Cornwall is a fantastic place for outdoor adventures, but sometimes the weather has other plans. When the wet weather rolls in, it's important to have a list of rainy day activities to keep everyone entertained.
With a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty, Cornwall has something for everyone. Here are 67+ best indoor activities in Cornwall to keep the whole family entertained, no matter what the weather!
From museums and art galleries to bowling alleys and indoor adventure parks, discover the best indoor activities Cornwall has to offer on a rainy day!
Whether you're travelling with family, friends, or on your own, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained and engaged, no matter what your interests are.
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Best Indoor Activities in Cornwall
Cornwall Landmarks
Eden Project
The Eden Project just outside St Austell is one of the best rainy day activities in Cornwall. This incredible eco-attraction boasts two gigantic biomes filled with plants from all around the world.
The Rainforest Biome is the largest indoor rainforest in the world, while the Mediterranean Biome houses plants from Europe, California, and South Africa. The biomes provide shelter from the rain while still allowing visitors to experience a variety of climates and environments
The Eden Project also offers a range of indoor activities for younger and older children in the Core building, which houses interactive exhibits on topics such as sustainability and the environment. So even on a rainy day, visitors can still have a fun and educational experience at the Eden Project.
📍The Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Truro Cathedral
Take a moment of quiet reflection at Truro Cathedral, an architectural gem in the heart of Cornwall's capital. With beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings, it's a peaceful haven on a wet day.
📍Truro Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Truro, TR1 2FQ
Museums & Heritage Attractions
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth
The National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth is a must-visit for any sea lover. With interactive exhibitions on everything from the history of the Royal Navy to Cornwall's role in the world wars, there's something for everyone. There are also boat-building workshops and hands-on activities for children, making it a perfect rainy day activity.
📍NMMC, Discovery Quay, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 3QY
Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
Delve into Cornwall's dark past with a visit to Bodmin Jail. This historic prison, now a museum, offers guided tours of its eerie cells and the chance to learn about its infamous inmates. With a ghostly atmosphere and fascinating exhibits, it's an intriguing experience for older children and adults alike.
📍Bodmin Jail, Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2NR (Sat Nav PL31 2PY).
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro
The Royal Cornwall Museum, located in the city of Truro, is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Cornwall's rich history, art, and culture. Established in 1818 by the Royal Institution of Cornwall, the museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts, art, and exhibits that showcase the heritage and history of Cornwall and its people.
The museum offers several interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
📍Royal Cornwall Museum, River Street, Truro, TR1 2SJ
Museum of Witchcraft & Magic, Boscatle
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, located in the picturesque village of Boscastle in North Cornwall, is a unique and intriguing attraction dedicated to the history, folklore, and practices of witchcraft, magic, and the occult. Established in 1960 by Cecil Williamson, the museum houses one of the world's largest collections of witchcraft-related artifacts and curiosities, making it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in the subject.
📍Museum of Witchcraft, The Harbour, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0HD
Geevor Tin Mine
Step back in time at the Geevor Tin Mine near Penzance, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic mine offers guided underground tours, an interactive museum, and the opportunity to try your hand at panning for gold. Children will love the hands-on experiences, while the whole family will be fascinated by the history of Cornwall's tin mining industry.
📍Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7EW
Jamaica Inn
Visit the Jamaica Inn at Bolventor on Bodmin Moor, Cornwall's most famous smugglers' haunt and the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier's classic novel. With a fascinating museum, ghost tours, and a cosy pub serving great food (I can recommend the gammon, egg, and chips), this historic inn is a great place to escape the bad weather.
📍Jamiaca Inn, Bolventor, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall, PL15 7TS
Carnglaze Caverns
Discover the mysterious world beneath Cornwall at Carnglaze Caverns near Liskeard, a series of three man-made caverns in the heart of the Cornish countryside. With guided tours, underground concerts, and a magical woodland walk, Carnglaze Caverns is a unique experience for the whole family.
📍Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 6HQ
National Trust & English Heritage Properties
Lanhydrock, Bodmin
Lanhydrock House, a magnificent Victorian country house nestled in extensive gardens and woodlands, is a popular National Trust property located near Bodmin. The estate provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse into Victorian life, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle of the upper class and the working life of the staff who served them.
The house is set within 900 acres of beautiful gardens, parkland, and woodland, offering visitors plenty of opportunities for leisurely walks and exploration if the sun comes out. The formal gardens feature a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as a stunning herbaceous border and a picturesque parterre.
📍Lanhydrock, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AB
Trerice, Newquay
Trerice, a charming Elizabethan manor house, is a hidden gem located near Newquay. Managed by the National Trust, Trerice offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing beautifully preserved interiors, serene gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere that transports guests back to the days of Sir John Arundell and his family.
The manor house has been lovingly maintained to reflect its original character and visitors can explore various rooms, including the Great Hall, the Dining Chamber, and the Drawing Room, each adorned with period furniture, ornate plasterwork, and interesting artifacts.
