Best Things to Do in Cornwall When It Rains: Why Bodmin is a great place to visit.
There is nothing quite so frustrating as waking up in a Cornish holiday caravan, looking out the window, and seeing horizontal gray rain lashed by an Atlantic gale. Your beach plans for Newquay or Polzeath are officially dead, the kids are starting to argue, and everyone in the county is about to squeeze onto the A30 to find somewhere to go.
When the weather turns, don’t panic. Head inland straight to Bodmin.
Having grown up in the town, I know that while the coast is beautiful in the sunshine, Bodmin has plenty of things to do in cornwall when it rains. Instead of wasting your afternoon sitting in a gridlocked seaside car park, use this fast, indoor itinerary to save your holiday with historic steam trains, high-tech jail cells, and the best local pasties around.
Your 3-Stop Rainy Day Bodmin Itinerary
A High-Tech Dark History Tour at Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail has been completely transformed into a massive, amazing immersive experience. The “Dark Walk” amazing theatrical effects, cinematic projections, and intense soundscapes to transport you straight into the grim realities of 18th-century prison life on the moor. You can self explore or have a guide tour. It is fascinating and completely covered from the rain.
Local Tip: It can get quite loud and spooky in the deep cells. If you have kids under 8, skip the darkest sections and head straight to the courtyard or the onsite restaurant for a warmer, lighter vibe.
Ride the Rails on the Bodmin & Wenford Steam Railway
Step right back into the 1950s at Bodmin General Station. This is Cornwall’s only full size steam railway, running beautifully restored steam locomotives through the deep, heavily wooded valleys around the town. The platforms and carriages are completely undercover, making it the perfect place to sit back, watch the Cornish rain lash against the vintage glass windows, and sip a hot tea from the buffet coach while the engine chugs along.
Hands-On Eco-Science at Discovering42
Located right down on Berrycoombe Road, Discovering42 is a brilliant, award-winning indoor space that completely flips the script on traditional art and science museums. Every single interactive exhibit here—from giant mechanical sculptures to mind-bending optical illusions—is built entirely out of recycled materials and salvaged waste. It is completely hands-on, fascinating for both adults and kids, and the absolute best way to kill a couple of rainy hours.
Local Tip: Because it’s an indoor attraction, it fills up incredibly fast on wet days. They operate on timed two hour slots, so you mustbook your entry tickets before turning up at the door.
Where Locals Go to Warm Up and Eat
Finding great things to do in cornwall when it rains isn’t just about attractions, it’s also about finding a warm place to get good food. When the rain drives everyone off the beaches, skip the tourist heavy attraction cafes and head into the town center to eat like a local:
The Best Pasty
Do not buy a generic service-station pasty. Walk straight to Barnecutt Bakery on Fore Street. Their traditional Cornish pasties are legendary—crimped perfectly, packed with peppery steak and swede, and served piping hot. Grab a couple in a paper bag and eat them under the shelter of Mount Folly.
The Historic Pub Pint:
Tucked away down a narrow alleyway on Park Road, The Hole in the Wall is one of the most atmospheric pubs in the town.. It features roaring log fires, low beams, a stuffed lion in the corner, and a beautiful courtyard. It is the ultimate historic spot to escape the rain and warm up with a pint of local St Austell ale.
The Weavers
Located right on Honey Street, The Weavers is a classic, friendly local pub with a fantastic, unpretentious atmosphere. If you want a traditional, hearty pub lunch to dry off after your morning trains and jail tours, grab a table here by the bar.
The Borough Arms
If you are willing to drive just a couple of minutes out of the town center towards Dunmere, The Borough Arms is a must-visit. Positioned right on the edge of the Camel Trail, this massive, welcoming pub is incredibly cozy when it’s pouring down outside. It is famous for its legendary carvery and hearty comfort food—the absolute best reward after a wet morning of exploring.
Don’t Let the Cornish Rain Ruin Your Trip
A sudden downpour doesn’t mean your Cornwall holiday is at a halt. While everyone else is sitting miserably in their tents or fighting for parking at a coastal beach cafe, you can head inland, fill up on a proper Barnecutt Bakery pasty, and dive into centuries of incredible Cornish history. Bodmin has plenty of fires to warm up by, and more than enough character to turn a gray, washed out day into one of the best memories of your trip.
Before you head out into the wet weather, make sure to check out my other local guides to map out the rest of your trip.
There really are plenty of things to do in cornwall when it rains. If you are really stuck for ideas Bodmin now has an trampoline park – Super Tramp. Trampolines and soft play.