With over 400 beaches, many beautiful gardens and much stunning scenery, sunny days are easily filled in Cornwall with little need to plan.
However, a bit of mist and drizzle, or ‘mizzle’ as the Cornish say, is a great excuse to have an alternative day out at a top Cornish attraction.
Discover what to do on rainy days in Cornwall below...
St. German
Port Eliot is a truly unique building found near Saltash and Torpoint on the Cornwall and Devon border.
Both the house and the grounds that surrounded it are Grade 1 listed - the building is thought to have been lived in for over 1000 years, making it the oldest continually inhabited dwelling in the UK.
Being a busy, working house, it has collected treasures over its time, many of which are on display to the public. Then there are the 11 staircases, 15 back doors and 82 chimneys to take in!
The grounds, which were once an estuary until the water was diverted away, contain an 18th century Boat House plus stunningly arranged gardens, a glasshouse, a Rhododendron garden, a summerhouse and a nine arch Romanesque viaduct designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel for The Great Western Railway in 1864. A walk around the grounds is worthwhile anytime if you don't mind getting a little wet on a rainy day.
Note, Port Eliot is open April to September.
Falmouth
'15 galleries, over five floors: exploring the overwhelming influence of the sea on history and culture'
In the heart of Falmouth harbour is the National Maritime Museum, home of exciting exhibitions galleries that take visitors on a journey through the history and culture of the sea.
For 2019, experience Titanic Stories and a range of events, exhibits and school holiday treats.
The whole family will love spending a day at this top, indoors, Cornwall attraction.
St. Austell
One for the adults, at St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre you can get involved with the full interactive brewing experience. Learn about the brewery and its history, as well as sample the award-winning beers and drinks.
Tours last for 90 minutes and start every hour.
There is also a shop, whilst Hicks Bar offers tasty food and more refreshing drinks, where you can simply relax and look through to the beer hall to see the bottling line in action.
St. Austell
Discover how Cornwall's largest mining industry changed the world and the amazing uses of China clay in everyday lives today. With 26 acres of woodland walks, nature trails, Cornwall's largest waterwheel, Victorian clay works, children's play and much more, there’s plenty to entertain.
St. Ives
Overlooking Porthminster beach, the TATE has some facinating exhibitions this season as well as offering tours, film screenings, workshops, talks, performances and family days. Also discover the magical home and unique garden of artist Barbara Hepworth.
Bodmin
Discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam and heritage diesel travel with a journey back in time. For those with a particularly keen interest in trains, there’s the opportunity to drive one of the locomotives and experience life as a Driver for the day!
Falmouth
Explore one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses which has defended Cornwall against foreign invasion since Tudor times. Discover how the castle has evolved and experience the sights and sounds of battle. Explore the fascinating new exhibition which examines the role of the castle as part of Fortress Falmouth during the First World War.
Various locations
Hop aboard the train and explore a section of the county via train and pub, a fun day out with a group of friends with six different routes to take and prizes to be won!
Mevagissy
Train enthusiasts will enjoy the display of over 30 trains travelling through varied landscapes including town, country, seaside and even an alpine winter plus a children’s railway featuring Thomas The Tank engine and other well-known characters. Visitors can also have a go at driving the large scale trains in The Indoor Garden Railway.
Falmouth
If it’s wet outside, get wet and have an adventure; Elemental is an adventure centre offering a range of water-sports that bring you face to face with the elements, try your hand at surfing, raft building, coasteering, SUP-ing, sailing and much more.
Gweek
Situated in 40 acres of stunning countryside, the sanctuary provides a lifeline for stray, sick and injured seal pups which have been discovered around the Cornwall coast. Hear about dramatic rescues and meet the seal and sea lion characters whose individual stories are bought to life. The Seal Sanctuary is also home to fun loving otters, playful penguins, potty paddock animals and a rock pool hosting a wide range of marine creatures.
Hayle
This indoor play centre is fabulous fun whatever the weather. Giant slides, challenging soft play and a special toddlers’ zone with ball fountain will keep the family entertained all day.
Truro
A thriving theatre staging everything from classical to rock concerts and musicals to drama, there’s always something to see. Family events are a strong feature with shows such as Peppa Pig, The Gruffalo and Aliens Love Underpants, also the Hall’s annual pantomime is especially popular - winning high praise from both audiences and critics alike.
Various locations
You can always sit out the rain and enjoy a good film, Cornwall has a lovely variety of quirky little cinemas showing classics and cult films as well as larger franchise cinemas with all the latest blockbusters. Find a cinema near you.
