What to do in Cornwall in the rain: Top indoor activities

You know the school holidays have begun when it starts to rain in Cornwall.

The region is resplendent in the sunshine. From the shores of St Ives to the cathedral at Truro, places such as Kernow are close to perfection; in bad weather it’s best to remind yourself that this is what’s keeping things green and beautiful. But whether it’s pelting down, windy or just a mild case of mizzle (the Cornish name for mist + drizzle), there are options.

While some will still happily surf, swim and explore in the rain, the bad weather has the potential to make your day miserable. Fortunately, we’ve collated a list of some of the best options to ensure you can still enjoy your day even when the clouds darken.

From child-friendly learning activities to a relaxed afternoon tea with a view, here are some of the best activities to fall back on when the sun simply refuses to come out in England’s southernmost county.

Go underground

Close to Penzance, Geevor is a tin mine that has remained largely untouched since closing in 1990. The site includes a museum and mine tour that are suitable for children and adults.

Up in the north on Bodmin Moor, there’s Carnglaze Caverns, a former slate mine which offers self-guided underground tours of its three huge caverns (quarries) and a turquoise subterranean lake.

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Walk in a biome

There’s a walk down from the car park to navigate first, but most of the action at the Eden Project takes place in the giant biomes, so you can remind yourself that you’re on holiday as you step into the Mediterranean area and the tropical rainforest. The education centre is also indoors.

Take in some art

Tate St Ives is the Tate, on a beach, so there’s little that can go wrong. What’s more, it’s very child friendly, with activities for the kids and hints on getting them into art – meaning you might find the rain inspires the next Tracey Emin. While you’re in St Ives, don’t miss the Barbara Hepworth Museum, either – there’s an indoor collection as well as the sculpture garden outside.

Go to a vintage cinema

The Regal in Wadebridge has been going for 87 years, while Truro’s The Plaza opened in 1936. Don’t worry, they’ve both been upgraded – and show a good range of films, from blockbusters to live feeds from…