Rainy Day in Cornwall? 10 Things to Do Indoors

Updated 8 October 2026 · 6 min read

Atlantic weather blows through fast, and a wet morning often clears by the afternoon. Until it does, here's where to go. Opening times and prices change, so check each venue's website before you set off.

1. The Eden Project, near St Austell

Two enormous biomes in a former clay pit: the Rainforest Biome, with a canopy walkway, and the Mediterranean Biome. Being indoors and warm makes it the classic rainy-day choice, which also means it's busiest on wet days. Arrive at opening time.

2. Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen

A preserved mine on the far west coast. You can go underground into an 18th-century tunnel with a guide, then see the mill buildings where the ore was processed. It's part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

3. National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth

Small boats hang from the ceiling of the main hall. There's a lookout tower over the harbour and a tidal zone with windows below the waterline. You could easily spend half a day here.

4. Truro Cathedral

Cornwall's Gothic Revival cathedral, completed in the early 20th century, has three spires that dominate the city skyline. Entry is free (donations welcome), and Truro's shops and cafés are all within a few minutes' walk.

5. Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery, Truro

Formerly the Royal Cornwall Museum, it reopened in 2025 under its new name after a major refurbishment. It covers Cornish history, minerals, archaeology and art, and pairs well with the cathedral for a day in Truro.

6. Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

A compact aquarium on Towan Beach, with an underwater tunnel and local marine life. It's ideal with younger children for a couple of hours.

7. Tate St Ives

If you're in the west, combine the gallery with the train ride from St Erth. Our St Ives day plan has the details.

8. Storm watching

Not strictly indoors, but a big Atlantic swell can be spectacular. Watch from a café window at Sennen or Porthleven, or from a safe spot well back from the edge. Never go onto harbour walls or rocks in rough seas.

9. Par Market & Food Hall, St Austell

One of the biggest indoor markets in Cornwall, with around 100 independent stalls selling everything from antiques and crafts to local food, plus a food hall for lunch. It's free to wander round and completely under cover. Market days are usually Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Check opening times on the Par Market website.

10. Kidzworld, St Austell

Right next to Par Market, Kidzworld is a huge play centre with soft play, trampolines, roller skating, mini golf and climbing, plus one of the biggest under-2s areas around. Pair it with the market and both adults and children have a good rainy day. Prices depend on height, so check the Kidzworld website, and book ahead in the school holidays.

Quick picker