We know it sometimes rains in Cornwall, or it’s so sunny you need a break. If that happens on your holiday, you need options to keep everybody happy. Here are a few of our favourite options for indoor activities further afield from Newquay.
Eden Project
Walk through the Mediterranean Biome and investigate the western Australia garden, or explore the Rainforest canopy walk. Check out the outdoor gardens or the children’s soft play area.
Isn’t it exciting enough for you? Try England’s longest zip wire.
Need a break and some refreshments? Try the Baobab Bar or the Med Terrace Restaurant.
You can bring your dog to Eden to explore the paths in our Outdoor Gardens. They provide water bowls and an undercover dining area for dogs. The Bio Domes do not admit dogs.
The Eden Project is also a concert venue and wedding destination.
Tel.01726 811911
Distance : 29km Post Code PL24 2SG
Thanks to Eden Project for the images
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
It is easy to make the mistake that this will pass an hour or two, but this place can keep you interested all day and still wanting more when it closes for the night.
There are 15 exhibition galleries set on 5 floors. You can go to the boat-building workshop and watch as craftspeople restore historic boats. Learn about how Cornish fishermen have worked for generations, and see how Falmouth played its part in the days of Empire. You can look at the R.N.L.I. exhibit, with ride-on rescue vehicles, its’ dressing-up area and sea safety information. Stare through the observation windows into the harbour to watch the marine life. You can go up high and use the telescope, binoculars and maps to spot some Historic buildings and famous landmarks. Take the kids to the soft play area where they can dress up as pirates or let them race the model boats. The Maritime Museum has plenty of interactive exhibits. You won’t be disappointed with your visit.
Ask about the heritage boat trips if the weather is fine.
There is a cafe here with great views over the harbour, and you are also allowed to bring your own food and, during the school holidays, they set up a pick nick area.
Tel. 01326 313388
Distance 40 Km Post Code TR11 3QY
Thanks to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall for the images
Flambards Theme Park
Flambards Theme Park
Flambards Theme Park has so much going for it that you will be hard-pressed to choose between attractions.
Your choices include the Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz, War Gallery, Pioneers of Flight, Memory Lane, Concorde Life-size simulation and Vintage Motorcycles. They are all indoors, but if the sun shines, you have other options. Try one of the child-friendly rides and attractions. If you’re a bit more adventurous, then there are plenty of adrenaline-fuelled experiences to entertain you.
Dogs on short leads are permitted but not in any covered areas.
Tel. 01326 573404
Distance : 48km Post Code TR13 0QA
Thanks to Flambards Theme Park for the images.
Bodmin Jail
For something different, try a trip to jail. A historic building with great exhibits, but if you are brave, you could do an after-dark ghost hunt.
If it is raining outside, you can head straight to Bodmin Jail for a 90-minute indoor immersive experience delving into Cornwall’s dark history.
The main attraction at Bodmin Jail is family-friendly, so if you want to keep the kids occupied if it is raining, then this could be the answer. They advise that the attraction is for children over 8 Years old because of the show’s content.
Try going around dusk, and you may see one of the seven different types of bats that roost at the jail.
Thanks to Bodmin Jail for the images
Tel. 01208 76292
Distance : 30km Post Code PL31 2NR
Museum Of Cornish Life
Museum Of Cornish Life
The museum houses one of the largest social history collections in the South West. This collection ranges from archaeological evidence of the earliest settlers on the Lizard Peninsula to a fully stocked 1950s kitchen. Learn about Helston’s famous inventor, Henry Trengrouse, whose ingenuity helped to save thousands of lives at sea. Marvel at the massive 5-ton cider press and meet Henry, the parrot. You can learn about Helston’s ancient spring festival Flora Day and see if you can spot our smallest object – made from a lion’s tooth. With 3 Floors, there is plenty of room for exciting displays. Look out for The cannon salvaged from the wreck of HMS Anson and the Shallow Pool Dolls, made in the small Cornish hamlet of the same name.
Call to book your free tickets.
