Two fantastic coasts with seashores galore, Cornish ice-cream, fudge and cream teas, and a number of the finest climate within the UK – however even with round 1,500 hours of sunshine every year, it’s nicely price having a back-up plan of issues to do in Cornwall within the rain with children.
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After visiting for many years, first as a baby myself and now with my very own daughter, it’s no shock to listen to I really like Cornwall – or that whether or not you’re visiting Cornwall in winter, spring, autumn or summer time, the climate can nonetheless a number of surprises in retailer.
Happily there are many issues to do in Cornwall on a wet day, from indoor actions to free days out in Cornwall. I’ve tracked down 29 of the perfect when you’re questioning what to do in Cornwall within the rain with children…
Take a look at my full information to Cornwall with children, in addition to my downloadable e book model of the information
Animal points of interest
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
In the event you can’t make it to the seashore, you’ll be able to at the least head underwater – proper on Towan seashore in Newquay, the Atlantic is on the doorstep, and the Blue Reef Aquarium’s shows embody native sea life in addition to extra tropical fish.
Wander the underwater tunnel with sharks, stingray and turtle, spy the enormous octopus and the sharp-toothed piranha. All with out getting even barely moist.
Take a look at my evaluation of our day at Blue Reef Aquarium with a toddler.
Newquay Zoo, Newquay
House to greater than a thousand of the world’s rarest and endangered animals, this small zoo can also be a surprisingly good choice on a drizzly day, with loads of indoor enclosures and lined areas – the place you would spot something from monkeys to a sloth, lemurs and lions.
There are additionally exercise trails and a play space for teenagers, plus a string of gardens – the Tropical Home is residence to sloths and can maintain you blissfully heat year-round.
Newquay additionally makes a fantastic base for households visiting Cornwall – together with loads of points of interest, and also you’re additionally lower than an hour from the Eden Mission, Falmouth and St Ives.
Paradise Park & Jungle Barn, Hayle
With lots of of birds, and over 130 species at Paradise Park wildlife sanctuary, you’ll be able to simply whereas away hours watching the animals, from penguin feeding to pink pandas and otters, a small farm, together with chook reveals and the numerous feathered inhabitants.
If the climate turns actually nasty, the Jungle Barn indoor delicate play will maintain youthful children very glad, together with a toddler’s zone and jungle-themed rooms.
Cornwall’s landmarks
Eden Mission, Bodelva, close to St Austell
With its two well-known biomes, you will be transported to the warmth of the rainforest or the heat of the Mediterranean on the Eden Mission, even when the rain is lashing down outdoors – and whereas you must scamper alongside zigzag paths to succeed in them, it’s an interesting place to shelter from unhealthy climate.
With storytelling periods and different particular actions and exhibitions, there’s even delicate play for the littlest guests.
Take a look at my evaluation of our day on the Eden Mission with a three-year-old.
Land’s Finish, Sennen, Penzance
In the event you suppose there’s nothing bar the well-known signal and fantastic views to identify at probably the most south-westerly factors of mainland Britain, suppose once more. There’s various issues to do in Cornwall with children within the rain right here, even when it’s too moist to pose open air at landmark.
Together with a 4D cinema, the Shaun the Sheep Expertise and Arthur’s Quest, an interactive walk-through expertise, the Land’s Finish points of interest additionally embody the Finish to Finish Story exhibition, about individuals who’ve walked from Land’s Finish to John O’Groats (or vice versa), in addition to a museum telling the story of the world and its folks.
Artwork galleries & museums
Tate St Ives, St Ives
The Cornwall department of the Tate gallery is true on the seashore (in case you might want to flee from sudden rainstorms in St Ives) and has a various assortment of recent artwork and non permanent exhibitions – choose up exercise packs from reception, comply with the household trails and there are even recommended video games to play as you discover.
In the event you’re visiting with a child or toddlers, there are altering services and a guardian and child room for breastfeeding on degree 3 (though you’re welcome to breastfeed anyplace within the gallery).
Not like a number of the different Tate galleries, there’s a cost for adults to enter, so it’s not one of many locations to go to in Cornwall without spending a dime, however children don’t must pay.
Falmouth Artwork Gallery
The gallery has beforehand received an award for its family-friendliness, and there are common periods for teenagers on Saturdays plus Little Fingers periods for pre-schoolers on chosen dates – fairly other than the surprisingly various artwork assortment on this small museum.
There’s additionally no entry cost, when you’re in search of free issues to do in Cornwall within the rain.
In case your children need to burn off some power after a go to to Falmouth Artwork Gallery, Raze the Roof delicate play in Penryn is barely a 10-minute drive away, with a VR Enviornment and Laser Tag as nicely for older children
Nationwide Maritime Museum, Falmouth
The right place to know the position the ocean performs in life in Cornwall (particularly when the climate is simply too unhealthy to really be out on the waves), the Nationwide Maritime Museum covers Cornwall’s maritime historical past in addition to sharing tales of the ocean and seafarers by means of the centuries.
With particular non permanent exhibitions, starting from pirates and the Vikings to Titanic, there are additionally storytelling periods for teenagers, interactive reveals and the possibility to go into the basement Tidal Zone to look out into the waters of the harbour.
With its 15 galleries serving to or not it’s voted one of many nation’s most family-friendly museums and 5 flooring to find, it doesn’t matter if it rains all day.
Take a look at my evaluation of our day on the Nationwide Maritime Museum with a toddler.
PK Porthcurno: Museum of International Communications (Porthcurno Telegraph Museum) close to Penzance
The little Cornish village of Porthcurno was as soon as residence to the world’s largest telegraph station, placing it proper on the coronary heart of worldwide telecommunications.
And whereas know-how has moved on, the fascinating tales at the museum are nonetheless price discovering, from the spot the place underwater cables got here ashore to Second World Battle tunnels, used for secret wartime communications, in addition to exhibitions on the way in which we talk right this moment.
There are actions, hands-on reveals and dressing up amongst different choices to entertain children, in addition to common family-friendly exhibitions at PK Porthcurno (previously Porthcurno Telegraph Museum).
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
Cornwall’s oldest and largest museum, it was set as much as showcase Cornish heritage and tradition – increasing to incorporate artwork and reveals from around the globe, together with an Egyptian mummy.
There are additionally household occasions, particularly throughout college holidays, in addition to some nice non permanent exhibitions to find.
Kids underneath 18 enter free, and at £7.50 for an annual move for an grownup, it’s nice when you’re in search of low-cost issues to do in Cornwall within the rain as nicely.
For extra concepts of free days out in Cornwall with children, these concepts received’t value you a penny.
The Shipwreck Museum, Charlestown
Take a step again into Cornwall’s previous and the times of treasure and wreckers on the Shipwreck Museum in Charlestown.
You’ll discover over 8,000 artefacts from greater than 150 separate ships, together with gadgets from the Mary Rose and the Titanic. There are common particular occasions all through college holidays as nicely.
Edit: The museum is presently up on the market, so its future is unsure
Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle
The world’s oldest and largest assortment of witchcraft and magic, this isn’t one for simply scared toddlers – however with round 3,000 reveals, there’s loads to fascinate older youngsters who need to uncover extra in regards to the historical past of magic.
Most visits final for lower than an hour, so don’t plan to spend all day, however the museum is among the most uncommon locations to shelter on a wet day in Cornwall.
Cornish heritage points of interest
Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
In case your children get pleasure from all issues spooky, this 18th century jail is apparently probably the most haunted locations in Britain – so higher for older children, who love their wet days spiced up with a bit of shiver of fright than for youthful youngsters (it’s not buggy-friendly both).
Not too long ago renovated, there are six ranges to discover, from the dank cells and harsh punishments, in addition to the execution pit and particular exhibitions. Much less gruesomely, the jail has additionally stored the Domesday E-book and Crown Jewels protected.
E-book tickets to Bodmin Jail and the Darkish Stroll with free cancellation right here
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Bodmin
Chuffing alongside a 13-mile route in a steam prepare is all the time a winner for train-obsessed little ones (and larger ones), and sheltered within the carriages, it’s additionally an excellent choice to discover the countryside when it’s raining in Cornwall.
In addition to particular themed occasions throughout college holidays, comparable to Halloween and Santa trains, it’s also possible to have cream teas aboard. Canines are welcome too.
The Lappa Valley Steam Railway, close to Newquay
A steam prepare experience with a distinction, because the journey on the Lappa Valley Steam Railway is simply the primary a part of the expertise.
