Ok, we admit it. The sun doesn’t always shine in Cornwall. But a little bit of mist and drizzle (or mizzle as we say in Cornwall) needn’t stop you having a brilliant time. Just take your pick from our top ideas on things to do on rainy days in Cornwall.
Insider ideas
Pippa Bishop is originally from Liverpool but now lives in Cornwall with her husband and loves cooking up a tasty treat in the rain. There’s nothing better in the rain than collecting mussels from my secret beach to have for supper! The best place is on the north coast, but has to remain a secret otherwise everyone else will pinch them!!!! We cook them in tin foil on a fire on the beach with a little bit of wine to make a yummy sauce soaked up with homemade bread”.
Sara Taylor from Doncaster simply snuggles up and watches it pour down. Rain, what rain? Sitting in a beach tent on Perranporth beach with the family, wrapped up warm after a bit of surfing and enjoying a red hot pasty from Chapman’s Butchers in the main street!!!
Kerensa Beer-Robson from St Minver finds a way to keep the kids happy. I went to the Blue Reef aquarium in Newquay with my children recently (horrible wet day) with very low expectations, but was really surprised at how good it was and how knowledgeable and keen the staff were... watching the octopus being fed with a live crab was highlight of the day for my 6 year old!
Barbara Hill from Nottingham likes nothing better than a mysterious walk when the mist comes down. We first discovered Pistil Meadow many years ago. The area drops into a ravine with very stunted trees and looks most forbidding in the rain and mist. It can be walked from Lizard village or along the cliff top. The story goes that the area is haunted by shipwrecked sailors who have been buried there. It is certainly very eerie. Incidentally when it stops raining the walk from Lizard Point to Kynance Cove dries up a treat!!
All Hilary Fawcett from Kingston upon Hull needs is a big umbrella and a cuddly hubby! Can’t beat being under a huge brolly leant against the wall on Porthmeor Beach in St Ives. With a flask of tea, chocs, a good book, snug fleece and cuddly hubby looking at the sea, it’s simply wonderful. This year will be our 39th visit... love it, love it, love it!.
And some ideas from us...
...Surf
The best thing to do when it’s raining is to get even wetter by going surfing. 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. Try out: The Forestry Commission’s Cardinham Woods near Bodmin (OS Grid Reference: SX100667) with its miles of woodland trails or the ancient Idless Wood near Truro (OS Grid Reference: SW821478).
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. Try out: Take part in regular competitions, stay in a log cabin and catch carp, tench and bream at Mawgan Porth Pools on the North coast.
Get muddy
Forget those stubborn stains you’ll be splattered with and pedal on down to one of the fantastic cycle trails in Cornwall. You’ve got 180 miles to choose from. Race over the moor, through the woods, splash in the mud and feel ever so slightly naughty. Try out: Some of the 60kms of fascinating Mineral Tramways mining trails in the old industrial heartland of West Cornwall.
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. Try out: A graceful glide over the waves in a new eco-friendly catamaran with Marine Discovery based in Penzance.
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. Your holiday home probably has a DVD player and a stock of films for you to enjoy, so get some goodies in and have a lazy family movie afternoon. Try out: One of the UK’s oldest cinemas, The Savoy in Penzance or the new White River Cinema in St Austell.
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. Try out: The cliffs at Lundy Bay near Port Quin on the north coast overlooking the Celtic Sea.
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
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 far-flung destinations, just meander your way around the Eden Project biomes and the rain will become the last thing on your mind.
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 Leisure facilities website page for a full list of leisure centres.
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).