Things to do in Cornwall when it rains
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Every rose has its thorn. Cornwall is blessed with a beautifully mild microclimate – but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to the whims of the British weather.
It rains here. Sometimes it rains a lot. But the good news is that there are plenty of things to do in Cornwall when it rains. And, besides, it’s our healthy annual rainfall that makes our county so lush and photogenic.
Pack your wellies and waterproofs. It’s time to explore the best of Cornwall’s rainy-day activities.
Get out there and enjoy nature
Why let a little rain get in the way of a good walk?
There’s something satisfying about conquering a wet-weather trudge – especially if you can splish, splash and squidge your way to a pub lunch or home-cooked meal.
It’s especially rewarding in Cornwall. When the drizzle drizzles just right, our county can look like the greenest, most pleasant land on Earth. (And after a mile or so, you’ll hardly notice the rain anyway.)
We’ve got some wonderful walking trails here in Bodmin, including family-friendly hikes that won’t wear out little legs or welcomes.
So, next time you’re stuck for things to do in Cornwall when it rains, be brave and pull those wellies on.
Oh, and if you’re feeling really brave…
Go for a swim in the Cornish sea
No. We’re not pulling your leg. Sea swimming can be one of the most exhilarating things to do in Cornwall when it rains – if you take precautions and do it safely, that is.
Some wild swimmers swear by it. With the chill of the ocean on your body and the pitter-patter of rain on your face, they say, you’ll feel like you’ve taken six cold showers simultaneously.
It’s like an ice bath for the soul. But – and we can’t stress this enough – it’s vital that you familiarise yourself with safety best practices before you jump in.
Never swim in heavy rain or choppy waters. Make sure you’re within easy reach of the shore – and that there’s enough visibility to see and be seen. And, most importantly, never swim alone. Ideally, you’ll either be a seasoned wild swimmer or have an experienced pal on hand to help out.
Catch a spot of Cornwall culture
The weatherman says it’s raining. We say it’s the perfect opportunity to visit one of Cornwall’s many cultural venues.
We’re lucky to have several fantastic venues close by. Right here in Bodmin, for instance, you’ll find Bodmin Keep: a military museum that’s packed to the rafters with medals, uniforms and other artefacts of army life. It even has a piece of the Berlin Wall.
Fancy something musical? Book a seat at The Beat: a mixed-use venue on Dennison Road that serves up funky, folky and bluesy vibes in equal measure.
Further afield, there are bijou theatres, gorgeous galleries and cinemas that show the latest family blockbusters. You’ll never be short of things to do in Cornwall when it rains if you’re happy to cast your net beyond your immediate surroundings.
Oh, and talking of casting nets…
Fishing in Cornwall
Sitting out in the rain with a rod and a hot flask might sound like your idea of paradise. Or maybe you’d rather do anything else, including alphabetising M&Ms.
We get it – wet-weather fishing isn’t for everyone. But if you love a spot of angling and don’t mind a bit of drizzle, it can be one of the most satisfying things to do in Cornwall when it rains.
Not least because wet weather can actually enhance your fishing experience. Light to moderate rain tends to bring out the creepy crawlies that fish love to gobble up. This means more fish – and more fish means a better chance of a good catch.
Still not convinced? Don’t worry about it – there are plenty more things to do in Cornwall when it rains. But if you’re a keen angler, well… Did we mention that we have an abundant river right here at Rivermead Farm?
Shut the door and snuggle up
If the rain is falling fast and you feel like taking things slow, go for it.
There’s no shame in taking a rain check. In fact, chilling out indoors is one of our favourite things to do in Cornwall when it rains.
Just imagine. You’re cuddled up with your nearest and dearest. There are logs on the fire and there’s a roast dinner in the oven. Raindrops drum out a song on the window. It feels like home.
You can talk. Laugh. Play board games. Watch some telly. Or just enjoy each other’s company and pat yourself on the back for putting family time first.
Of course, you’ll need a place that’s big enough for you all. It won’t feel so cosy if you try to cram three generations into a caravan.
That’s where our holiday cottages come in handy. Here at Rivermead, we have a selection of self-catering cottages that accommodate anything from two to seven guests.