Tel. 01326 564027
Distance 43 Km Post Code TR13 8TH
Thanks to the Museum Of Cornish Life for the images
Tate St Ives
If you fancy a bit of culture, visit the Tate, probably Cornwall’s most prestigious art gallery in a county famous for its art. We also recommend you visit the rooftop cafe and shop to grab a glass of wine or a cream tea and enjoy the spectacular views. It is only a short walk from the iconic Tate St Ives building to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Park. The museum, housed in her former home, has some of her most significant carvings and bronze sculptures on display. They are in the beautiful gardens, just as she laid them out.
As the exhibitions change frequently, you should visit the website before you visit. The link is below.
Tel. 01736 796226
Distance : 51km Post Code TR26 1TG
More Information at Tate St Ives
Barbara Hepworth Museum
Barbara Hepworth Museum
The Museum and Sculpture Garden are in a typical St Ives, stone-built house. Barbara Hepworth purchased the building in 1949. The living room and workshop look like the artist has just stepped out to do some shopping, leaving her tools awaiting her imminent return.
The garden hosts the most comprehensive, permanent collection of her works anywhere. Many of which were her personal favourites.
In the museum, there is a set of photographs showing the progress of her Festival of Britain commission, ” Contrapuntal Forms”.
There is plenty to keep your interest here from an artistic or a historical point of view. Visit Tate St Ives as well, and you will have had a day out you will remember for a long time.
Tel. 01736 796226
Distance 51 Km Post Code TR26 1AD
More details at Barbara Hepworth Museum
PK Porthcuno
This museum of global communications is part of a long tradition of innovative transmission of messages to the world. Here is where the first undersea telegraph cable came ashore more than 150 years ago. The museum tells the story of distant communication from the first use of electricity to our modern fibre optics.
Visit the secret underground bunker, enjoy the interactive displays, watch demonstrations of the equipment by staff, relax in the sub-tropical gardens or stop for a coffee in PK Cafe.
Dogs are allowed in the museum and cafe but, due to the sensitive nature of the equipment, not in the WW11 bunker.
Porthcurno Beach and its approach can be very busy on sunny days.
Tel. 01736 810966
Distance 67 Km TR19 6JX
Thanks to PK Porthcurno for the images
Carnglaze Caverns
Carnglaze Caverns is an all-weather, family-friendly tourist attraction, near the village of St Neot, on the southern border of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, halfway between Liskeard and Bodmin just off the A38.
Visit this former slate mine, where slate was quarried and mined underground in Cornwall. You can find out how the miners operated and how slate was used during the industrial revolution. Go on a self-guided underground tour, or in high season a guided one, to learn how the mine was operated, ending at the underground lake with its crystal clear blue/green water. See the impressive collection of minerals produced in the South West. Carnglaze Caverns is a constant 10,°C so a jumper and sensible footwear are advisable. The Caverns are underground, which means they are ideal for wet weather activity in Cornwall.
Dogs on leads with careful owners are welcome at all times in all outdoor areas (due to Health and Safety, dogs are not allowed underground, with the exception of working assistance dogs).
Dog waste is composted on-site, and there’s a doggy waste bin.
Tel. 01579 320251
Distance : 43km Post Code PL14 6HQ
Thanks to Carnglaze Caverns for the images.
Cornwall Underground Adventures
Cornwall is a fantastic county with a rich history and culture, but if you ask people what it is most famous for, it won’t be long before tin mining gets mentioned. Cornish tin mines have featured in many films and books over the years, and in response to the interest generated, museums have opened to allow you to get a feel for what the conditions were like for the miners. The museums are great places to visit for all ages. They’re clean, well lit and with easy access.
The old tin miners did not find the experience the same as we do in museums.
If you want something closer to the real-life experience, you should chat with Cornwall Underground Adventures. Based around St Just in the west of Cornwall, they can take you on an epic underground adventure exploring old abandoned tin mines. These are not just adrenaline junkies – they also have a wealth of historical knowledge that will add enormously to your understanding of what life was like for Cornish miners.
As well as a wealth of experience, the guides are qualified mine leaders holding qualifications administered by the British Caving Association.
Your guide will always hold a valid First Aid award.
The mines have been approved for use with groups by a registered mine inspector.
They hold public liability insurance to cover all aspects of the activities they offer
They only use top-quality, industry-standard equipment.
Tel. 07734 343954
Distance 65 Km Post Code TR19 7NS.
Thanks to Cornwall Underground Adventures for the images