Are you travelling to Cornwall soon? The coastal town is famous for its beaches and outdoor activities, but you may be wondering what to do if you get rained out.
Cornwall has art galleries, underground mines, historic estates, and local museums. You can even visit an indoor rainforest and the supposed birthplace of the mythic King Arthur.
Even on a rainy day, there are plenty of things to do in the Cornish area. Check out the list below of 25 things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall.
1. Falmouth Art Gallery
Visit Falmouth on the south coast of Cornwall for a day in the art gallery. Peruse classic masterpieces and modern art while you are at the gallery.
The gallery has over 2000 works of art dating back to the pre-Raphaelite and British Impressionist eras. You can also check out their automata collection.
If you are an aspiring artist, sign up for one of their art classes or workshops to learn more about Cornish art. Or visit a rotating exhibit.
Recently the Falmouth Art Gallery has obtained custodianship of the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society Tuke Collection. You can view the Tuke collection alongside the many other classic and modern works.
2. The Eden Project
A trip to Cornwall would not be complete without visiting The Eden Project. It is an eco-park full of artificial biomes, and it features plants from across the globe.
The site is on a former clay mine, but scientists, architects, engineers, and gardeners transformed it into a beautiful set of gardens. The Eden Project is perfect for a rainy day, as the massive biomes will shield you from the weather.
Visit the rainforest biome to experience the biggest indoor rainforest in the world. Or, check out the Mediterranean biome and see olive trees, fruit trees, cacti, and herbs.
Before you leave, step inside the core building, which looks like a spiralling sunflower, and see the Invisible Worlds exhibit.
Also Read: Lodges in Cornwall with Hot Tubs
3. Hall for Cornwall
What better way to spend a rainy day than at the theatre? Visit Hall for Cornwall in Truro, right near the Truro River. The theatre is famous for keeping its audience engaged and having a fun time throughout the show.
If music is more your thing, Hall for Cornwall also hosts concerts. Or, visit for a night of laughs and see a comedy show.
The hall was originally a city hall, and there has been a municipal building on the site since the 17th century. Now, you can attend a theatre show or musical to rival London’s West End.
4. PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications
Head to the tiny village of Porthcurno for a unique experience at the telegraph museum. Historically, Porthcurno was the centre for transatlantic telegraph communications, and the town still keeps history alive at the museum.
The museum was formerly only for telegraph history, but today it has expanded to include modern communications. Kids and adults alike can learn about the history of communication, from undersea telegraphs to wireless and satellite communication.
The museum holds several collections, and you can see original telegraph equipment, art, maps, and a massive archive collection.
Top off your visit at the Cafe PK, a family-friendly restaurant with locally-sourced vegan and gluten-free options. And if you have a furry friend with you, you will be happy to know that PK Porthcurno welcomes dogs.
5. Truro Cathedral
Truro is home to the only cathedral in Cornwall, a Victorian-era structure that you will not want to miss. Attend a service on Sunday, sign up for a workshop, or book a guided tour.
The cathedral sits on the site of an original church from 1259. The church was rebuilt several times in various styles and eventually became the Truro Cathedral. It is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows, the largest stained glass project ever made at the time of creation.
Visiting the cathedral is free, but donations are encouraged. There is a cafe adjoining the cathedral, and you can stop by for some cream tea and biscuits after your tour.
6. Museum of Cornish Life
If you are not from Cornwall, visit the Museum of Cornish Life to acquaint yourself with Cornish culture. It is a free museum in Helston, and it opened in 1949. It focuses on the social history of the Cornwall area and has one of the largest collections in southwest England.
View the collection on local Cornwall industry, or peruse the archaeological artefacts from the Helston area. The museum also houses collections on geology, costumes, and Henry Trengrouse, a cabinet maker and early inventor.
Visit their website to see what exhibitions are on and see what events and family activities coincide with your trip. The Museum of Cornish Life always has something going on, and it is an ideal place to visit on a rainy day.
7. Poldark Mine
The Poldark Mine in Helston dates back to the 18th century, and it was first called the Wheal Roots Mine. In 1963, Peter Young rediscovered the mine and named it for his friend, the creator of the Poldark book series.
Take a tour or visit the museum next door and learn more about the mining history of Cornwall. Cornwall has a long mining history, but Poldark Mine is the only tin mine still intact. The mine dates back to the 18th century, and it is now a world heritage site.
Visit the museum next door to learn more about mining in Cornwall. Do not forget to grab a bite at the cafe and book a ghost tour in the evening.
