We would love to promise sunshine for your stay – but this is Cornwall! Do not worry though, even when the sun isn’t shining, there’s plenty to do around the Seven Bays and there’s even more to discover slightly further afield. Here’s ten places to try whilst you are waiting for the sun to shine.

Blue Reef Aquarium – Newquay
Situated on Towan beach, the Blue Reef Aquarium has over 40 naturally themed habitats that take you on a fantastic journey from Cornish waters to exotic seas. Come face to face with freshwater turtles, watch pulsating jellyfish and meet amazing pufferfish! The Blue Reef aquarium is a firm family favourite of ours and even as the kids have grown up – they still love a trip to the aquarium if we’re in Newquay. At the Aquarium’s heart is the ocean tank where an underwater tunnel offers incredible views of giant Loggerhead turtle, reef sharks and shoals of colourful fish.

Bodmin and Wenford Railyway – Bodmin
Relax in style and enjoy a leisurely 13 mile round trip through beautiful countryside, taking in the sights, sound and smells of a bygone age, as the era of a Cornish branch line in the 1950s reveals itself during the course of your journey. A perfect family day out, when the weather isn’t at its best.

Clip ‘n’ Climb (Cornwall Services) – St Austell  (currently closed due to Covid)
Clip ‘n Climb is a safe and fun climbing experience based around a variety of themed challenges.  It is located next to the Soft Play offer at Cornwall Services and between them these two leisure outlets offer something for all ages. Originally developed in New Zealand, Clip ‘n Climb is a clever concept that allows you to simply clip on to an automatic belay system and start climbing without the need for a partner. The system makes climbing safe and accessible for everyone, from pre-school kids to retirees, and the series of different challenges are designed to offer an exciting range of physical and mental tests.

Eden Project – St Austell
Keep out of the rain at the world famous Eden Project. Housing some of the biggest greenhouses in the world, it has become a place to discover a wealth of plants and natural wonders. As you wander between the mesmerising biomes you will step into a tropical rainforest and experience a Mediterranean oasis.

National Maritime Museum Cornwall – Falmouth
Take cover at the exciting National Maritime Museum Cornwall, situated in front of the picturesque deep water harbour, now the third largest in the world. Celebrating the sea, boats and Cornwall, this multi-award winning museum not only has 15 stunning galleries beautifully illustrating the past, present and future of this island nation but also offers a number of stunning exhibitions. There is a fab cafe on site for those feeling a little peckish.

Newquay Zoo – Newquay
Get close to more than 1,000 of the world’s rarest and endangered animals at Newquay Zoo. If that isn’t enough, there’s activity trails, face painting, a children’s play area, a Woodland Walk and Dragon Maze to keep the little ones busy.

Tate – St Ives
Tate st Ives, part of the Tate Gallery in London, is a stunning building with a varying exhibition of local and national works, well worth a visit, especially if the weather isn’t on your side. The Gallery’s inspirational building stands high above the magnificent surfing beach of Porthmeor and is walking distance from St Ives town. The gallery embraces the best of international modern and contemporary exhibitions, as well as special commissions and works from the Tate Collection.

The Tide Climbing Centre – Wadebridge
One of the newer attractions to the area – The Tide Climbing centre offers an adventure to everyone of all ages! This indoor climbing centre near St Issey and Padstow is a superb new facility with bouldering walls, roped routes and instruction from experienced climbers. It’s well worth a visit for a rainy day activity.

Oasis Fun Pool (Hendra) – Newquay
Based at the popular Hendra Campsite, the Oasis Fun Pool offers two pools, one indoor and outdoor means you can recreate that holiday feeling sitting poolside, while the children play! With river rapids, water cannon, geyser, giant tap, fountains and waterfalls there’s plenty to play with! Race each other down one of the three water flumes and there’s even some slide action in the toddler pool for the little ones!

Padstow Museum – Padstow
The new Museum has full disability access children are welcome, there is no charge for admission, but small donations to cover the running costs are appreciated. The Museum has interactive facilities plus stunning displays depicting Padstow past, it is our ambition to remain open throughout the year including all public holidays, including half terms and other occasions. Well worth a visit especially if you are in Padstow for the day.