If the weather brightens up, the beautiful gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls. The gardens feature a variety of plants, a knot garden, and a sundial garden, as well as a variety of lawns and borders.
📍Trerice, Kestle Mill, near Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4PG
Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
Pendennis Castle is a historic fortress located on a rocky headland in the town. It was built by King Henry VIII in the 1540s as part of his Device programme to protect against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire.
The castle played a vital role in defending the Carrick Roads waterway at the mouth of the River Fal, and has been used for military purposes throughout the centuries, including during the English Civil War, the Napoleonic Wars, and both World Wars. Today, Pendennis Castle is owned by English Heritage and is open to the public as a popular tourist attraction.
📍 Pendennis Castle, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum
The Porthcurno Telegraph Museum is dedicated to the history of submarine telegraphy and its impact on global communications. It's situated on the site of the former Porthcurno Telegraph Station, which played a significant role in international telecommunications during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The original Porthcurno Cable Hut, which dates back to 1870, is preserved as part of the museum. This hut was the point where undersea telegraph cables came ashore, connecting Britain to various parts of the world.
Porthcurno Telegraph Station was considered a high-value target for enemy attacks, so a series of underground tunnels were constructed to protect the staff and equipment. The museum offers guided tours of these well-preserved tunnels, providing a unique insight into the site's history during the war.
📍PK Porthcurno, Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JX
Art Galleries & Crafts
Tate St Ives
Art enthusiasts will love the Tate St Ives gallery, which showcases modern and contemporary art with a focus on the St Ives School. With stunning views of Porthmeor Beach, this gallery is a fantastic place to spend a wet day exploring the works of famous artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson.
📍Tate St Ives, Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1TG
Newlyn Art Gallery
Newlyn Art Gallery, located in the coastal village of Newlyn near Penzance, is a contemporary art gallery that has been showcasing the work of local, national, and international artists since its establishment in 1895. The gallery was founded by a group of artists from the Newlyn School, an influential art movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that focused on painting scenes of everyday life in the area.
📍 Newlyn Art Gallery, New Road, Newlyn, TR18 5PZ
Falmouth Art Gallery
Located in the town centre, Falmouth Art Gallery is an ideal place to explore local art and culture.
The gallery's collection includes over 2,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures, with a particular focus on British art from the 19th and 20th centuries (including works by famous artists such as Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Charles Napier Hemy, and Dame Laura Knight). The gallery also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists.
📍 Falmouth Art Gallery, Municipal Buildings, The Moor, Falmouth, TR11 2RT
Indoor Play Areas
Kidzworld, St Austell
Kidzworld in St Austell, open 7 days a week, is perfect for rainy days.
You can try your hand at rollerskating, trampolining, or even the Dodgems! It also has a 12-hole mini golf course and soft play area for younger children.
📍Kidzworld Cornwall, Stadium Retail Park, Par Moor Road, St Austell, Cornwall, PL25 3RP
Flambards
Flambards is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cornwall, and for good reason. This fun park boasts over 20 rides and attractions, including the Hornet Rollercoaster (I last went on this 30 years ago when I was a 10-year-old girl visiting with my Brownie pack), as well as SkyRaker, the twisting drop ride.
There are plenty of things to do indoors as well, perfect for when the weather isn't on your side, including exploring the cobbled streets of a life-sized Victorian Village where you'll see Victorian Britain frozen in time.
Young families will love the traditional rides in Ferdi's Funland including the Teacups and Space Shuttles, and there's also a brand new Ferdi's indoor play area, new for 2023.
📍Flambards, Clodgey Lane, Helston, Cornwall TR13 0QA
Jungle Jack's
Jungle Jacks, situated in Newquay is a popular indoor play centre designed for children aged 0-12 years. It provides a safe, fun, and engaging environment for kids to burn off energy, and enjoy various play activities, making it an ideal destination for families in wet weather.
Jungle Jacks features a large, multi-level soft play area designed for children aged 4-12 years, complete with slides, ball pools, tunnels, and climbing structures. There is also a dedicated toddler area for younger children, providing a safe and age-appropriate space for little ones to explore and play.
📍13 & 14 Treloggan Trade Park, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2QL
Trampoline Parks
Bounce away the rainy day blues at one of Cornwall's indoor trampoline parks, such as iBounce in Bodmin, or Newquay trampoline park and play. With dedicated areas for younger children and dodgeball courts for older kids and adults, it's an energetic and entertaining way to spend a wet day.
