TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL ON A RAINY DAY!

When we think ‘Cornwall’, we often conjure up vivid images of sweeping coastlines, rugged landscapes, endless golden beaches & the drama of the sea & surf. Oh, and sun… lots of! Except with the best will in the world, even the balmy micro-climate of the Cornish Riviera is not immune to the odd downpour when one least expects it. So in this article, we check out the top ten leisure pursuits in West Cornwall that are guaranteed to a) keep you dry and b) equally delight no matter what the weather!

• Visit a museum. Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum offers a multitude of fascinating exhibits, databases & events depicting life through the ages at sea in Cornwall. With underwater galleries, watch towers, interactive activities & a rolling programme of exciting events that help to bring maritime heroes & villains to life, you won’t be short of thrills & spills!

• Storm-gaze – What could be cosier than partaking of a delicious Cornish Cream Tea in the comfort of the sumptuous Mullion Cove Hotel; watching Mother Nature at her most dramatic? Consuming locally sourced produce, you will experience the true essence of Cornish hospitality whilst being ‘swept away’ by your natural surroundings!

• Surf – Ok well, in for a penny… maybe you won’t be dry but are guaranteed to immerse yourself fully in this adrenalin-fuelled pursuit! Sennen Cove, replete with golden beach is the perfect setting to catch the waves in the Atlantic Ocean. Wild & unforgiving, this is one of the premier surf spots to be found in Cornwall. The Coves’ exposure to the ocean means that the swell is awesome, with waves at the northern tip reaching six feet plus & smaller, faster waves at the southern end. The Smart Surf School is based in Sennen where private group & individual expert tuition for all levels from the UK’s top surfers are given. Surf & beach hire plus café nearby means you will be ready to ride the waves!

• Take a train journey – Why not combine the best of both worlds, leave the car behind & take a trip on the St. Ives Bay Line Real Ale Trail? The Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership provides a novel & relaxing way to take in the breath-taking scenery of St. Ives with a self-guided tour where real-ale enthusiasts can hop on & off the train at leisure to sample the delights of local breweries!

• Indulge in a little retail therapy – West Cornwall Shopping Park in Hayle has a great variety of stores in which to spend a few rainy hours including Marks & Spencer, Costa, Next & Boots. With 2 hours free parking & plenty of venues to enjoy refreshments under the luxury of one roof, forget the umbrella & remember the store card!

• Take in a Stately Home – The National Trust are guardians of the magnificent Godolphin Estate in Helston. Designated a Cornish Mine World Heritage Site, this 17^th Century house & medieval garden is truly a sight to behold as you wander around the atmospheric & ancient surroundings. Visit the Leeds Engine House & Stack, the remains of the family mine. Stroll around the stunningly tended gardens to look out onto St. Michael’s Mount or further into the historic woodlands before stopping to taste some exquisite home-made tea and cake.

• Visit a leisure centre – If the rain doesn’t deter you from keeping fit, or you fancy a pampering then head to Penzance Leisure Centre where its excellent facilities include a fully equipped gym, pools, fitness suites, spa, cafe & much more!

• Partake of a meal – Foodies simply must visit the wonderful Old Coastguard Hotel in the pretty fishing village of Mousehole! Featuring an amazing al fresco dining experience that spills out onto the harbour walls; you can feast on an explosion of all that is Cornish. Their ethos is to keep simplicity in their food so try the extensive seafood, game, beef & poultry all locally sourced & fresher than fresh! Authentic, unpretentious, delicious… who cares if it’s raining?! http://www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk/Home.aspx

• Explore an Art Gallery – Cornwall is synonymous with Art so culture vultures are spoilt for choice when it comes to galleries & studios! Start your artistic pilgrimage with a trip to the iconic Tate St.Ives Gallery overlooking the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean where there are exhibitions, workshops & countless workshops to admire.

• Go to the cinema or theatre – Falmouth, Redruth, Helston & Penzance all have a Merlin cinema where you can catch the latest ‘must-see’ movie whilst munching on your popcorn in comfort! Alternatively, you might like to spend time watching a live performance at Redruth’s Regal theatre.