Ideas for a rainy day

The sun doesn’t always shine in Cornwall but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. A little drizzle or mist is the perfect excuse to explore some of Cornwall’s best indoor attractions. From fascinating museums and inspiring art galleries to exciting indoor play centres, here are some top rainy-day activities for all ages.

Museums & Art Galleries
Cornwall’s rich cultural heritage really shines on a rainy day, making museums and galleries an ideal escape from the drizzle. In Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall offers a deep dive into Cornwall’s seafaring past, with interactive exhibits and beautiful galleries dedicated to the sea, boats, and Cornish history. Over in West Cornwall, the Geevor Tin Mine near St Just allows visitors to explore the remnants of one of Cornwall’s last working tin mines including a fascinating underground tour. For a more hands-on and imaginative experience, Discovering42 in Bodmin is an award-winning science and art exhibition where recycled materials, interactive installations, and creative engineering come together to inspire curiosity about the world.

Cornwall has a wealth of galleries from small independent studios to world famous collections like Tate St Ives, from contemporary art to the more traditional Newlyn artists featured in the Penlee Gallery. They are all well worth a visit, especially if the weather isn't on your side. Most have changing exhibitions, so always check before you go to see what's on display.

Indoor Family Fun
When the rain comes down, the fun ramps up indoors. Cornwall has a range of family attractions where kids can burn off energy and parents can stay dry. Raze the Roof in Penryn is a go-to destination for indoor adventure, offering a mega play frame, slides, climbing walls, and cutting-edge activities like Laser Tag and virtual reality experiences that span everything from zombie apocalypses to Parisian kitchens. In Hayle, Paradise Park’s indoor JungleBarn ensures entertainment regardless of the weather, with activities designed for all ages. When the sun peeks through, explore the wildlife sanctuary, housing over 130 bird species, red pandas, and otters, or enjoy the outdoor Paradise Island playground.

Hands-On Heritage
Whether you're young or young at heart, a rainy day is the perfect time to explore immersive experiences. At Cornwall Gold, dive into the excitement of panning for gold for free, unleash your creativity with pottery painting, and bring joy to life by crafting a furry friend at The Bear Works. Head to Bodmin Jail for an immersive journey through immersive journey through 18th- and 19th-century crime and punishment, complete with theatrical storytelling and dramatic settings. Rounding out this trio is The Story of Emily, an extraordinary and interactive attraction in St Ive, Liskeard that brings the life of humanitarian Emily Hobhouse vividly to life. Starting in her beautifully restored Victorian rectory, you’ll don period slippers and step into audio-led rooms bursting with authentic décor and detailed artifacts. Then the adventure deepens in the War Rooms: equipped with high-tech headsets, visitors navigate a multimedia tour featuring installations, film, animation, and even virtual reality.

Still Looking for More?
This is just a taste of what Cornwall has to offer on a rainy day. From quirky museums to cosy cafés and unexpected indoor gems, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your visit whatever the weather.

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