. A workout whilst having lots of fun you can't get better than that. Wetsuits and lifejackets are supplied and you are given a safety briefing before getting started. They also offer wake-boarding lessons. Not much in the way of food so bring along a packed lunch or head elsewhere but hot and cold drinks are available.
Poldark Mine, Trenear
This is Cornwall's only complete tin mine. It is a constant 11 degrees underground throughout the year, offering respite from the heat in the summer and in the winter it is usually warmer below the surface than above ground, though best to layer up. This genuine 18th century tin mine is open to the public and offers an underground guided tour of this important aspect of Cornwall's industrial heritage. Set over several levels with some walking along uneven surfaces therefore, might not be suitable for everyone. An exciting experience that is also very educational, you are given a true insight into the living and working conditions of the miners in the 18th and early 19th century, don your hard hat as you are taken 200ft underground, with the light coming from genuine miners headlamps. Experienced guides really bring the experience to life. Lots of ex-mining machinery from the past and models to see also. If you don't like the idea of going underground there is a great museum, cafe and shop to explore.
The Eden Project, Bodelva
This is without doubt one of Cornwall's biggest attractions and for good reason too. These unique biomes are fascinating and engaging to all ages, there is the feeling you are stepping into another world. Teens and older visitors will understand the vital conservation work that the Eden Project is involved with and discover the intriguing relationship between plants and people. Housed within these biomes are the world’s largest indoor rainforest and a Mediterranean landscape , as well as a rainforest canopy walkway, seed sculpture in addition to The Core, which is home to a variety of interactive exhibits that change regularly, sculptures, a film on how this project came about and much more. Lots to see, loads of information boards to explain things and plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and admire the beautiful plants. There are plenty of places to eat, a lovely restaurant with some delicious homemade dishes on the menu, as well as a good selection of beverages. With a garden centre onsite you can buy plants to take home, also a gift shop with a nice range of goods.
The National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
An incredible attraction housing more than fifteen galleries housing an amazing display of exciting exhibits like a boatbuilding workshop, artworks, maps and charts, memorabilia and many more nautical objects, as well as visiting exhibits. With interactive exhibits to keep children entertained whilst learning all about the maritime trade in Falmouth over the centuries. A well set out museum with lots of information relating to the displays, as well as interesting stories. Go below sea level and view the fish in the harbour through the tidal window. The cafe is located in the tower and serves a nice selection of snacks and beverages, with incredible views of Falmouth where you can spot the historic landmarks of the town. There is a play zone for children and a pleasant gift shop also. In the summer they operate Heritage Boat Tours. The icing on the cake is that your ticket is valid for a year, so you can make the most of your entry cost whilst visiting the area.
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
This is a firm favorite amongst all ages. A spectacular aquarium providing a unique experience where you can see a fantastic diverse collection of fish and marine life in their natural habitat. With sea-life from the Cornish coast as well as tropical waters. Awaiting visitors is an exciting and colourful underwater adventure where you will see some astounding sights in more than 40 innovative displays, with guides to identify the species and interesting information relating to them. Pause under the glass tunnel and watch the various fish pass overhead. Throughout the day are various talks, and interactive exhibits like feeding sessions, staff are on hand to answer any questions you might have. Educational whilst being fun, an enjoyable experience for all.
Carnglaze Caverns, St Noot
An ideal all-weather attraction that will engage all ages, providing a combination of adventure and history in a unique underground experience. A former slate mine that takes you 60 metres below ground as you delve into Cornwall's past mining history. It is a self-guided tour with lots of information where visitors will learn how miners extracted slate from the centre of the caverns. The caverns are beautiful and very atmospheric with, pretty displays of crystals and minerals, and home to bats that hang above as they sleep during the day. There are mannequins dotted about to give you a perspective of the sheer size of these caverns, children love hearing their echoes rebound. The conclusion of the tour is at a stunning underground lake; the waters are crystal clear with an unusual green coloration, quite mesmerising and a great photo opportunity. Outside is a lovely woodland trail if the weather permits where young visitors can try to spot the fairies amongst the foliage and visit the hobbit house. There is a small tea shop serving light refreshments as well as a gift shop. It can be cold inside so best to wear an extra layer.
The Telegraph Museum, Porthcurno
The museum provides a fascinating insight into the importance of this era of communication. It might be difficult to imagine a time without the internet and mobile phones, but this was a reality at one time. You do not have to be interested in communications or engineering history to enjoy this museum there is plenty to engage visitors, with an underground war time communication bunker; it is the site of the first transatlantic cables. You can walk to the beach to see where they enter the sea; home to machines from the period of morse code, try your hand at practicing morse code whilst here. Lots of artefacts, interesting video exhibits, interactive displays and a pigeon trail to engage children. Also teaches about more modern techniques, fibre optics and wireless communications. Well organised, with quality displays and lots of attention to detail, and with staff who are most helpful. There is a small cafe area serving light lunches, tasty cakes and hot and cold drinks, caters to certain dietary requirements.
