What are the best things to do in Looe in the rain
There are plenty of things to do in Looe, whatever the weather, so if it is raining a little too much for a walk in the countryside or to build a sandcastle on the beach, and you don’t want to remain at our Looe Bay holiday park all week, there are still plenty of amazing attractions in Looe and the rest of Cornwall that you can enjoy.
Read on to find out about the best attractions you can visit and what you can do on rainy days in Cornwall.
The Eden Project
Location: Bodelva, near St Austell
The world-famous Eden Project is a popular attraction to visit no matter what the weather is like, but on rainy days, its warm and dry biomes are the perfect place to visit.
Since its 2001 opening, the Eden Project has grown to include not only Mediterranean and a Rainforest biome, but also other indoor activities like an education facility, and a rainforest aerial walkway.
Enjoy locally sourced food at one of the cafés and browse unique, eco-conscious gifts in the shop, both of which are indoors. You can even take in the stunning views of the biomes from inside the link building, and they are perfect for photo opportunities that you can take from inside as well.
Rainy days tend to mean fewer visitors, so you might enjoy a quieter, more relaxed experience as you explore the biomes and exhibits at your own pace.
ALSO READ: 5 top Cornwall attractions for families
Bodmin Jail
Location: Bodmin
Following a major redevelopment, Bodmin Jail has reopened, and it is the perfect attraction to visit when the weather isn’t great.
Here you can immerse yourself in Cornwall’s Dark History with state-of-the-art theatrical effects that bring some of the grimmest stories vividly to life. During your visit, you can get an insight into life behind bars as an 18th-century prisoner.
You will have the opportunity to explore the prison cells and features of the historic jail on one of their award-winning tours, and discover more about Georgian and Victorian crime and punishment.
Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol
Location: Looe
One of the essential things to do in Looe, come rain or shine, is to pay a visit to Looe Museum. A short stroll from any of the Looe car parks, the museum is filled with interesting artefacts and a rich history spanning hundreds of years.
The museum’s displays include the history of the Canal and Railway in Looe, a display of Raddy cameras, and several exhibits featuring Raddy photographs throughout the museum, as well as a Royal Kings and Queens Quiz for children.
A recent addition to the museum is their Media Wall, which allows you to listen to six whispering portraits of prisoners in the Gaol and decide whether they are guilty or not.
It is the perfect attraction to visit for the whole family.
National Marine Aquarium
Location: Plymouth
Many of those looking for things to do in Looe head over to Plymouth for a day out, and the National Marine Aquarium is undoubtedly the city’s top all-weather attraction.
Turtles, rays, sharks, jellyfish, tropical fish and more can all be found at the UK’s biggest aquarium, and various shows, talks and a 4D cinema mean that a visit to Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium is not just about looking at pretty fish in tanks.
The aquarium hosts a variety of events and activities that you can try during your visit, including snorkelling with the animals, feeding the turtles, sleeping with sharks, yoga, and a special behind-the-scenes tour.
Carnglaze Caverns
Location: St Neot, near Liskeard
What could be better to keep children occupied and entertained despite wet weather in Cornwall than a tour of three gigantic underground caverns? A visit to Carnglaze Caverns, a former slate mine, has proven to be one of the best things to do in Looe for families, having previously won awards at the Cornwall Tourism Awards, including Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.
These caverns are renowned for their reputation as the perfect respite from the cold and rain, as they maintain a constant temperature of a comfortable 10˚C. Alongside the caves and mining heritage, there is plenty to explore in the 6.5-acre woodland and Enchanted Dell, where children can go hunting for faeries and dragons.
During your visit, you can take a self-guided underground tour or a guided tour to learn about how the mine was operated, culminating at the Underground Lake with its crystal-clear, blue-green water.
ALSO READ: Top caves to visit in Cornwall
Port Eliot House and Gardens
Location: St Germans
A short 20-minute drive will bring you to the wonders of Port Eliot House, a beautiful example of Cornish heritage. Once an ancient monastery, this site is more akin to seeing children playing freely on the front lawns than monks in prayer, but it is nonetheless a fantastic example of history in the heart of the southern county.
As a Grade 1 listed house and garden, it is an equally fun visit for adults as it is for children, as parents can stand back and admire the site’s grand beauty, while children can explore its many acres and rooms.
On a rainy day, the house provides the perfect retreat from the bad weather. House tours offer an exciting insight into the wonders and workings of a stately home’s upstairs and downstairs areas throughout the decades and centuries.
You can also see the nationally important Sir Joshua Reynolds artworks, historical collections and other artefacts from the Earl of St Germans collection.
Porfell Wildlife Park
Location: Liskeard
Why not take your little monsters to meet some furry friends at the Porfell Wildlife Park, just a few miles from Looe. The park has been open since 1989, but it has since grown into the county’s largest exotic animal sanctuary and is immensely popular with families visiting the area.
With recommendations from the BBC’s Nick Baker, this is one animal sanctuary every family should visit on a trip to Cornwall!
One of the park’s top attractions is its Maasai village, which showcases traditional mud huts built in the traditional manner. The attraction offers a great insight into how the Maasai live, and you can also see zebras, elands, and ostriches roam in the enclosure.
ALSO READ: A guide to wildlife in Cornwall
Kidzworld Adventure Play
Location: St Austell
One of the county’s most popular, fun-filled, family-friendly attractions is Kidzworld Adventure Play. The attraction is much more than just a soft play centre, and whilst you and your family can visit the attraction any time of the year, it is the perfect place to see when the weather is poor.
At the adventure play area, there is roller skating, trampolines, a games zone, slides, soft play and a cannon shooting area where you can fire soft balls at each other.
You can also plan to visit this attraction alongside others in the area, such as the Eden Project.
Fun things to do in Looe and around Looe on a rainy day
- The Eden Project
- Bodmin Jail
- Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol
- National Marine Aquarium
- Carnglaze Caverns
- Port Eliot House and Gardens
- Porfell Wildlife Park
- Kidzworld Adventure Play
There are some fantastic things to do in Looe and its surrounding areas, regardless of the weather. If you are looking for caravan holidays in Cornwall, our holiday park has everything you need, come rain or shine.
For more articles and guides like this, make sure you explore our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions about what to do in Looe when it rains
Are there indoor attractions to visit in Looe on a rainy day?
Yes, Looe has several cosy indoor attractions, including the Old Guildhall Museum and Gaol, where you can explore the town’s rich maritime and smuggling history. It’s perfect for ducking out of the rain.
Is shopping in Looe a good idea in bad weather?
Looe has a range of independent shops, art galleries, and gift stores that are perfect for browsing when it’s raining.
Are there lots of cafés, restaurants and pubs in Looe that you can visit on a rainy day?
Looe is full of charming cafés and traditional pubs where you can relax. Some of the pubs and eateries you can head to are The Sardine Factory, Bullers Arms, and The Globe Inn.
Is there anywhere to take kids in Looe or nearby when it’s wet outside?
Looe and Cornwall are full of amazing attractions that offer indoor activities for the whole family. These range from the Eden Project to Bodmin Jail.