8. Carnglaze Caverns
Take a trip underground and escape the rain at Carnglaze Caverns. Just south of St Neot, the artificial caverns consist of three large caves, a lake, and an underground concert venue.
The caverns are a former slate mine and were used for storage by the Royal Navy during the Second World War. Now, they operate for tourism, weddings, and music performances.
The caverns are open to the public, and you can embark on a self-guided tour at any time of year. Or, book a guided tour during the high season to learn more about the caverns.
Check the schedule to see if any concerts coincide with your trip. An underground trip to Carnglaze Caverns is an unforgettable experience, so stop by when you are in Cornwall.
9. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Visit Boscastle and seek shelter from the rain at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. It is the most extensive collection of magic and witchcraft, and it is also the oldest in the world. It is an independent museum with rotating exhibits and a document archive dating back to the 1920s.
The museum seeks to educate visitors on the history of magic in Britain from ancient times to the present, and it has over 4000 objects relating to British witchcraft. Visit for special exhibits and events like the season solstices and the arrival of touring exhibitions. The Museum of Witchcraft in Magic is well worth your time, and you will learn about both magic in Britain and general British history.
10. Royal Cornwall Museum
The Royal Cornwall Museum is a fantastic choice for a rainy day. In the heart of Truro, not far from the Victoria gardens, the museum is fun for adults and children alike.
Learn about the history of Truro, Cornwall, and more general global history. The museum mainly focuses on regional history, and it strives to provide an educational and fun experience.
In 1818, the Royal Institute of Cornwall founded the museum and worked to promote knowledge about Cornish history and culture. Visit the adjoining Courtney Library for a vast collection of historical resources, or see one of the many exhibitions in the museum.
11. National Maritime Museum
Cornwall is famous for its long seafaring history, and the National Maritime Museum is the best place to celebrate the Cornwall connection to the sea.
Head down to the Falmouth harbour to see this fascinating museum. It features historic boats docked outside, but there is also an indoor museum to escape from the rain.
You can see artefacts and exhibitions connected with seafaring and learn about the history of smuggling in the region.
The museum works to tell the story of seafaring in a relevant way. You will walk away from the museum with a renewed knowledge of smuggling and sailing history in Britain.
12. Tate St Ives
Perhaps the best place for art lovers on a rainy day is Tate St Ives, an extension of the Tate Britain museum in London. The building overlooks the coastline, and you can enjoy a meal in the cafe after touring the artwork.
Check out the local exhibitions that highlight artists of Cornwall. Or, look for international artists that the museum features in its gallery.
Some art incorporates local stone, such as the Marlow Moss exhibit that uses regional Cornish granite. Tate St Ives highlights the best of Cornwall, and it is a great place to see modern and local art.
13. Lanhydrock
Lanhydrock is a National Trust property in Bodmin, Cornwall. It is a magnificent Victorian country estate. It has a large garden, but you can easily spend the whole of your afternoon indoors if it is raining.
It is mainly a Victorian structure, but some areas of the estate date back to the 17th century. Inside the country house, you can learn about the Victorian era, the First World War, and other events that touched the estate.
Do not forget to visit the library, which politician John Robartes collected in the 17th century. Robartes was one of the original owners of Lanhydrock, and his family owned the country estate for 400 years.
14. Tintagel Castle
Escape the rain in the ruins of Tintagel Castle on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall. According to legend, King Arthur was born at Tintagel Castle, and the site is rich in history and myth. The castle is partially outdoors, but you can take shelter in the cafe if the rain becomes too fierce.
The entrance to the castle is on a bridge, and you can enjoy a magnificent view of the mediaeval ruins and the ocean while walking. The spot is also home to mediaeval residential structures that date back to the 5th and 6th centuries.
15. Healey Cornish Cyder Farm
Warm yourself on a rainy day at Healey Cornish Cyder Farm in Penhallow. Purchase a ticket, and you will get access to the farm production factory, where you can learn about making cyders.
The Cyder Museum Cellars are home to an apple press house and jam kitchen, and you can see the whole process happen. Buy some cyder and jam to take home, or enjoy it onsite at the Tasting and Sensory Room.
Healey Cornish Cyder Farm is a family-friendly environment, and pets are welcome in most areas. Older members of your group can check out the distilleries and sample some of the signature hard cyders.
16. Bodmin Jail
For a spooky attraction, visit the historic Bodmin Jail. The administration of King George III built the prison in 1779 out of local granite, and the location has remained an integral part of Cornish history for over 200 years.
The prison was part of the 18th-century prison reforms, and it boasted private cells, hot water, natural light, and paid work for prisoners. The prison began restoration in 2004 and now contains a 4-star hotel and visitor centre. Visit today and check out the Dark Walk, a 2-hour tour of the inner prison.
