The five best ways to spend rainy days in Cornwall

When people imagine their holidays it’s always sunshine, beach balls and barbecues when, in reality, there’s usually a bit drizzle, some welly-wearing and the occasional wrestle with a pop-up tent.

Don’t let the weather deter you; there’s plenty to enjoy in Cornwall even on the mizzly days and our modern, spacious accommodation offers all the fun of camping except without the mud and the rain. Here are our top tips on making the best of the weather, even if it’s a little greyer than you expected…

Go Surfing!

Surfing is so much fun, and arguably one of the best things you can do in Cornwall. You may as well jump in the sea when it’s raining as you’re going to get wet anyway! Whatever your ability there are spots and schools to suit all and our rugged coastlines harbour many sheltered spots to escape from the storms.

Newquay is home to many surf schools that run from the town’s beaches, where the waves are smaller, the winds are weaker and the surf is more manageable on bad-weather days. The instructors are always enthusiastic with a great knowledge of water safety, so you can wrap up warm on the shore line, watch your kids have fun learning to hang ten like the pros (or join them if you’re up for it!) and know that they are in safe hands. After all, what better gear to be wearing on a rainy day than a wetsuit?

Explore The Eden Project

A little tropical heaven right here in Cornwall, The Eden Project is an educational charity that aims to connect us with the living world, whilst exploring how we can all work towards a better future together. The biomes (basically massive green houses) are constructed within a disused china clay pit and house many weird and wonderful trees, flowers and plants.

The tropical biome is so warm that you’ll be stripping down to a t-shirt, the rain outside long forgotten. There’s plenty of information and activities for everyone to get involved with, the food on site is delicious and every single member of staff is clued up and passionate about where they work. Eden is a seriously special day out and only 20 mins from our front door.

Stay on site!

The idea of wrestling little ones into puddle suits and packing up the car on a wet and windy day can feel like a mission and not something you really want to be doing on your holiday. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered at Atlantic Reach so you don’t even need to venture off site!

For the adults, there’s our Leisure Club, with a stylish, modern gym offering over 80 classes a week and our warm indoor pool, or you could relax in Indigo Spa’s luxury facilities with a personal pampering treatment or dip in the jacuzzi.

There’s heaps of choice for the younger ones; from our indoor pool to the teen arcade. Pirate Pete’s indoor soft play area provides hours of fun for little ones as it’s safe, comfortable, bright, funky and the perfect shelter on a stormy day. Maximum fun for maximum value; Pirate Pete’s is free for those staying with us and only up to £2.50 for local kids depending on age.

Pet the Animals at DairyLand Farmworld

Cornwall is a great place to interact with nature. DairyLand Farmworld is less than 10 minutes from Atlantic Reach and home to many different animals and activities. Their indoor play centre The Bull Pen is open all year round and is a children’s land of adventure, with climbing nets, drop slides, fireman’s poles, ball pools and a tumble tower. Parents are even welcome to join in on the action too!

If you don’t mind getting a little damp, pull on your waterproofs and take a wander round their park; you’ll find nature trails, farm animals, pat-a-pet, a seasonal maize maze, a café and gift shop, the Animal Ark and mini tractors in the sand pits.

Visit Newquay

Our hometown of Newquay is a haven for things to do on rainy days. Pop your wellies on and go for a wander and we guarantee you’ll find something fun for everyone.

The Blue Reef Aquarium is perfect for the whole family on a wet day. It’s an ideal place to learn all about sea-life as you can see sharks up close, marvel at the shoals of colourful fish and peer at the exotic angelfish and giant pacific octopus.

There are heaps of shops and cafés scattered in and around Newquay. The town has become a hub of young, local businesses serving Cornish coffee, delicious local treats, healthy smoothies and tons of vegan, veggie and gluten free options. We love Box and Barber (tumeric lattes and vegan brunch), Jam Jar (local coffee and mouth watering, home baked cakes) and Gilmore’s (fish tacos and gin bowls).

We might be biased but, at the end of the day, Cornwall is beautiful come rain or shine. If you’d like to explore and enjoy our gorgeous part of the world whatever the weather, check out our red hot holiday deals here.