Bodmin Jail
Dating back to 1779 when it was built for King George III, although the jail you see today was actually built by the prisoners. Today visitors can discover what life was like behind bars for 18th Century prisoners. Walking through the corridors and up the narrow, spiraling stairs you get a sense of bleakness and despondency the prisoners encountered. Explore the dark and damp cells that housed inmates, read the stories of the people who inhabited these cells, the reasons for their incarceration and the conditions they endured. The execution shed and condemned cell are interesting or perhaps take a ghost walk. The jail is undergoing a huge overhaul which, will result in a complete new range of exhibition displays, due to completed May 2020. Extensive works are ongoing as they are converting part of the jail into a luxury boutique hotel, what a cool and intriguing place to spend a night. The restaurant is excellent and was the jail's kitchen, has a lovely menu and serves really good food using locally sourced, seasonal produce. Children are given a treasure hunt style sheet to complete. Dogs are allowed to visit, making it a real family outing.
Tate St Ives
Is an internationally renowned gallery displaying a wonderful range of both old and new exhibits from a variety of respected artists. A stunning venue to peruse the hours away in this rich cultural setting, the views and light through the windows are amazing. The gallery has a continuously changing display of contemporary art pieces, in addition to being home to the national collection of British art from 1550 to present day, hosting works by iconic 20th century artists local to the area. Works from major artists are complemented by works from local artists, making for varied and interesting displays that are well laid out with explanations on each era. There are a number of guided tours throughout the day with plenty of staff available to answer questions, that are very informative. The cafe upstairs serves delicious food, however; it is the panoramic views from here that are the highlight, they are amazing.
Kidz World, St Austell
Purely for the children, 20,000 square feet of fun where they can run, explore and release all that pent up energy. Located both indoors and outdoors it is a safe environment for young visitors of all ages. With an incredible nine adventures all included in the admission price. Lots to keep inquisitive minds and idle hands occupied, with a toddler area, sky trail, canon arena, trampolines, roller skating, soft play, mini golf, dodgems, outdoor play area and ball pools. They might come full of energy but are sure to leave exhausted, a fun family experience. Two food venues serving a nice selection of snacks and beverages.
Paint a Pot, Looe
All ages get to channel their artistic side in this fun and engaging activity. The bonus you get to take your masterpiece home as a souvenir, or perhaps a special present for someone special. With the help of professional potters, you choose your pottery piece from a wide selection, such as unicorns, mermaids, pigs, dragons, plates, angels/fairies and mugs plus numerous more items. Staff are on hand if any help or advice is needed. Once you have completed decorating your piece, leave it to be glazed and it will be ready in a few days for collection. Once home you can place it in pride of place. A relaxing, fun, quality family activity that everyone can get involved with. Enjoyable and therapeutic too.
Trerice Manor, Kestle Mill
Inside you will discover the architecture, beautiful interiors and interesting history of this immaculate Elizabethan manor house. It still retains many of its original character features and has not changed too much over the centuries so offers an actual insight into this era of history. Guided tours bring this house to life, you will learn all about this delightful house and the stories it has to tell. Quite and tranquil positioned in magnificent grounds and surrounded by outbuildings. Although not large the garden is laid out in zones, the knot garden attracts many species of birds, the vegetable gardens are impressive. Operating a number of activities for children, story telling time being one of them, trails and games in the summer, brass rubbing, clay moulding as well as playing dress up with military hats, armour and traditional Victorian clothing, lots more activities too. The Barn Restaurant here is delightful, serving delicious cream teas and tasty homemade soups and dishes in a lovely atmosphere. An ideal place to visit for all ages there is something here for everyone.
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre
One for the grown ups although children can visit. Learn all about their award-winning brewery process and immerse yourself in 160 years of brewing history at this family run brewery. Take a tour with a professional guide who will let you know all about the history and future of the brewery, take you through the brewing process which you will see first hand whilst getting hands on with the malt and hops, as well as answering any questions you might have, their passion for their product is clearly evident. You will get to sample eight of their high-quality beers, each tasting very different and will get a token which, can be used to buy a bottle of beer in the shop. The climb to the top of the brewing tower is quite strenuous so might not suit those individuals with mobility issues. Hicks Bar is open Monday to Saturday, serving good pub grub with a wide range of beers and ales. Drop into the St Austell brewery shop to pick up a souvenir to take home, they stock the complete range of products they produce as well as branded gifts. Highly recommended, you don't have to be a beer buff to enjoy.