The beautiful natural scenery of Cornwall is the main draw for most visitors, with swathes of golden sand, picture-perfect villages and awe-inspiring views. It's little wonder why families swarm to this part of the UK, but what to do if the weather isn’t favourable?
Fortunately, Cornwall offers no end of options for a rainy day with the children. Explore grand stately homes and intriguing museums, delve into undercover gardens or go one further and head underground on a cavern reconnaissance mission.
These indoor activities in Cornwall will provide kids big and small with plenty to keep their minds and bodies occupied until the sun pops out again. The biggest difficulty will be deciding what to do first! Read on to discover some of the best things to do indoors in Cornwall.
Family-friendly cottages
The Eden Project, near St Austell
Cornwall’s most-talked-about attraction, the Eden Project's domes will not only protect you from the drizzle outside, but will also transport you to more tropical climes where you can learn about exotic plants, walk through the rainforest canopy, enjoy an authentic Mediterranean meal and take part in one of the many family events which are run throughout the year.
Another attraction nearby:
The Lost Gardens of Heligan | One of the finest gardens in England, explore the gardens, locate all the sculptures and try not to get lost in the UK's only outdoor jungle
St Austell cottages
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
What better way to make the most of the wet weather than to embark on an under-the-sea adventure at the Blue Reef Aquarium! One of the best indoor attractions in Cornwall, around 40 natural-themed exhibits house all manner of underwater life, with sharks, turtles, colourful fish and even a caiman among the resident sea creatures you’ll see. Take a walk through the underwater tunnel to view the fish from a unique perspective, and set your watch for the child-friendly talks and feeding sessions scheduled throughout the day.
Another attraction nearby:
Newquay Zoo | A leading visitor attraction in Cornwall, great fun for all the family
Newquay cottages
Lanhydrock House, Bodmin
One of the National Trust’s finest properties in Cornwall, Lanhydrock House is a stunning Victorian mansion where history comes alive. Each fascinating room has been preserved with period gadgets, furniture, knick-knacks and vestiges of family life. Children will love exploring the suite of rooms full of old-fashioned toys and games, and peering into the perfect miniature world inside the dolls’ house. If the rain clears up, head outside to explore the estate which glows with golden hues in the autumn, sparkles with the frost in winter and offers picnic spots aplenty in the summer!
Another attraction nearby:
Bodmin Jail | Unlock Cornwall's dark history at this unique attraction, one of the best things to do indoors in Cornwall
Bodmin cottages
Check out our guide to the top days out for kids in Cornwall for even more fun things to do with the family.
Flambards credit: Instagram @flambardsukFlambards, Helston
If the weather’s looking temperamental, Flambards is a great choice for places to visit in Cornwall in the rain. With indoor and outdoor areas, you can dodge the showers and have a fantastic family day. Walk through the Victorian Village and dip in and out of more than 50 realistic shops displaying thousands of authentic goods from yesteryear. Then move on to the life-size replica of a London street during the blitz, complete with the sights and sounds of wartime Britain. When the sun begins to shine, head outside where you’ll find a whole host of fun rides to suit all ages, from classic teacups to the Hornet Rollercoaster and Log Flume.
Another attraction nearby:
Heartlands | A 19-acre Cornish Mining World Heritage Site with an abundance of activities, this is a great place to visit in Cornwall in the rain
Helston cottages
Carnglaze Caverns credit: Instagram @carnglazecavernsCarnglaze Caverns, Liskeard
Escape the rain by descending 150m underground to explore the former slate mine of Carnglaze. A fantastic choice for things to do in the rain in Cornwall, you can take a self-guided tour of the three huge chambers, in which the stunning underground lake is a highlight.
Another attraction nearby:
Adrenalin Quarry | If you're already wet, why not get even wetter at this outdoor activity park...?
Liskeard cottages
Maritime Museum, Falmouth
In the inspiring setting of Falmouth's Discovery Quay, the Maritime Museum is a colossal building housing 15 galleries over 5 floors, where interesting, hands-on exhibits describe the influence of the sea on history and culture. Enjoy the view out over the harbour from the lookout tower, and see it from an all-together different angle by descending to the Tidal Zone where you can see underwater. There’s plenty of rainy day activities for children to do, from sailing boats to practising survival at sea!
Another attraction nearby:
Ships and Castles Leisure Centre | If you can't rely on the weather, rest assured a swimming pool will keep the kids happy and is one of the great things to do in Cornwall in the rain
Our guide to the top free things to do in Cornwall with kids offers even more exciting inspiration for days out.
Falmouth cottages
Geevor Tin Mine, near Penzance
If you’re wondering how to spend a rainy day in Cornwall, then why not go on an underground adventure at Geevor Tin Mine? This 18th-century tin mine offers a fascinating day out for the whole family, discovering what life was like for a Cornish miner all those years ago. There are lots of hands-on activities, workshops, activities and games for kids, and the highlight of this attraction is the mine tour where families can don a hard hat and explore the atmospheric mining tunnels.
Another attraction nearby:
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum | Stay connected by visiting this museum and exploring the world of global communications
Penzance cottages
Country Skittles, Hayle
When it comes to indoor activities in Cornwall, Country Skittles just down the road from St Ives is a great choice for families. Enjoy a traditional game of skittles or battle it out on a games tournament with a shooting gallery, air hockey, mini crazy golf, and a giant draughts board to name a few of the exciting activities on offer. There’s also a great restaurant with a kids menu.
Hayle cottages
Pirate's Quest credit: Instagram @piratesquestnewquayPirate’s Quest, Newquay
Complete with talented actors in convincing costumes, Pirate’s Quest is an immersive, walk-through experience where you’ll learn about Cornwall’s intriguing myths and legends. Begin your journey by escaping a shipwreck, and be guided through mystical caves, dreary streets and an 18th-century tavern on your way to the Captain’s ship.
Another attraction nearby:
Oasis Fun Pools | With three flumes, two pools, a river rapid ride and other water features, this is where to go in Cornwall when it rains
Porth cottages
Higher Trenower Foxgloves (top), Cory Farm Marsland Cottage (bottom left), and Trevalgas Valley View (bottom right)
Stay in!
There’s nothing wrong with battening down the hatches to the weather outside and making the most of your holiday cottage. We have some fabulous cottages complete with games rooms and play facilities to keep little ones happy while the big ones relax. On a winter’s day, there’s nothing cosier than snuggling up in front of the fire around a game of Monopoly while the rain trickles down the window panes!
And if all else fails…
Embrace the rain! Don your wellies and waterproofs and don’t let the weather get you down! Much fun is to be had splashing through puddles and warming up with a hot chocolate and cake in one of Cornwall’s many cosy cafés. A woodland adventure or a coastal jaunt; the options are endless.
Whatever the weather, Cornwall is a fantastic destination to bring the kids and have a fun-filled family holiday. Why not click the button below and have a browse of our family-friendly cottages in Cornwall and treat your brood to an exciting getaway that they will never forget?
Family-friendly cottages