Rainy Days

There's no use going home it's probably raining there too, so get on the wellies and get out in the mist and drizzle, or Mizzle as we say in Cornwall, and see what fun you can have!!

SURF

The best thing to do when it’s raining is to get even wetter. In Cornwall you’ll find the best surfing beaches in Europe and it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro, grab a board, dive in the surf and let those rollers carry you back to shore  …just make sure you take off your wellies first though. 

WOODLAND WALKS

Trees smell gorgeous in the rain and a good trudge through the woods will rekindle your love of nature. Throw on your wet weather gear and dart between overhanging branches, catch a glimpse of the wildlife and end your trek with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Click here to visit our Walking in Cornwall page.

POND LIFE

There’s no better time to land a fish than when it’s bucketing down. Fish love the rain. Cast a line and see who can brag about the one that got away at one of the many courses fishing lakes in Cornwall. No need to worry if you’re squeamish, all fish caught are returned to the water to fight another day.

GET MUDDY

Who knew biking in the rain could be so cool? Forget those stubborn stains you’ll be splattered with and pedal on down to one the fantastic cycle trails in Cornwall. You’ve got 180 miles to choose from. Race over the moors through the woods, splash through the mud and feel ever so slightly naughty.

DRY OFF

Settle down and watch Cornwall’s loveliness from the comfort of a soft armchair. Ladies in Lavender with Judy Dench made on location near Penzance or James Bond’s Die Another Day filmed on the north coast go especially well with a bottle of Camel Valley Bacchus, some local Gevrick goat’s cheese and fresh Cornish crab, or popcorn if you must.

SEA SAFARI

Take a boat trip out to sea and discover the rich marine life that teems in the waters off Cornwall and whether you’re soaked by the rain or drenched by the sea spray it won’t really matter.  Pick up the gen on smugglers, learn tales about shipwrecks and say hello to dolphins, porpoises, whales and giant basking sharks.

COSY FIRE

Cornwall is home to expert bakers, confectioners and chocolatiers, so why not find solace in some great comfort food? Sit by a roaring fire, look out at the dramatic rain streaked landscape and indulge yourself with some locally made chocolates, clotted cream fudge or a large slice of traditional saffron cake.

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STORM WATCH

Catch the salty foam from the surf and listen to the exhilarating roar of the waves. When the wind whips up a swell and the huge rollers head for shore, take you seat on a dune, hold on tight at the top of a cliff or cosy up in a beachside café and watch nature put on a spectacular show.

INDOOR ADVENTURES

Slide, glide, climb and let the kid’s burn off all that pent up energy at one of Cornwall’s indoor play areas. Ball parks, mazes, trampolines, bungee runs, laser games…the list is endless!

Raze the Roof in Penryn
Kids Kingdom in Colliford Lake Park, Bodmin Moor
Kidz World in St Austell
Play Zone in Carbis Bay
Granite Planet Climbing Centre, Penryn
Trethorne Leisure Park nr Launceston 
Laser Fighters in Wadebridge
Bombadingas Cafe (soft play area and laser tag), Pool, Redruth
The Jungle Barn at Paradise Park in Hayle
The Bull Pen, Dairyland Farm World, near Newquay

LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN

It might not be quite Thomas the Tank Engine, but how about taking refuge from the rain onboard a steam train hurtling through the scenic Cornish countryside? A journey with Bodmin & Wenford Railway past rain dappled trees and lush green fields will transport you back to a more gentle pace of life. 

A TASTE OF THE TROPICS

Where else in the world can you go from the pouring rain to the warmth of the Mediterranean in a matter seconds? Forget jumping on a plane to farflung destinations, just meander your way around the Eden Project biomes and the rain will become the last thing on your mind.

HEAD FOR HOLLYWOOD

Sit back, relax and spend an indulgent afternoon at the cinema feasting on a tub of popcorn and making your way through a mountain of ice-cream and fizzy drinks. With cinemas in most Cornish towns you won’t have far to travel to catch the latest blockbuster.  Some holiday homes have a DVD player and a stock of films for visitors to enjoy, so get some goodies in and have a lazy family movie afternoon.

AHOY THERE

Whether it’s spitting, drizzling or pouring the award-winning building of the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth makes a welcome haven. Step inside and discover a world of boats, maritime life and sea adventures, roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the jam packed programme of events and activities or simply take-in the amazing 360 degrees view of Falmouth from the tower.

WASHED UP

If taking a dip in the sea when the rain falls isn’t your thing, take it indoors to get wet and wild in the safety of a leisure pool. With wave machines, river rapid rides and flumes it will be just as much fun but minus the sandy feet! Please visit the Cornwall Council website for a full list of leisure centres.

A SHARKS TALE

Stand eyeball to eyeball with a shark, get wrapped up in the wonder of an octopus and marvel at the beauty of exotic fish colourfully dancing across the reef. At Newquay’s Blue Reef Aquarium the deep blue sea gets that little bit closer and all the more real. Prepare to be amazed, thrilled…and slightly scared.

CORNISH CAMELS

Animals of the hump-back variety may not be the first thing you’d expect to find on The Lizard but prepare for the unexpected, as Rosuick Organic Farm in the centre of the peninsula is home to Frank, Myrtle and Maggie et al, a group of friendly camels. Now accustomed to the great British weather the camels can be viewed free of charge, come rain or shine, in the camel pen or why not get up close and personal with a camel trek across the Cornish heathland (fee payable).

Further ideas available at 101 Things To Do In Cornwall On A Rainy Day