Escape Rooms
For those who love a challenge, Cornwall has several escape rooms to try. Here are some of the best:
- Eureka Escape Cornwall - Truro
- DreadLock Escape Rooms - Bodmin
- Escape Time - St Ives
- Cornwall's Great Escape Rooms - Newlyn
- House-trap Escape Rooms - Bodmin & Indian Queens
- Locked In Escape Rooms Cornwall - Cambourne
- Twilight Escape Room - St Austell
Cinemas & Theatres
For a more relaxed indoor activity, Cornwall has several cinemas and theatres to choose from too;
- The Regal Theatre - Redruth
- The Poly - Falmouth
- The Plaza Cinema - Truro
- Pheonix Cinema - Falmouth
- The Savoy Cinema - Penzance
- The Lighthouse Cinema - Newquay
- The Acorn Theatre - Penzance
- The Hall for Cornwall - Truro
- The Regal Cinema - Wadebridge
- The Rebel Cinema - Bude
Indoor Sport
Swimming pools
Have a splash at one of the following public swimming pools in Cornwall;
- Dragon Leisure Centre - Bodmin
- Newquay Leisure World - Newquay
- St Ives Leisure Centre - St Ives
- Truro Leisure Centre - Truro
- Wadebridge Leisure Centre - Wadebridge
- Bude Leisure Centre (Splash) - Bude
- Helston Sports Centre - Helston
- Camelford Leisure Centre- Camelford
My favourite pool is Camelford, where I swim regularly. The water is lovely and warm and the staff are helpful and friendly.
Bowling Alleys
Challenge your family to a game of ten-pin bowling at one of Cornwall's bowling alleys;
- Truro Bowl - Truro
- The Venue - Bude
- Ozzell Bowl - St Austell
- Trethorne Leisure Park - near Launceston
Indoor Mini Golf
Pirate's Quest Adventure Golf in Newquay boasts 12 holes of mini golf inside their museum of Cornish myths, legends, and pirating past. It's most definitely quirky, and lots of fun too!
Indoor Climbing Walls
The Tide Climbing Centre - Wadebridge
Skate Parks
Keep the adrenaline pumping with a visit to Cornwall's indoor skate park, Mount Hawke Skatepark in Truro.
Railways
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Take a nostalgic journey on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Cornwall's only full-size steam train. Starting from Bodmin General Station, this historic railway offers a scenic journey through the beautiful Cornish countryside. With special events and themed rides throughout the year, it's a great experience for all ages.
📍Bodmin Railway, Bodmin, PL31 1AG
Aquariums & Marine Life
The Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and exotic fish. The underwater tunnel allows visitors to get up close and personal with the creatures, while the interactive rockpool experience is a hit with younger children.
In addition to the Blue Reef Aquarium, Cornwall is home to several smaller aquariums, such as the Mevagissey Harbour Aquarium.
You could also visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek when the weather isn't good enough for the beach. Learn about the incredible work they do to rescue and rehabilitate injured seals with underwater viewing areas, talks, and feeding demonstrations.
Indoor Activities for Couples
Spa Days
Indulge in a day of pampering together at one of Cornwall's luxurious spas. The Scarlet Spa in Mawgan Porth offers a range of treatments, including couples massages and facials. The St. Michaels Resort in Falmouth offers a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, and steam room, as well as a variety of treatments to choose from.
You might also want to check out 17+ best spa weekends in Cornwall
Cooking Classes
For foodie couples, Cornwall offers plenty of cooking classes where you can learn to prepare delicious meals together. The Rick Stein Cookery School in Padstow offers courses in seafood cookery, while Philleigh Way Cookery School near Truro offers classes on everything from bread-making to Thai cuisine.
Wine Tasting
Enjoy a romantic afternoon tasting some of Cornwall's finest wines. Camel Valley Vineyard, Knightor Winery, and Polgoon Vineyard are just a few of the wineries that offer tastings and tours. Sample award-winning wines and learn about the winemaking process while enjoying beautiful views of the countryside.
You might also want to check out 7 must-visit wineries in Cornwall
Indoor Markets
Explore Cornwall's vibrant indoor markets, such as Truro's Pannier Market or Par Market in St Austell. With a variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, these markets are a great place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs.
Frequently asked questions
1. Lanhydrok House, Bodmin
2. Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay.
3. Eden Project, St Austell.
4. Carnglaze Cavern, Liskeard.
5. National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth.
6. Bodmin Jail, Bodmin.
The wettest place in Cornwall is the high ground of Bodmin Moor. This upland region experiences higher levels of rainfall compared to other parts of Cornwall due to its elevation and location, which is exposed to the prevailing westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. While rainfall in Cornwall can vary, it is generally higher on the moorland than along the coast or in the low-lying areas.
With its vast indoor Biomes, the Eden project is a great place to visit in bad weather.
Cornwall Indoor Activities: A Recap
With so many fantastic indoor activities in Cornwall, you'll never be short of things to do on a wet day. From exploring historic sites and museums to getting active at indoor play centres and adventure sports, there's something for the whole family to enjoy. So don't let bad weather spoil your holiday!
But if you're going to get wet anyway, there's always surfing as an option!
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