When you get contained in the park, there’s are indoor play carriages together with a woodland railway, and if the climate isn’t too unhealthy, nature walks, a toddler path maze, lake and pedal vehicles to find. Good when you’re in search of issues to do with toddlers in Cornwall.
The Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre, one other nice choice for wet days in Cornwall with children, has sadly closed
Theme parks in Cornwall & locations to play
Camel Creek, Wadebridge
Camel Creek is a superb choice when you’re in search of a theme park in Cornwall with a little bit of every thing – indoor and outside play, animals, a 5D theatre, numerous rides… and loads of issues to do in all climate.
Together with indoor journey play (and outside if the unhealthy climate clears), you’ll be able to meet meerkats and Shire horses, the 5D Tremendous Sim Theatre, taking you on travels by means of time, in addition to totally different rides, together with gentler choices for little ones and extra adventurous rollercoasters when you’re not delay by some drizzle.
Maybe save the Downpour Derby sport, the place the intention is to soak your opponent, for sunny days – until you’re already moist by means of!
Open year-round, there are particular themed seasonal occasions too when you’re visiting round Halloween or Christmas. Prebooking tickets is beneficial.
Camel Creek has changed Crealy’s Journey Park which was once on this website though the sister theme park in Devon stays open. Cornwall’s different theme park, Flambards, closed in November 2024.
Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf, Newquay
Journey again 300 years to the Golden Age of piracy, within the residence of smugglers and buccaneers (and mermaids) with a household pleasant journey golf course with a twist.
At Pirate’s Quest Journey Golf you’ll discover 12 holes winding by means of the streets of 18th century Cornwall, in addition to an opportunity to discover caves, uncover native legends, seek for a mermaid and pose within the shares (in addition to making an attempt for a yo ho gap in a single!)
The swashbuckling course is indoors too, in case you’re in search of issues to do in Newquay within the rain.
Whereas the earlier interactive tour isn’t working any extra, children nonetheless get treasure maps to seek for pirate booty, plus an opportunity to study extra about Cornwall’s myths and legends.
Base Camp, Portreath
Head to Gwel an Mor resort to profit from greater than 2,000 sq. ft of soppy play at Base Camp, with a whopping three flooring of ball swimming pools, slides and different delicate play enjoyable for teenagers aged 3+, in addition to a separate play space for little ones, with moderately gentler enjoyable.
However there are additionally a number of extra thrills to search out in case your children need one thing past delicate play, together with 10 themed climbing partitions on the clip’n’climb part, appropriate for age 4 plus.
Deal with an escape room
Tougher than your common wet day in Cornwall, escape rooms are finest for older children and youths, however you’ll discover loads with family-friendly themes to get your loved ones working in opposition to the clock to resolve the puzzles.
Head to Bodmin for Dreadlock Escape Rooms, with a number of rooms that are child-friendly, whereas Locked In Cornwall in Camborne has one room which sees you rescuing a pasty recipe from piskies.
Take a look at Escape Rooms Cornwall in Penzance, Housetrap Escape Rooms in Bodmin and Indian Queens and Cornwall’s Nice Escape Rooms in Newlyn and Helston for extra family-friendly escape rooms in Cornwall.
Cornwall’s mining historical past
Carnglaze Cavern, St Neot
Head underground to keep away from the climate on a tour of a former slate mine between Liskeard and Bodmin – you’ll be able to uncover how the miners labored, ending on the Underground lake, in addition to seeing a number of the minerals mined and quarried within the space.
Exploring round 60m beneath floor, it’s all the time 10C, so pack a jumper for a wet summer time’s day – and benefit from the heat on chillier ones! There’s additionally a woodland stroll with a youngsters’s path if the rain holds off.
Geevor Tin Mine, close to Penzance
One of many largest preserved mine websites within the nation, it’s the proper place to know Cornwall’s mining historical past together with an 18th century underground tour and the possibility to pan for minerals.
Alongside the way in which, there are interactive reveals within the museum in addition to the possibility to see areas preserved when the mine was closed, plus additional household actions throughout the 12 months.
Any Poldark followers will recognise Wheal Leisure in the event that they do enterprise out for a brief stroll alongside the cliffs – plus there’s additionally a VR tour to present additional entry to components of the mine workings, and to make the expertise extra accessible.
