Newquay is among the UK’s most popular summer staycations, and with its dramatic beaches, top restaurants, and cheery locals, it’s easy to see why.
But while the prospect of a Cornish coastal break may be the main reason why lots of people visit Newquay during the summer, there are no guarantees that you’re going to arrive to wall-to-wall sunshine and beach-friendly conditions. In fact, just like the rest of the country, Newquay is at the mercy of the relentlessly unpredictable British weather – meaning that a rainy day or two are never off the table.
The good news is, there’s plenty to see and do in Newquay besides lounging on its sandy beaches, as proven by our complete guide on 12 things to do in Newquay in the rain.
1. Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf
Ahoy ye sodden sea dogs! If the rain’s arrived during your stay in Newquay, make for Pirate’s Quest Adventure Golf, where you can immerse in 18th-century Cornish sealore as you putt your way through a fully indoor 12-hole course. Along the way, you’ll encounter pirates, brigands, and mermaids aplenty, while those brave enough have the option to descend into Davy Jones’ Locker for a truly spine-tingling bonus round.
2. Lane Theatre
Established in 1931, Lane Theatre is Newquay’s premier live entertainment venue and the ideal place to take in a matinee on those drizzly summer afternoons. Small and intimate, the Lane comprises only a 138-seat auditorium and adjoining bar and yet attracts a surprisingly impressive line-up of shows and musical acts. Raining or not, it’s well worth watching a show here, with the full schedule of upcoming events available on the theatre’s website.
3. Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
If there was ever a good reason to abandon plans for a lazy day at the seaside, drinking cider at an authentic-as-it-gets Cornish ‘cyder’ farm would be up there. Enter Healey’s, a working cider distillery that opens its doors to visitors for tours and tastings every year. While you may not be able to tour the site’s extensive apple orchards in the rain, you can certainly enjoy a tour of the distillery before a guided tasting with one of Healey’s cider experts. Best of all? There are plenty of alcohol-free ciders for children, so you can visit without the guilt.
4. Trerice Manor House
Bags of history, pretty gardens, and Cornish cream teas galore await at Trerice, an Elizabethan manor house tucked in the countryside a short drive from Newquay. Managed by the National Trust, this historic site is a joy to visit whatever the weather, with two hedge mazes and beautifully landscaped grounds to enjoy when the sun’s out, and the chance for a fascinating guided tour of the house when the heavens open.
5. Lighthouse Cinema
Short on ideas and energy? Then a trip to the pictures is always a great idea. Newquay’s Lighthouse Cinema is an independent cineplex with a small handful of screens but some big-name releases.
6. St Mawgan Church
No matter where you’re staycationing across the UK, churches often prove the most charming and history-laden places to visit, and St Mawgan’s is no exception. Located in the pretty village of St Mawgan (which is itself worth a wander through when the weather clears up), the church features a Norman stone structure complemented by exquisite stained-glass windows.
7. The Headland Spa
Holidaying in Newquay without the kids in tow? Then a day at The Headland Spa could well be on the cards if the weather takes a turn for the drizzly. With a large heated indoor pool, six treatment rooms, and sweeping views over the Cornish coast, any weather-related worries will soon be a thing of the past. Of course, you’ll need to book treatments and places well in advance here, but if spas are your thing, this seems like a goer from where we’re standing.
8. Jungle Jack’s
From one extreme to the other day now as we swap a luxurious spa day for a visit to Newquay’s largest indoor soft play centre. Granted, we can’t guarantee relaxation here, but we can promise a few well-spent hours watching the kids have fun and forget all about that ruined trip to the beach. Jungle Jack’s features a 1,700-square-foot climbing centre, including rope bridges, slides, crawl tubes, and peekaboo windows.
9. Bare Feet Coasteer Centre
OK, so this one still involves heading to the coast, but bear with us as we explain why we think Bare Feet Coasteer Centre is a great rainy-day activity. In the company of expert guides, you’ll tour Newquay’s natural cliffs and waterways, scrambling over rocks and jumping into the water below. It’s an exhilarating experience for adventurers of all ages, and since you’ll be soaking wet already, a little rain won’t hurt. It certainly beats laying on the sand eating soggy sandwiches!
10.Pencarrow House & Gardens
The second manor house on our Newquay attractions shortlist comes in the form of Pencarrow House, a Georgian mansion whose earliest history dates back to the 1500s. When it’s raining, a tour of the house reveals a stunning collection of paintings, furniture, and porcelain, and should the weather clear slightly, a walk through the surrounding grounds and woodland is an absolute must. Pencarrow lies roughly 30 minutes from Newquay, so it’s an easy trip on those cloudy days.
11.Pezzanbuloe Museum
Venture west down the Cornish coast and you’ll soon find yourself in the delightful fishing village of Perranporth, home to the wondrously named Pezzanbuloe Museum. Here, you can take a tour through the region’s seafaring past, with a fine collection of exhibits telling the story of Cornwall’s proud maritime heritage. Remarkably, entry to Pezzanbuloe is totally free (with the option to make a donation), making it a budget-friendly option on those soggy summer days.
12.Blue Reef Aquarium
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without a little self-promotion, and we reckon Blue Reef is easily the best rainy-day activity in all of Cornwall. With a spectacular array of marine animals on display and a daily line-up of talks and feeds, a visit to Blue Reef is always an exciting day out for young and old alike. Remember, though, that we’re currently operating on a pre-booked tickets basis only, so if you’re hoping to visit while you’re in town, head to our booking portal to reserve your place today.
Whatever the weather, Newquay is always a joy to visit, and we couldn’t recommend the above attractions highly enough. Touch here to learn more about Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay including our animals and exhibits or take a look at our opening hours to plan your visit.