Top things to do on your Cornish staycation – come rain or shine

Planning your Cornish staycation isn’t always easy, especially when you can’t predict the weather. The good news? You can still make unforgettable memories in Cornwall, come rain or shine.

To give you some inspiration, we’ve highlighted some of our favourite ‘must do’ activities (that don’t necessarily need a mid-summer heatwave to enjoy!).

A thriving arts scene

There’s a reason artists are drawn to Cornwall – from the spectacular coastline to the unique quality of light, the county has been a hub for creatives for more than two centuries.

Today, you can see the work of celebrated artists and sculptors featured at the Tate St Ives, or the close-by Barbara Hepworth Museum. For those who appreciate arts and culture, the town is peppered with small, but notable, galleries, making this a perfect spot to while a rainy afternoon away.

But don’t stop there; all over Cornwall, you’ll find art in hidden places, from the up-and-coming to the internationally-celebrated, contemporary or down-right flamboyant, there’s galleries to suit every taste.

A foodie's playground

With internationally-renowned chefs like Nathan Outlaw and Paul Ainsworth living on our doorstep, it’s no wonder that Cornwall is quickly becoming a foodie’s go-to destination.

Whether you want to eat the food (which is what we love to do most!), or cook it yourself, there’s an incredible choice of renowned restaurants or cookery schools to choose from. A session at Rick Stein’s Cookery School in Padstow might be just the couple’s day out you’ve been waiting for; or why not tick off a bucket-list restaurant with Paul Ainsworth’s Michelin star restaurant, No 6?

Here at Lewinnick Lodge, you can make the most of contemporary dishes with a twist from our very own head chef Nick Lawrie, all while enjoying floor-to-ceiling views over the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for those rainy days and a spot of storm-watching!

Awe-inspiring architecture

If you love architecture, don’t miss the majesty of Truro Cathedral on your visit to Cornwall. The Gothic Revival structure took 30 years to build from 1880 to 1910, and was the first Anglican cathedral to be built on a new site in England since the iconic Salisbury Cathedral in 1220. Plus, entries are totally free!

It’s not the only place of architectural significance, though; whether you enjoy grand manor houses (see Lanhydrock Estate), or quirky shop-fronts (just check out the Egyptian House in Penzance!), there are pockets of inspiration everywhere.

A wealth of attractions

Thanks to its bustling tourism industry, a love of conservation and a deep history, numerous attractions have grown up around Cornwall over the years, with something for everyone.

Want to learn more about our local wildlife? Head to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek (near Helston), where you can see rescued seals and pups, or learn more about crustacean conservation at the National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow. Meanwhile, the Eden Project boasts the world’s largest indoor rainforest (found in just one of the famed biomes), and even has a zip-wire for the more daring amongst us.

If you’re interested in discovering more about the history of the Duchy’s once-booming mining industry, travel west where you’ll find Geevor Tin Mine for a chance to head underground yourself. Alternatively, National Trust members can visit the likes of East Pool Mine (Camborne), Levant Mine (Pendeen) and the spectacular Botallack engine houses that have captured the hearts of artists for generations.

These top attractions are just the tip of the iceberg – find even more at Visit Cornwall or Best Days Out Cornwall.

All-weather adventures

A (little) rain never hurt anyone, so one of the best things you can do on your visit to Cornwall is simply… make the most of it. Pack those weather-proof jackets and boots, and get yourself on the coast path. We promise the views, even on a mizzly day, are well worth it!

Our best advice is to check the conditions before you go (after all, no one should be out in a storm), and make sure you’re doing everything you can to follow the best tips to stay safe on the coast, no matter the weather.

Book your stay

If you’re still looking for the perfect staycation destination, with unforgettable ocean views, book your stay with Lewinnick Lodge or get in touch with our team to find out more.