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Rain might change your plans, but it doesn’t need to ruin them. Cornwall is packed with exciting, relaxing and unique things to do, even when the weather isn’t at its best.

When the skies turn grey, Cornwall turns up the charm. Whether you’re soaking in a hot tub, swinging a golf club under cover, or sipping wine in a hilltop vineyard, there’s plenty to do that doesn’t rely on sunshine.

Luckily, more often than not, the sun is shining here in Cornwall, and when it is, we recommend exploring one of our many beautiful beaches. Looking for the best surf beaches in Cornwall? If you are visiting by campervan or motorhome and want to plan your visit, then check out of van life in Cornwall guide!

Here’s our ultimate list of 13 rainy day activities in Cornwall for adults. This guide is complete with the best nearby places to stay so you can make the most of your time in Cornwall, even if it does rain!

National Maritime Museum in Falmouth

Location | Falmouth

Spend a morning or afternoon exploring the wonderful Maritime Museum in Falmouth. While this attraction is family-friendly, adults will also enjoy the fascinating displays and art exhibitions. Split over several levels, you can get a glimpse into underwater life through a window in the harbour and the impressive flotilla of boats suspended in the air.

Current exhibitions include Surf! 100 Years of Waveriding in Cornwall, curated by Sam Bleakley, celebrates Cornwall as a major surf hub and highlights its role in promoting access to clean oceans.

Tintagel Castle in the Mist OR RAIN

Location | Tintagel (Between Padstow and Bude)

Few places are as magical in the rain as Tintagel Castle. The swirling mist and crashing waves make this legendary site feel like a real-life Arthurian tale. Explore the dramatic cliffside ruins, then warm up in one of the village’s charming cafés or pubs like Ye Olde Malthouse Inn.

The added benefit of visiting in the rain is that you are more likely to enjoy this magical place without huge crowds, as it’s one of the most popular sites to visit in Cornwall. If the rain becomes too much, then visit King Arthur’s Great Halls located in the village of Tintagel.

WHERE TO STAY

Book your stay at The Camelot Castle Hotel – Only a short walk away from Tintagel Castle, with moody sea views and a historic atmosphere to match the legend.

Play Padel Tennis at Seaspaces Hotel

Location | Seaspace Hotel, Newquay

Seaspaces Hotel in Newquay now has covered padel tennis courts, making it one of the only places in Cornwall where you can enjoy an outdoor sport while staying dry.

If you’ve never played Padel before, we’d highly recommend booking a beginner session at Padel Newquay, where you can also hire equipment onsite.

While you’re at Seaspace, you can make the most of the other facilities, spa treatments (booking-only), fitness classes, Tallo restaurant with sea views and a beautiful café.

Book your session at the UK Padel court in Newquay

WHERE TO STAY

The padel court is located at the Seaspace Hotel in Porth, Newquay. With a modern aesthetic with sea view rooms, Seaspace is designed for active travellers who want the convenience of easy access to the South West Coast Park, as well as nearby surf and water activities. As an apartment hotel, Seaspace offers all the comforts and conveniences of home.

Tasting Cornish Wines at The Scarlet Hotel

Location | Scarlet Hotel Mawgan Porth

The Scarlet Hotel offers an elegant, adults-only escape where you can sip on some of Cornwall’s finest wines. Their curated wine list champions local producers, and the sea-view lounges make for a serene experience.

We were surprised at just how good the local Cornish wines were, and it is worth doing even if it is not raining outside!

The wine tasting is held daily at 4 pm, these hour-long sessions cost £30 per person and cover some of the best Cornish wines.

Prefer a full vineyard experience? Head to Camel Valley Vineyard near Bodmin for an indoor tour and tasting of their world-renowned sparkling wines. It's one of Cornwall’s best wine experiences.

WHERE TO STAY

The Scarlet Hotel – make the most of the luxury spa facilities.

Watch a Show at Hall for Cornwall

Location | Truro

The beautifully restored Hall for Cornwall offers top-tier theatre, comedy, and live music. On a rainy evening, it’s the perfect cultural escape. The shows can get booked out in advance, so it is best to check on the Hall for Cornwall website to see what is available.

