on 18/04/2025
We all love a bit of Cornish sunshine—but let’s face it, the weather doesn’t always play ball. Luckily, Cornwall isn’t just about sandy beaches and sea views. There are plenty of amazing indoor activities in Cornwall to enjoy when the skies turn grey. Whether you're looking for family-friendly indoor attractions, rainy day activities, or fun things to do that won’t break the bank, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of a rainy day in Cornwall.
Near St Austell
Cost: £££
One of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions, the Eden Project offers more than just tropical plants. Step into the world’s largest indoor rainforest and forget the drizzle outside as you walk among waterfalls, banana trees, and exotic blooms. With interactive exhibits and kids' trails, it’s one of the top things to do in Cornwall when it rains.
Pro tip: Book online in advance for discounts, and keep an eye out for local resident passes.
Location: St Ives
Cost: ££ (Children under 18 go free)
Art lovers, this one’s for you. The Tate St Ives offers a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art, all housed in a beautifully designed gallery overlooking the ocean. Their family activity rooms and rainy day workshops make it ideal for a relaxed cultural afternoon.
Location: Truro
Cost: £ (Children under 18 go free)
A perfect, cheap, indoor activity in Cornwall, the Royal Cornwall Museum is full of treasures—from ancient Egyptian artefacts to local mining history. There’s plenty for kids and adults alike, including hands-on exhibits and ever-changing temporary exhibitions.
Location: Porthcurno
Cost: £
This underrated gem is perfect for curious minds. Learn about the history of global communication and how tiny Porthcurno played a big role in connecting the world. Explore the science that made global communications possible, from the first undersea telegraph cables brought ashore at Porthcurno 150 years ago to the fascinating world of fibre optics. Interactive exhibits, code-cracking games and tunnels carved into the cliffs make this an indoor day out that’s as unique as it is educational.
Top Picks:
The Plaza Cinema, Truro
Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay
The Poly, Falmouth
Rebel Cinema, Bude
Cost: £
When it’s pouring outside, nothing beats the smell of popcorn and a good film. Cornwall’s independent cinemas offer everything from the latest blockbusters to arthouse films. Some even host live theatre screenings, comedy nights, and talks.
Location: Truro
Cost: FREE entry, tastings and tours ££
Come rain or shine, Healeys Cyder Farm is open for tastings, tours, and cider-loving fun. Tour the press house, explore the jam kitchen, and meet farm animals in the undercover barn. The on-site restaurant and shop make it easy to stay dry and entertained for hours.
Location: Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay
Cost: ££
Get up close with seahorses, reef sharks, and even loggerhead turtles. The Blue Reef Aquarium is a favourite for families looking for indoor things to do in Cornwall when it rains. Don’t miss the underwater tunnel and daily feeding times. Plus, you can explore the town centre and the huge amount of cafes, restaurants and arcade!
Sometimes, the best rainy day activity is simply slowing down. Cosy up with a hot chocolate or cream tea and watch the rain fall in true Cornish style. We love Gylly beach café in Falmouth, Rosie’s in Bude and Aggie beach café in St Agnes, as they are all seaside based and family friendly, all over looking the beach so you can cosy up atmospherically, watch the rain fall and play some card games or relax and read a book in your favourite county! But- there are so many rainy day friendly cafes in Cornwall.
Hidden Gems:
Falmouth Bookseller
The Edge of the World Bookshop, Penzance
Bookends, Fowey
Cost: FREE to browse (unless the books tempt you!) Bookshops in Cornwall have charm in spades. Whether you’re a fiction fanatic or just after a good rainy day read, these cosy nooks are the perfect escape.
Cornwall has one of the UK’s most vibrant creative communities. From pottery workshops to handmade jewellery, discover indoor crafts and Cornish art and exhibitions in hidden studios scattered across the county. Great places to start include The Old Bakery Studios in Truro (50 unique studios) or Penwith Gallery in St Ives.
Location: Falmouth
Cost: £ (Free for kids under 5)
Perfect for all ages, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth is a brilliant way to spend a rainy afternoon. Explore 15 galleries over five floors packed with fascinating exhibitions, model boats, and maritime artefacts. There’s always something interactive for kids—from pirate play zones to craft activities and holiday events. Plus, the Lookout Tower gives you a dramatic view of Falmouth Harbour—even when the weather’s wild! You might even see a seal at the special underwater window.
Rainy Day Bonus: The museum café overlooks the water, so you can enjoy a coffee while staying cosy indoors. Your ticket allows free re-entry for a year!
Looking for budget-friendly indoor activities in Cornwall? These free-to-enter museums make a rainy day educational, inspiring, and totally cost-effective:
Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro – Cornwall’s most significant museum with natural history, art and local heritage. (Donations welcome)
Cornwall’s Regimental Museum, Bodmin – Learn about military history in the atmospheric Bodmin Keep. Free for under 18s.
Penlee House Gallery & Museum, Penzance – Offers free entry on certain days for locals, with beautiful art from the Newlyn School.
Fowey Museum – Small but packed with charm, this volunteer-run museum gives insight into local maritime history and life in a Cornish port.
Liskeard & District Museum – Explore local geology, industry, and mining heritage, all for free. Most of these museums are run by volunteers or charitable trusts, so donations are appreciated if you can spare a few pounds—but not required.
Location: Bodmin
Cost: ££ (Family tickets and concessions available)
If you’re looking for an indoor activity that’s a bit more dramatic, Bodmin Jail offers an unforgettable experience. Step inside this historic 18th-century prison and explore its dark past through interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, and original architecture. The Dark Walk immersive experience uses special effects, soundscapes, and projection to transport visitors back to Cornwall’s murky criminal history.
Perfect for older kids, teens, and adults, it’s one of the more unique things to do in Cornwall when it rains. And yes—it’s all indoors! You can even warm up with a meal or hot drink in the Café or the on-site restaurant and bar, which are well worth a visit in their own right. Bonus: They also run ghost tours and paranormal experiences for the brave-hearted…
1. Rollers Retro Arcade – Pool, Redruth Located within Rollers Roller Rink, this retro arcade offers classic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and 2p pushers, providing nostalgic fun for visitors. Spend pennies, not pounds, and enjoy some traditional family fun by the seaside.
2. Golden Penny Amusement Centre – St Austell A traditional seaside arcade offering a range of games and machines, perfect for family entertainment.
3. Harbour Amusements – St Ives Situated near the harbour, this arcade provides a variety of games and machines, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking indoor fun.
4. VRcade – Newquay An indoor virtual reality arcade offering immersive gaming experiences suitable for ages 7 and up. A modern twist on traditional arcade entertainment.
Pack waterproofs and embrace the mood—Cornwall is magical in the rain. Many attractions offer off-peak discounts during rainy spells. Check their social media pages and sign up to newsletters before visiting your favourite Cornwall attractions.
Stay in a luxury self-catering cottage with a hot tub and holiday park site facilities (like The Valley Cottages- who have an indoor heated pool to entertain everyone, games room and more!) and enjoy a board game, movie night, or indoor spa day from the comfort of your holiday home.
Book your next Cornwall break with Select Cornwall and discover cosy cottages, hidden gems, and unforgettable indoor adventures—whatever the forecast and whatever the budget allows.
