Our guide to things to do in Cornwall in the rain has something for everyone, from family-friendly activities to discovering historical landmarks!
While Cornwall is famed for its sub-tropical climate and exotic beaches, glorious weather isn’t always a guarantee. But fear not!
When the heavens open in Cornwall, look forward to discovering the region’s historical past, sampling the finest spirits or letting the young minds run free at an indoor play area!
Continue reading to discover things to do in Cornwall in the rain…
1. Jungle Jack’s, Newquay
Suitable for children of all ages, Jungle Jack’s is the perfect indoor activity in Cornwall. Your little ones can run wild, explore their surroundings and meet new friends!
The purpose-built play frame at Jungle Jack’s provides children with 1,700 square feet of fun and adventure. From the glide slide to the crafty crawl tubes, and from the rope bridge to the dedicated baby and toddler area, this indoor play centre has been specially designed to offer your child a fantastic playtime experience.
But let’s not forget about the adults! As your little monkey discovers the play frame, you can sit back and unwind in the well-stocked café as you use the free WiFi to document the children’s adventures.
The area has been designed so that no matter where you are, you can keep an eye on the children at all times.
Price: Prices from £7.50 for children three and over, £6 for children ages 12-35 months and adults and children under 12 months go free.
Opening times: Jungle Jack’s is open all year round except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Monday to Saturday: 9.30am – 12.00pm, 12.30pm – 3.00pm, 3.30pm – 6.00pm. Sunday: 10.00am – 12.30pm, 1.00pm – 3.30pm.
Contact: 01637 852890; info@junglejacks.co.uk; www.junglejacks.co.uk
2. English Spirit Distillery at Treguddick Manor, Launceston
The next activity on our things to do in Cornwall in the rain list is the exceptional English Spirit Distillery at Treguddick Manor.
Located within a Cornish valley, this state-of-the-art distillery will allow its guests to learn about the intricacies of the distillery process on a rainy afternoon! Visitors can look forward to watching the distilling and bottling process, before heading to the West Paddock.
This houses the botanicals, providing a fascinating sensory experience. Once the tour is completed, guests will enjoy a guided tasting where you can sample the varied range of spirits on offer.
General tours are available seven days a week and visitors can sample vodkas, rums, and gins. You will also find an on-site cafe, where you can look forward to baked goods and seasonal specials.
Price: All tours are £20 per person
Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 9.30am – 5.00pm
Contact: 01566 788310; info@treguddick.com; www.treguddick.com
3. Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
Aquariums are one of the best things to do during a rainy day in the UK, and it’s easy to see why!
Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium is one of the county’s spectacular aquariums. It boasts a selection of over 40 natural, sea-themed habitats where young explorers can discover fishy critters from local Cornish waters and tropical creatures from exotic seas.
The aquarium’s star attractions include freshwater turtles, spectacular pulsating jellyfish, the unusual pufferfish, the impressive giant pacific octopus and intimidating black-tip reef sharks.
The aquarium also has its very own gift shop where kids can take away their own cuddly souvenirs and a Blue Reef Café which serves a wide selection of drinks, snacks and meals.
While away the hours at one of Cornwall’s top attractions, a great place to visit when it’s raining.
Price: From £12.75 for adults, £9.75 for students and seniors, £8.25 for juniors (3-12 years) and £50 for family tickets.
Opening times: Open every day except for Christmas Day, from 10 am until 5pm with the last entry at 4pm.
Contact: 01637 878134; Newquay@bluereefaquarium.co.uk
4. Eden Project, Bodelva
The Eden Project is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Cornwall, appealing to all the family, especially teens.
They are still young enough to marvel at the wonders of the Biomes, whilst old enough to really understand the vital conservation work that the Eden Project is involved with.
The Eden Project houses the world’s largest indoor rainforest in one of the Biomes and a Mediterranean landscape in the other. There is more than enough to do on a rainy afternoon here!
As well as the impressive biomes, visitors to the Eden Project can also discover the rainforest canopy walkway and The Core. Here, they will find a variety of interactive exhibits, sculptures, the ‘Making of Eden’ film and much more.
Take a look at this collection of accommodation near Eden Project and look forward to this indoor activity in Cornwall.