WHERE TO STAY

The Alverton Hotel – A grand, 4-star historic hotel just a short walk from the theatre, perfect for a refined city break.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to slow down and indulge in some spa luxury. Cornwall has a host of luxury spas which are the perfect place to relax and unwind, come rain or shine. Some of our favourites are listed below. For a full list of Cornwall’s best spas, you can read our full guide.

Spas in Cornwall

The Scarlet Hotel, Mawgan Porth – Eco luxury with cliff-top hot tubs and sea views. Adults only and unforgettable.
St Michaels Resort, Falmouth – Stylish beachside spa with thermal rooms and hydrotherapy pool.
Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Newquay – Modern and great for couples, with fantastic value and located right next to the world-famous Fistral beach.

Halwyn Driving Range

Location| Crantock

Rain doesn’t stop play at Halwyn Driving Range, thanks to covered bays. Practice your swing, grab a coffee, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon under shelter.

The recently opened driving range serves cold drinks and delicious food. It also has a variety of games and modes that are great to play with a group of friends.

WHERE TO STAY

Tolcarne Beach Hotel - Incredible beach views in the heart of Newquay.

Discover Art at Tate St Ives

Location | St Ives

The world-famous Tate Gallery in the beautiful fishing village of St Ives showcases the very best of modern and contemporary British art and is well worth visiting. Entry tickets cost £14 per adult, and you will be assigned an entry time, so it is best to book as soon as possible online.

✨ Book your entry tickets to St Ives Gallery

WHERE TO STAY

The Tregenna Castle Hotel – Overlooking St Ives Bay, with woodland walks and views that are magical in any weather.

Tour a Distillery or Brewery

Warm up from the inside with a local drink and behind-the-scenes tour. There are a variety of local breweries in Cornwall, and we’ve picked some of the best for you to discover.

TOP TOURS

Tarquin’s Gin School, Wadebridge | STAY at Molesworth Arms, a cosy pub hotel in the heart of town.
St Austell Brewery | STAY at The Pier House, just around the corner and right on the harbour.
Healey’s Cyder Farm, near Newquay | STAY at Lewinnick Lodge, with stylish rooms overlooking the cliffs.

Go Underground at Carnglaze Caverns

Location| Liskeard

Head beneath the rain at Carnglaze Caverns, a former slate mine with underground lakes and eerie acoustics. It’s chilly and dry all year round. The Carnglaze Caverns are one of Cornwall’s hidden gems and are worth discovering during your time in Cornwall.

WHERE TO STAY

The Liskeard Tavern by Greene King Inns – Affordable, central, and just a short drive from the caverns.

Watch a Film at a Boutique Cinema

When it’s too wet to explore Cornwall’s magical coastline or relax on a beach, then head to one of Cornwall’s many indie cinemas.

BEST CINEMAS in Cornwall

The Plaza, Truro | Stay at Hotel VARA, walkable and friendly.
Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay | Stay at The Headland Hotel, luxury with sea views.
The Regal, Redruth | Stay at Penventon Park Hotel, a Georgian manor with a full spa.

Visit The Eden Project

Location | St Austell

Normally, you wouldn’t think to visit a garden when it’s raining, but The Eden Project boasts the largest indoor rainforest as well as other indoor activities. The massive indoor biomes at the Eden Project are the perfect rainy-day escape.

The Eden Project also makes a great winter attraction because of the warmer temperature inside the biomes, and the Christmas lights at Eden are also pretty spectacular!.

✨ Book your Entry Ticket to the Eden Project

WHERE TO STAY

YHA Eden Project – Eco-friendly glamping pods on site! Or opt for The Cornwall Hotel & Spa for something more luxurious nearby.

Take a Pottery or Craft Workshop

Cornwall can sometimes feel isolated from the rest of the UK and has developed a strong culture of craftspeople and artists, many of which many open their studios for rainy-day visitors.