When the skies above Cornwall best places unleash their dreary wet showers, it might seem like a family day out is doomed to be a washout. But fear not! The enchanting coastal county has an array of hidden gems that shine even brighter when the rain pours down. Below you will find a selection of some of the Cornwall best places to visit.
Eden Project
Location: Bodelva, near St Austell
Why Visit: The Eden Project is a must-see in Cornwall, and much of it is indoors. The massive biomes house a rainforest and a Mediterranean environment, providing a tropical escape even when there are wet showers outside. The interactive exhibits and beautiful gardens are also fascinating to explore.
Highlights: It is educational and fun, with a variety of exhibits for the whole family, a canopy walkway, and even soft play areas for younger children.
Tate St Ives
Location: St Ives
Why Visit: Art lovers will enjoy this contemporary art gallery during wet showers that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The gallery features works by modern British artists with a focus on the St Ives School. There’s also a Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden nearby, although it’s outdoors.
Highlights: This modern art gallery overlooks the beach and offers a mix of contemporary and historical art. Family-friendly activities and workshops often make it a great place for creative kids.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Location: Falmouth
Why Visit: This museum offers an engaging exploration of Cornwall’s rich maritime history.
Highlights: This museum offers interactive exhibits about Cornwall’s maritime heritage, with boats, shipwreck stories, and a lookout tower. There’s also a special children’s zone with hands-on activities.
Bodmin Jail
Location: Bodmin
Why Visit: Bodmin Jail is a historic former prison that’s now a museum. It offers an atmospheric look into Cornwall’s criminal past with exhibits that detail life in the jail and notable inmates.
Highlights: Recently renovated, Bodmin Jail offers a mix of history and storytelling with interactive exhibits. The “Dark Walk” experience is particularly immersive, taking you through Cornwall’s dark past.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan (Indoor Areas)
Location: Pentewan, near Mevagissey
Why Visit: While the gardens themselves are best enjoyed in dry weather, the indoor exhibitions and the Heligan Kitchen & Bakery provide a cozy retreat on a wet day. The estate’s history is fascinating, and the onsite café is excellent for a relaxing meal.
Highlights: Heligan has enough sheltered spots and activities to enjoy even on rainy days. The jungle area with its giant ferns and bamboo is particularly magical in the mist.
Geevor Tin Mine
Location: Pendeen, near St Just
Why Visit: Explore Cornwall’s mining heritage at this preserved tin mine. There are also indoor exhibits about the history of Tin mining in the region.
Highlights: This historic site offers underground mine tours and interactive exhibits about Cornwall’s Tin mining history. Indoor activities include a museum and families are invited to join in with the unique experience of panning for minerals.
Poldark Mine
Location: Helston
Why Visit: Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, where rugged cliffs meet rolling green hills, lies a hidden gem that promises to ignite the imaginations of families seeking adventure and history—Poldark Mine. As visitors traverse this fascinating site, they embark on a journey back in time, exploring the depths of one of Britain’s most iconic tin mines while uncovering stories steeped in the rich tapestry of Cornish heritage.
Highlights: For families looking to create lasting memories together, a visit to Poldark Mine is a thrilling expedition into the past. Children can don hard hats and lanterns to delve into underground chambers filled with tales of resilience and discovery. With interactive exhibits and guided underground tours that bring history to life and every corner reveals something new ideal for curious minds eager to learn.
Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre
Location: Newquay
Why Visit: For aviation enthusiasts, this museum is a great option and offers the perfect place for a great escape in rainy weather. It houses indoor attractions and an impressive collection of classic aircraft, many of the planes can be explored both inside and out.
Highlights: At the Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre you will be able to view vintage fighter jets and interactive displays that captivate both young minds and seasoned aviation enthusiasts. Families can dive into hands-on activities that not only entertain but also inspire curiosity about flight and engineering. Whether you’re witnessing a thrilling Airshow or exploring rare artifacts from pivotal moments in history, your visit promises to become a cherished memory.
Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
Location: Near Truro
Why Visit: Enjoy a tour of this family-run farm where you can see how Cornish cider is made. The tour includes a visit to the cider-making facilities, a distillery, and a chance to sample their products. The farm shop and café are also excellent.
Highlights: From guided tours to fruit-picking and tasting sessions, every moment is crafted to engage visitors of all ages. Children can explore nature trails brimming with wildlife while adults sip on crisp cyder amid stunning countryside vistas. The farm’s unique blend of education and entertainment makes it an irresistible highlight for families seeking adventure together.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Location: Newquay
Why Visit: Located right by the beach, the aquarium showcases marine life from the Cornish coast and beyond. Kids will love the underwater tunnel and the chance to see a Giant Pacific Octopus, Sharks, Rays, and Turtles up close.
Highlights: The Blue Reef Aquarium is not just a place to observe marine creatures; it’s an immersive experience designed for family activities to bond over learning and exploration. Whether you’re navigating through tunnels surrounded by swarming schools of fish or engaging in educational talks about ocean conservation, every moment spent here becomes a highlight worth cherishing.
Conclusion
The variety of destinations provided above is a perfect mixture of culture, history, and indoor exploration. With the information to hand it will ensure families can still enjoy their time in Cornwall, even when the weather is not behaving.