17. The Leach Pottery
The Leach Pottery in St Ives is a fun and interactive way to spend a rainy day. The museum building was the home of the late studio potter Bernard Leach. Leach was an art teacher and is often called the father of British studio pottery.
Book a guided tour, see the pottery museum and learn about Cornish pottery. For a more hands-on experience, take a pottery course and take home a handmade souvenir.
The Leach Pottery is fun for artists and amateurs alike, and it is a great way to learn about history while interacting with art.
18. Trerice
Visit a National Trust Property in Newquay and learn about the Tudor period in Cornwall. The house at Trerice has been a historic property since the Elton family passed it on to the National Trust in 1953.
It has a rich history that dates back to over 700 years, and you can see a massive collection of objects and artefacts in the house displays. One of the most notable features of the house is the stained glass windows, which consist of 576 glass tiles from the 16th-19th centuries.
19. Pendennis Castle
Built by Henry VII in the 16th century, Pendennis Castle was a mighty military fortress. Construction finished in 1542, and it was part of a strategy to defend against France.
The castle was an active military site until the end of the Second World War. Now, it operates as a tourist location, and it is a great place to escape the rain. The castle has spiral stone stairs, Tudor period weapons, and an underground magazine with World War II artefacts.
The site also has a soft play area for children next to the castle cafe. Check out the event schedule to see what events are happening during your visit.
20. Cotehele Mill and House
Cotehele Mill is a Victorian flour mill in eastern Cornwall, not far from Dartmoor National Park. Part of the National Trust, the mill sits in the valley forest of St Dominick. The site is a watermill, and it has been in operation since the 19th century.
Cotehele House is not far off, and it is a Tudor house with sections that date back to the Mediaeval period. The house has a little restaurant and shop, so stop by after your mill tour.
Both locations have outdoor gardens, but there is plenty to do inside if it is raining.
You can see Victorian artisan workshops, Tudor artefacts, and Georgian tapestries.
21. Bude Tunnel
Bude Tunnel is an excellent choice for a Cornwall day in the rain. It is a protected walkway popular with tourists and locals, and it is something you will not want to miss during a holiday in Bude.
The transparent tunnel allows for a view of the seaside town, and the attraction is perfect for a lovely walk through Erdiston Court in Bude.
The tunnel stretches over 70 metres, and it has 36 metal arches. During the Christmas season, Bude locals adorn the tunnel with sparkling lights, and it is a beautiful place to visit.
22. Jamaica Inn Restaurant
Cornwall has a connection to pirates, smugglers, and seafarers, and the Jamaica Inn is one of the best places to experience the seaside history of the country. Spend your holiday at the inn, or visit for a bite to eat at the inn restaurant.
Historically, the inn was a stopping point for people travelling from Bodwin to Launceston. The inn was a frequent hideout for smugglers and thieves, who often stashed the illicit items they had taken from the coast.
Perhaps the best feature of the Jamaica Inn is the museum. Stop by to learn about Cornish maritime history and become more familiar with smuggling tales in this inn on the moors.
23. Prideaux Place
Rosamund Pilcher fans will love Prideaux Place, the location of many of her film adaptations. The novelist set many of her books in Cornwall, and she is beloved by the Cornish people.
Prideaux Place is a manor house that the Prideaux family constructed in 1592. The family has lived in the house for 14 generations, but they now open it to public tours.
Stay away from the rain and explore the Tudor masterpiece. Or, visit the tearoom and enjoy an authentic Cornish cream tea.
24. Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing
Visit the tiny fishing village of Polperro, and experience the rich seaside history of Cornwall. The Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing has ship models, family history records, and photographic records of Cornish history, which focuses on fishing and smuggling.
Partake in more Cornish culture when you try Cornish ice cream at the museum cafe. Enjoy a beautiful view of the harbour while you eat.
25. Pencarrow House and Gardens
The Georgian estate of Pencarrow is in Bodwin in North Cornwall, and it boasts a massive collection of antiques. The Molesworth family has owned the Pencarrow estate since the 16th century, and they now oversee tours for the public.
The current family maintains a connection with tourists, and they seek to curate the best items for display. Book a guided tour, and enjoy the beautiful paintings, furniture, and porcelain in the historic house. Finish your visit with lunch at the Peacock Cafe, and try local Cornish cuisine.
Final Thoughts
Rain or shine, you now have some fantastic attractions to choose from on your visit to Cornwall. Avoid the rain and drench yourself in the rich history and culture instead. Happy travels!