Price: Adults £32.50, concessions £22.50, Children (5-16 years) £11, children under five go free and students £13.75.
Opening times: Vary by the time of year; remember to check on their website.
Contact: 01726 811911; questions@edenproject.com
5. Old Guildhall & Jail, Looe
Travel back in time by taking a trip to the Old Guildhall Museum and Jail in Looe, a wonderful indoor attraction that details the long and varied history of this ancient harbour town.
Situated in the heart of the town, this wonderful museum is housed inside the city’s former jail and has been carefully maintained and restored to reflect how it looked hundreds of years ago. Built in the 15th century, it still maintains its original courtroom that’s also open to visitors along with the rest of the museum.
Filled with hundreds of artefacts, painting and drawings dating back to various periods, this museum’s exhibits take visitors through the timeline of the town from its association with medieval smuggling all the way through to the Second World War.
Price: Adults: £3, Children go free
Opening times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 11.00 – 16.00
Tuesday & Sunday 11.00 – 13.30
Contact: 01503 263709; info@eastlooetowntrust.co.uk
6. Phoenix Cinema, Falmouth
Located in the centre of Falmouth is Phoenix Cinema, where you can catch the latest film on a rainy day in Cornwall.
The friendly, local cinema offers the chance to catch the latest blockbusters, with five screens, three of which have sofa or armchair seating. What is more, the cinema is licensed, so that you can enjoy a tipple while watching a film.
Here, you will also find a live theatre showcasing local talent and international touring artists. Catch old classics, music concerts and special parent and baby screenings!
When it comes to things to do in Cornwall in the rain, visiting the cinema is a must!
Price: Adults (15+ years) £8.50; Senior Adults (60+ years) £7.50; Child (14 and below) £6.50
Contact: 01 326 313072; www.flicks.co.uk
7. Trerice, Kestle Mill
Next on our guide to things to do in Cornwall is the National Trust property of Trerice. Located on the outskirts of Newquay, this indoor activity in Cornwall is ideal for historians and couples.
Take the time to explore Trerice and you’ll be rewarded with a remarkable architecture, sensational interiors and wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
The stunning Elizabethan manor house has kept many of its original character features and remains little changed by the building fashions that have come about over the centuries.
Trerice is ideal for adults seeking a little peace and quiet; with its tranquil nature and calming atmosphere, the building is prized by its visitors.
For a real treat, we suggest visiting the Barn Restaurant at Trerice. This remarkable restaurant serves up delicious cream teas, hot soups and much more and provides a wonderfully romantic atmosphere to dine in.
Price: Adult tickets with gift aid cost £4.25.
Opening times: Vary by the time of year; remember to check www.nationaltrust.org.uk/place-pages/338/pages/opening-times-calendar
Contact: 01637 875404; trerice@nationaltrust.org.uk
8. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle
Tucked away in the quaint village of Boscastle is our next indoor activity in Cornwall, The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Escape the rain and explore one of Britain’s most unique and loved independent museums, home to over 300 objects.
The museum has enjoyed a coastal position since 1960 and has been intriguing visitors with its collections of charms, curses, herbs and sea witchcraft ever since.
Catch a glimpse of magical tools such as athames, wands and Wiccan items, as well as crystal balls and protection talismans made by soldiers during WWI.
After exploring the museum, head to the shop where you can pick up witch wares, tools, books, and lots more!
Price: Adults (18+) £7; Children (6-17 years) £5; Under 5s Free
Opening times: Open from April to October; 10.00am – 5.30pm (4.30 last entry).
Contact: museumwitchcraft@AOL.com; museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk
9. Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
For an educational trip on a rainy day in Cornwall, we suggest heading to Bodmin Jail.
The original jail was built by George III in 1779. But the jail you see today was actually built by the jail’s prisoners! The prisoners would fetch granite from Bodmin’s Cuckoo Quarry to complete the build. In total, they shifted around 20,000 tonnes of granite!
Visit the jail on a rainy day and you can explore the dark cells, learn about the prisoners who used to live there and even take part in a ghost walk.
After your trip around the cells, you can refuel at the Warders Room Restaurant. This superb restaurant has a team of quality chefs who cook all the food in the jail’s kitchen using locally sourced, seasonal meats, fish and vegetables.
