A little Cornish Mizzle never’ hurt no one…
Ah, Cornwall! The land of clotted cream, pasties, and, quite predictably, rain. But why let a little mizzle (that delightful Cornish drizzle) dampen your spirits? Let’s dive into the best ways to make the most out of a rainy week in Cornwall. Grab your brolly, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s turn those rain clouds into silver linings!
1. Eden Project: Nature’s Grandest Greenhouse
Location: Bodelva, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Popularity Score: 9/10
Website: Eden Project
First up, the Eden Project. Think of it as Mother Nature’s very own theme park, where plants from all over the globe gather under gigantic biomes to gossip about the weather. Whether you’re dodging tropical downpours in the Rainforest Biome or basking in the Mediterranean Biome’s perpetual summer, the Eden Project is your passport to climates far more exotic than Cornish mizzle.
Plus, it’s the perfect place to practice your Tarzan impressions, minus the swinging (health and safety, you know).
2. Geevor Tin Mine: Digging Deep into History
Location: Pendeen, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7EW
Popularity Score: 8/10
Website: Geevor Tin Mine
Next, don your hard hat and headlamp because we’re going underground at Geevor Tin Mine. Nothing screams adventure like exploring a dark, damp, and historically rich mine shaft. Learn about Cornwall’s mining heritage, marvel at the machinery, and maybe, just maybe, find a nugget of tin to take home (spoiler: it’s unlikely, but one can dream).
It’s an educational experience that’s far more exciting than sitting in your holiday accommodation watching raindrops race down the window.
3. Shipwreck Treasure Museum: A Sunken Treasure Trove
Location: Quay Road, Charlestown, Saint Austell, Cornwall, PL25 3NJ
Popularity Score: 7/10
Website: Shipwreck Treasure Museum
When the rain has turned your shoes into mini-aquariums, escape to the Shipwreck Treasure Museum. Here, you can dry off while ogling at an impressive collection of artifacts salvaged from the deep blue sea. From pirate booty to ancient coins, it’s like a treasure hunt without the soggy maps and X marks.
Plus, the dramatic shipwreck stories will make your rainy week feel like a mild inconvenience in comparison.
4. Tate St Ives: Art and Sea views
Location: Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1TG
Popularity Score: 8/10
Website: Tate St Ives
For a cultural respite, Tate St Ives offers stunning art with equally stunning views of the stormy Atlantic. As you peruse contemporary masterpieces, let the sound of crashing waves and the sight of grey skies inspire your inner artist. If you’re lucky, you might catch an exhibition that makes you ponder the deeper meaning of rain-soaked trousers.
5. Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary & Jungle Barn Indoor Play Centre:
Location: 16 Trelissick Road, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HY
Popularity Score: 7/10
Website: Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary
Rain or shine, the Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary is a hoot (quite literally). Meet the penguins, parrots, and even some red pandas, all while staying relatively dry. And for those traveling with little ones, the Jungle Barn Indoor Play Centre offers a perfect escape from the rain. It’s a win-win: kids get to burn off energy, and parents get to enjoy a hot cup of tea in relative peace.
6. Go Tin Mining at Cornwall Gold
Location: New Portreath Road, Redruth, Cornwall, TR16 4HN
Popularity Score: 6/10
Website: Cornwall Gold
Who says rainy days can’t be lucrative? At Cornwall Gold, you can try your hand at tin panning and explore the historic Tolgus Tin Mill. It’s an educational and interactive way to spend a soggy afternoon, and who knows, you might just strike gold and leave with a shiny souvenir to remind you of your Cornish adventure.
7. Bodmin Jail: Spooky Fun
Location: Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2NR
Popularity Score: 7/10
Website: Bodmin Jail
When the skies are gloomy, why not embrace the darkness at Bodmin Jail? This eerie attraction offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s grim past with interactive exhibits and spine-tingling tales of former inmates. It’s the perfect place to indulge your inner goth and remind yourself that being caught in the rain is far better than being locked in a damp cell.
8. Newquay Surf School : Get Wet Anyway?
Location: Great Western Beach off Cliff Road, Newquay, TR7 2NE
Popularity Score: 8/10
Website: Newquay Surf School
Why fight the rain when you can embrace it? At the Newquay Surf School, you can surf, kayak, or coasteer to your heart’s content. After all, you’re going to get wet anyway, so you might as well do it with style. Whether you’re riding the waves or exploring the rugged coastline, it’s an adrenaline-pumping way to enjoy the great outdoors, rain be damned. It’s also right across from the train station, so easily accessible without vehicular transport!
In Summary: Why Rainy Cornwall is still a Must-Do!
In the end, Cornish mizzle is just part of the charm. It keeps the landscapes lush, the pasties more enticing, and the cream teas more comforting (jam first remember!) Rain or shine, Cornwall offers a treasure trove of experiences that make every visit unique. So, embrace the rain, laugh at the weather, and remember that a true adventurer sees a rainy day as just another chapter in their travel story. After all, if Cornwall can weather a storm, so can you!