If you wish to uncover extra of Cornwall’s industrial and mining historical past, Wheal Martyn Clay Works at St Austell is one other different, with family-friendly interactive reveals on the UK’s solely china clay mining museum.
Tin Mining at Cornwall Gold, Redruth
There are a few enjoyable methods to get palms on at Cornwall Gold – in addition to keep out of the rain, together with an opportunity to pan for gold your self.
There’s dressing up for little ones, who can remodel themselves right into a tin miller or bal maiden, as a part of the Tolgus Mill interactive exhibition, plus you’ll be able to see how rock was smashed into items earlier than the tin ore was eliminated.
With unique artefacts, you’ll be able to study extra in regards to the individuals who labored within the mines, in addition to a number of the different machines used to separate the precious metallic out from the rock to be offered. Each actions are utterly free (plus different paid choices, together with portray pottery)
Sadly Heartlands, one other nice free wet day attraction in Cornwall, has now closed – for extra free issues to do in Cornwall with children, take a look at my high picks
Nationwide Belief and English Heritage properties
Lanhydrock, Bodmin
Considered one of a number of Nationwide Belief properties in Cornwall, Lanhydrock is a superb choice for a wet day with children – in addition to the standard expansive grounds and open air actions (together with an journey playground), there are kids’s trails to discover inside the home as nicely.
Designed to allow you to expertise Victorian life, from the servants’ quarters and kitchens to the extra luxurious rooms the household lived in, you’ll be able to even take a peek contained in the nurseries.
Cotehele, close to Saltash
This Tudor manor home is one other nice choice for a wet day in Cornwall with children – there’s a free youngsters’s path to comply with by means of the rooms, with stickers to gather alongside the way in which, and numerous actions going down all year long.
You would make postcards, impressed by the medieval manor’s gardens and wartime historical past, earlier than discovering out extra about nature and wildlife within the Uncover Centre.
Or scamper underneath an umbrella to the Mill (spot the pisky doorways on the way in which), the place the waterwheel can be profiting from the rain – watch flour being milled on Thursdays and Sundays.
Tintagel Outdated Put up Workplace, Tintagel
First constructed over 600 years in the past, the unique farmhouse has been expanded and adjusted over the centuries as household after household lived inside its partitions.
Lastly remodeled into the village’s letter-receiving workplace, you’ll be able to discover the 5 rooms in addition to strive conventional crafts or comply with the historical past path as you discover.
Trerice, close to Newquay
This sixteenth century manor is a superb place to discover on a wet day, with conventional video games to play in the home’s nice chamber.
There’s additionally the possibility to strive your hand at brass rubbings of the household which as soon as lived at Trerice and dressing up in Tudor costumes.
Pendennis Fortress, Falmouth
You may’t escape the rain utterly as you discover Pendennis Fortress however there’s loads to do contained in the fortress, in addition to exhibitions to maintain children entertained.
Climb the spiral staircase to the highest of the Tudor maintain, constructed by Henry VIII to defend in opposition to the French and Spanish, with outdated bedrooms, kitchen and a recreated gun desk – in addition to 360 diploma views if the rain clears.
Or there are actions within the Discovery Centre, from planning a coastal assault to making an attempt morse code and loading weapons, and the possibility to study in regards to the troopers stationed and skilled in Falmouth throughout the First World Battle.
By the ocean
Go online
In the event you’re going to get moist anyway, why not do it in type? Cornwall is thought for a number of the finest browsing within the UK with surf colleges throughout the north and south coasts.
St Ives Surf Faculty has classes for newbies (and Porthmeor Seaside café has nice meals to refuel as you dry off), or strive Newquay Exercise Centre Surf Faculty on Fistral Seaside, Harlyn Surf Faculty in Padstow and Watergate Bay, amongst others.
Or when you don’t fancy braving the ocean, head to Retallack close to Padstow, which has Cornwall’s solely FlowRider – excellent waves, regardless of the climate, which are perfect for youthful surfers hoping to hone their expertise. Appropriate for age 8+.
Click on right here for extra ideas of days out in Devon and Cornwall
*first printed 2018, up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL IN THE RAIN
Disclosure: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions and expertise of exploring Cornwall within the rain are my very own.
Picture: Blue Reef Aquarium/Eden Mission/Nationwide Maritime Museum copyright MummyTravels. All others courtesy Depositphotos.
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