Price: Adults from £15, concessions (aged 65 and older) £12.50, children (5-15 years) £12.50, children under five go free and family ticks are available from £52.
Opening times: Open every day except for Christmas Day. Jail visits are from 9.30am – 6pm, last entry is 4.30pm
Contact: 01208 76292; info@bodminjail.org
10. Cornwall’s Great Escape Rooms, Newlyn
If you are looking for a family-friendly activity on a rainy day in Cornwall, the Great Escape Rooms may be perfect for you!
On a drizzly afternoon, you and your loved ones can put your skills to the test in a race against time. Assemble your team, crack puzzles and make sure you escape before time runs out!
Spend the hour embarking on a magical and challenging journey, where you solve puzzles, combinations and riddles to find the key.
Try your hand at The Family Business, where you must work out what the thugs have stolen while the Jolly Jogger rooms will transport you back to the 18th century to find the infamous ship!
Price: Group of 2 £40; Group of 3 £50; Group of 4 £60; Group of 5 £72.50; Group of 6 £84; Group of 7 £98
Opening times: 10.00am-8:00pm
Contact: 07715678559; cornwallsgreatescaperooms@gmail.com; www.cornwallsgreatescaperooms.co.uk
11. Antony House, Torpoint
As one of the finest examples of surviving Queen Anne buildings in the West Country, Antony is a real treat for adults looking at spending a lazy afternoon sheltered from the Cornish rain.
Whilst searching through this fantastic 18th-century mansion guests will come across an outstanding collection of portraits depicting the unique family history of the Carew Pole family. This historic house also boasts examples of period furniture, textiles and tapestries, making the property perfect for art lovers.
From the windows, visitors are treated to sweeping views over the countryside and grounds. So even if it’s raining you can still make use of the beautiful gardens! Film fanatics will recognise Antony as one of the film locations for Tim Burton’s massive hit ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
Price: Adults £11, children £5.50, and family tickets for £27.50 or £16.50 for families with one adult (prices include gift aid).
Opening times: Vary by the time of year; remember to check www.nationaltrust.org.uk/place-pages/10/pages/opening-times-calendar.
Contact: 01752 812191; antony@nationaltrust.org.uk
12. Tate, St Ives
Next on our guide to things to do in Cornwall in the rain is the famous, Tate museum in St Ives.
Known for its strong connection to art, St Ives receives thousands of visitors each year, but where do these visitors hide when the rain starts to pour? Well, the Tate of course!
This internationally renowned gallery is the perfect hideaway for adults. Find a fantastic range of both new and old exhibits to explore you could spend hours lost amongst the artwork.
The Tate not only has an ever-changing display of contemporary art pieces but, is also home to the national collection of British art from 1500.
As well as perusing the art on display you can also spend your time admiring the souvenirs in the gift shop. Afterwards, taste a traditional Cornish cream tea in the café!
Price: Admission to the gallery is free but there is an extra charge for those wishing to visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Contact: 01736 796226; visiting.stives@tate.org.uk; www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives
13. Shipwreck Treasure Museum, Charlestown
Concluding our guide to things to do in Cornwall in the rain is the fascinating, Shipwreck Treasure Museum. At the award-winning museum, uncover the secrets of the sea to shiver your timbers and fuel your imagination!
On a rainy day, weave through a collection of 8,000 finds from over a hundred wrecks. Items include an intact barrel of coins, a cannonball, and gold bullion bars!
There is also a seabed of stories awaiting to be uncovered, including hair-raising feats of human instinct to stories of hardship and horror!
Opening times: Museum is closed until New Year 2023. Usual opening hours: Monday – Wednesday 10am-5.30pm, Thursday – Friday 10am-6.30pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am – 8.30pm
Contact: 01726 69897; info@shipwreckcharlestown.com; www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk
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Take a look at our comprehensive guide to indoor activities in Cornwall, where you can find even more things to do when it’s raining! Alternatively, our Cornwall guide will help you plan a memorable getaway, as well as our rainy day guide to seaside towns.
Image Credits: Philip Halling – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Philip Halling – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Matt Brown – (CC BY 2.0); Richard Croft – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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