Fowey is a beautiful place to visit, and Cornwall is blessed with some of the mildest, sunniest weather in all of the United Kingdom. Of course, we still have our share of rainy days, but there are plenty of things to do on a rainy day in Fowey!
The first thing to remember is that Cornwall has many micro-climates, so a rainy day in Bodmin moor or St Austell may be a sunny day in the Fowey estuary. Then, too, the weather is quite changeable, so the day is rarely a total loss, even if you wake up to a drizzle. If the rain sticks around, though, we have some suggestions for rainy day activities in Fowey and beyond.
Go Outside Anyway
Hear us out: it is not always as bad as it looks from indoors. Sometimes, it can be fun to put on your wellies and step out into the damp. Sheltered woodlands, rushing waterfalls, and deserted beaches have a magical, misty, mystical quality in the rain that you will miss if you are afraid of getting damp. Why not take a walk down to a sheltered cove to explore the rock pools or go beach combing, when the crowds are staying inside?
If getting wet does not bother you, take a kayak tour, exploring the estuary in the misty rain. You can also inspire yourself by walking towards something rather than simply walking through the rain. Check the South West Coast Path website for a list of tearoom or pub walks, where you can have a treat at the end of your trek.
Check Out Some Fowey Attractions
Fowey is such a charming town that it is tempting to spend your entire visit outdoors, walking the idyllic streets and revelling in natural beauty. A rainy day gives you the perfect excuse to check out some of the indoor attractions in town, that you may otherwise have missed.
• MAD Fowey is Fowey’s very own science museum. Like most of Fowey, it is not very big, but this mechanical art & design (MAD) museum is jam-packed with interesting exhibits. Across two floors, you will find quirky machines and inventions, and even a beach themed exhibit.
• The Fowey Aquarium is another fun little spot to spend an afternoon exploring. Cornwall’s oldest aquarium, the Fowey Aquarium is full of insights into marine life native to the coast of Cornwall. Especially exciting is the touch pool, well appreciated by kids of all ages.
• The Fowey Museum is really only one room. Located in the Town Hall building, by the aquarium and MAD Fowey, this little museum holds a delightful assortment of old photographs and interesting artefacts to give you a feel for the history of Fowey. If you are a Daphne du Maurier fan, there is plenty of information on the author to be found here.
• If you have children, consider wearing them out at Kidzworld when it is wet. Located right outside of Fowey in Par, next to the Par Market, this attraction features ball pits, mini golf, demon drops, dodgems, roller skating, and more. While it will be packed to the gills on a rainy day, it will definitely keep the children occupied for the day, and they will be exhausted by bedtime! Another fun family option, about 9 miles away, is Ozell Bowl, where you will find 10 pin bowling, a soft play area, and arcade games.
• For a more adult option, consider the Fowey Valley Cidery and Distillery. Open Monday through Friday for free tastings, they also offer free guided tours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. On the tour, you will see how the ciders are fermented, and the spirits distilled, and you will even get to craft your own cider or bespoke gin to take home, but you will need to book your spot before you go.
• Explore Fowey’s thriving art scene. This beautiful area has a reputation for sparking creativity, and you can certainly occupy yourself on a rainy day by checking out the local artwork in the town’s galleries.
• Relax at a resort or spa. What could be better on a dreary day than some pampering? At Fowey Hall, you can book a half or full day of relaxation, book spa treatments a la carte, or simply go for a dip in the indoor pool, with or without your little ones. A short distance away, the Cornwall Hotel Spa in St Ives offers an infinity swimming pool, sauna, aroma steam rooms, and spa treatments, available with a day pass.
Further Indoor Fun in Cornwall
If you are interested in going farther afield on a rainy day, there are plenty of indoor activities to discover in Cornwall.
• The Eden Project is one of the most iconic places in Cornwall. There is plenty to do and see there, rain or shine, and on a damp day you will particularly enjoy the two massive biomes, one Mediterranean, and the other Rainforest. There is an on-site restaurant with delicious offerings, and if the rain lets up, you can check out the outdoor areas as well.
• Lanydrock House was build around 1720. This magnificent late Victorian country house belonged to wealthy tin traders, and today it is one of the most visited historic homes in all of Cornwall. It is huge, with 50 full open rooms, decorated in the style of an Edwardian country house, with features like 17th century plasterwork on the ceiling, restored servants’ quarters that stand in stark contrast to the lavish family rooms, and a restored kitchen. If there is a break in the weather, you can head outside to the extensive formal gardens and woodlands.
• Carnglaze Caverns offer a glimpse into Cornwall’s mining history. Just nine miles from Fowey, you can take self-guided tours of Cornwall’s only underground slate mine, which holds three cathedral-sized caverns and a blue/green subterranean lake. An audio tour is available to provide information, and there are also information boards along the way, telling the story. A limited number of people are allowed in the caverns at any given time, so pre-book your spot to avoid disappointment.
• Head to Bodmin, to take in all the attractions there. Bodmin Keep is Cornwall’s finest military museum, and you can also visit spooky Bodmin Jail, which has been closed since 1927. Bodmin Town Museum is a free, family-friendly, dog-welcoming museum, run by volunteers dedicated to preserving the town’s history.
Entertain Yourself!
This gorgeous part of the world has inspired artists, authors, and musicians, so perhaps you can use a rainy day to find some inspiration of your own! If you are looking for cosy activities, Cornwall has local shops that can provide you with materials to keep you occupied and spark your imagination. Perhaps you will do some crafting, or colour some postcards with blissful Cornwall scenery. Maybe you can take the time on a rainy day to journal or write stories, or maybe you will just want to read a book or do a jigsaw puzzle. There is no reason at all to let the fact that you are on holiday keep you from holing up and doing something you find relaxing.
Relax at The Old Quay Hotel
Whether you want a cosy room in which to
curl up with your holiday journal, or a good place to get a nourishing meal
after a day out in the elements, The
Old Quay House Hotel is the perfect place to spend a
rainy day. In our Victorian building, you will find friendly staff ready to
make your stay comfortable and memorable, and while we cannot accommodate
children under the age of 8, in most cases we welcome well-behaved, friendly dogs.
Call ahead to make sure that your canine companion is allowed with your
particular package. For more information
about our rooms, our special offers, or our spectacular restaurant, call +44
0172 683 3302, email info@theoldquayhouse.com, or contact us through our website.
