10 Things to do when it rains in Cornwall
Grab your brolly and head off on an adventure
The great British summertime is wonderful when there’s isn’t a cloud in the sky but what about when it rains? In Cornwall there’s no need to let it spoil your holiday…
Go underground
Pretend you’re Poldark and head down one of Cornwall’s tin or copper mines. Take an underground guided tour at Poldark Mine or stay at the top and find out how the engine house worked at East Poole Mine. If you’d rather explore china clay mining then Wheal Martyn is the place to visit.
Discover a rainforest
Cornwall houses the largest indoor living rainforest at the amazing Eden Project. Unless you’re being splashed by the giant indoor waterfall, there’s no need to get wet either. Giant biomes host a plethora of plants from around the world and then you can pop to the café and try out some of the recipes made with them. Educational and fun!
Channel your inner artist
Cornwall is rife with arts and crafts and the back streets of St Ives are a wonderful introduction to it. Art studios are dotted around in old sail lofts and you can visit the Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum. Walk along the seafront afterwards and get a warm waffle at Willy Wallers Ice Cream Factory.
Join the pirates
There’s no need to abandon ship when it’s wet. Batten down the hatches, keep a sharp lookout and set course for the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Explore the galleries and exhibitions and head up the 100 foot look out tower. If you want more, try Charlestown Shipwreck and Heritage Centre with its eclectic collection of shipwrecked artefacts.
Vintage cinema
Dating back to 1936, Truro’s Plaza has been refurbished and updated with air con but retains its vintage feel. Movie lovers will also enjoy the cosy atmosphere at Newquay’s Lighthouse Cinema. For big screen entertainment, White River Cinema in St Austell ticks all the boxes.
Get spooked
Bodmin Jail regards itself as one of the most haunted places in the country. Why not maximise your ghost hunting and book an evening meal then be shown around by the resident medium?
Swim with the fishes
Not literally, although if you’re going to get wet anyway, you might as well head to the sea providing it’s not too stormy. However, if you’d prefer to stay dry, check out Newquay Aquarium where sharks, turtles and giant octopus await. Why not go one step further and adopt a lobster? The National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow have plenty on hand to choose from.
Indulge in a Cornish cream tea
This has to be tried come rain or shine if you’re in Cornwall! It’s a bit like paying homage to the pasty. Just make sure you load your scone the Cornish way – jam then cream. We’d recommend trying Porth Veor Manor where you can sit by the fire or in the conservatory which overlooks Porth beach. For a vintage experience with delicious cakes to boot, The Dwelling House set within Fowey’s characterful cobbled streets, is a must.
Be Lord or Lady of the manor for an afternoon
Cornwall has piles of historic houses (profits from mining can’t have been all that bad!). If you’re a National Trust member, you’re spoiled for choice. There’s also Pencarrow House for a dose of Georgian splendour or why not investigate a Rosamunde Pilcher film set and explore Prideaux Place, an Elizabethan house which is still family owned and has a wonderful collection of teddy bears!
Go to the pub!
If all else fails, head to the pub, there’s plenty of them. Local ales, wines and ciders can take on a whole new flavour when sitting at a cosy bar, especially if it overlooks a stormy sea. The Watering Hole at Perranporth and Schooners at St Agnes are perfect for this. If you’d like to know more about Cornwall’s famous local tipples, try a tour of Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm. Beer lovers’ will enjoy a tour of St Austell Brewery, where tastings are included or for wine buffs, Camel Valley Vineyard is the place to go. With any luck the sun will be shining at the end and you can enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace.