Newquay is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations and is famed for its great surfing beach at Fistral Bay. This Cornish town is packed with fun things to do, but what to do in Newquay in the rain? Learn more about the best rainy day activities in Newquay in this post.
Just because there’s a little precipitation in the air, doesn’t mean it has to spoil your fun. There are lots of things to do in Newquay in the rain from checking out museums and stately homes to taking an art class, watching a show, or hitting the shops.
I’ve been visiting Cornwall all my life and it’s no surprise that I’ve experienced the odd wet day, but that’s never stopped me from exploring and getting the most out of everything the place has to offer.
Best Things To Do in Newquay in the Rain
In the below list, you’ll find plenty of indoor things to do in Newquay. Whether you want to enjoy a nice meal, go to the theatre, play indoor golf, or take a class, there’s still something for everyone to do in Newquay in the rain.
1. Have Fun at Newquay Leisure World
If you’ve come to Cornwall expecting a swim but the skies are grey and damp, fear not. Leisure World is one of the best indoor things to do in Newquay with its large, tropical-themed pool. This is a great option for all the family and the site also includes trampolines and a play area.
The pool has a selection of flumes, slides, and other fun waterborne obstacles. There’s a cafe on-site so you can spend the whole day as you wait for the weather to clear up outside. Leisure World is definitely one of the best things to do in Newquay in the rain for kids both big and small.
Newquay Leisure World is open daily from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm. See the website to check the sessions (fitness, adult, family, etc). Swimming costs from £6.00 for adults and £4.00 for children. The trampoline park costs £14.00 for adults and £12.00 for children.
2. Take an Art Class (Resin Ocean Art)
If you still want to experience the beauty of the ocean on a rainy day in Newquay then this Resin Ocean Art Class is just the thing for you.
After a short introduction where you’ll get to know Andrea, your course teacher and other participants, you’ll dive right in and get mixing resin to create a piece of beautiful ocean-inspired art.
You’ll find out about the best techniques to use and how to use colors to create a stunning seascape to cherish forever. Tea, coffee, and cakes are provided throughout, and the session lasts for 90 minutes (which will hopefully see off the worst of any downpour).
You’ll leave with your very own piece of art to take home and a new skill too, so this is certainly a great option for Newquay in the rain.
3. Go for a Walk
Okay, hear me out on this one. I don’t think I remember a trip to Cornwall without hearing the scrunch of waterproof fabrics which makes for many pleasant memories imprinted on my mind. Whether it’s a brisk walk on the beach or hitting the South West Coast Path, Newquay can still be enjoyed in the rain.
The beauty of the Cornish weather is that downpours are usually short-lived and the sun can reappear through even the blackest of clouds.
There is also something deeply gratifying about reaching a rustic pub and drying off with some hearty food and a pint of Cornish cider or a hot pot of tea.
Unless it’s blowing a gale and there’s a storm warning, (which only generally happens in late autumn and winter), going out for a brisk walk in the rain can be very invigorating, especially combined with the dramatic north Cornish coastline around Newquay – just be sure to dress appropriately!
4. Have a Go at Pirate Quest Adventure Golf
Pirate Quest Adventure Golf is a 12-hole indoor golf course that contains immersive 360-degree sets detailing a time of smugglers and pirates in 18th Century Cornwall.
Pirate Quest is one of the best Newquay indoor attractions and the perfect antidote to a rainy day. Put through Shipwreck Cove, Smugglers Passage, and Blackbeard’s Tavern. Enter the dank, dark Locker of Davy Jones with a glow-in-the-dark golf ball if you dare.
I’ve played a lot of crazy golf in Cornwall and Pirate Quest is definitely one of the best. It’s certainly one of the most perfect things to do in Newquay when it rains as it’s completely enclosed.
The course at Pirate Quest is open seven days a week from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Tickets cost £11.50 for adults and £7.95 for children and can be booked online via their website.
5. Go Coasteering
On this adventurous coasteering activity, you’ll be in and out of the water and fully covered by a wetsuit so a little rain isn’t going to make any difference. You’ll get to grapple over rocks, wild swim through gullies, and jump off cliffs into the ocean below.
The session lasts for two and a half hours and includes all training and safety equipment. No experience is necessary but you will need to be a confident swimmer and have a head for heights.
The coasteering starts from the Cornish Wave offices on Fore Street in central Newquay. You’ll then make your way to a nearby headland a few minutes walk away where the adventure begins.
You’ll get to discover lots of hidden nooks and crannies as you coasteer your way around this dramatic stretch of coastline. Click here to learn more and book your spot.
6. Shellfish Skills and Feast
This awesome shellfish preparation class is the perfect rainy day treat for lovers of seafood. During the class, you’ll learn all about sustainable seafood from an internationally renowned expert and get to feast on some seriously good fruit de la mar.
You’ll be able to enjoy a whole crab, whole lobster, sashimi, prosecco, and sauvignon blanc. If you’re unable to finish your creations by the end of the course they’ll be wrapped for you to enjoy at home (or on the beach when the sun comes out).
All equipment, food, and drink are included and you don’t need any experience as you’ll be guided by an expert. Cornwall has a long connection to the coast and fishing industry and this really is a great chance to get a true “taste of Cornwall”.
7. Take in a Show at the Lane Theatre
The Lane is Newquay’s only live theater that celebrated its 90th year in 2022. Here you can see anything from musicals such as the ABBA Tribute and the Queen Experience to Shakespearean plays, contemporary theater, and more.
The Newquay Amateur Dramatic Society dates back to 1931 when it was founded and the Lane is the home of some of Britain’s top talent.
Check the website for current listings, performance times and to book tickets online. The Lane is open from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm Wednesday to Saturday. Taking in a show is definitely one of the best ways to escape the rain and get a little culture on your trip to Newquay.
8. Play at VRcade
Step into another world at Cornwall’s only virtual reality arcade. Using only the latest equipment and technology, VRcade is a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Newquay, Cornwall when it rains.
VRcade welcomes both novices and seasoned pros and has all the latest games from The Walking Dead and Creed, to Angry Birds, Zero Calibre, and Project Cars.
There are four main zones; the Driving Zone, Standing Zone, Activity Zone, and Flying Zone. The arcade is open from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday to Friday and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday (closed on Mondays).
9. Throw a Pot
This 2.5-hour pottery masterclass is a great option for something to do in Newquay if it’s raining. After familiarising yourself with the equipment and tools of the trade, you’ll get to move onto the wheel and “throw” your own pot.
If you master the art of pottery you’ll be able to have another go and make as many creations as you can fit in. After drying your work you’ll have the option to either take home what you’ve made or have it glazed and sent on to your address.
This is one of the top-rated experiences in Newquay with a host that is a surfer turned potter. The studio overlooks the Gannel Estuary so if it clears up after your class then be sure to head out and enjoy the wonderful views.
Phone: +447580113311. Address: 18 Chichester Cres, Newquay. Click here for directions.
10. See a Movie at the Lighthouse Cinema
With four big screens, this state-of-the-art cinema showcases all the latest blockbusters as well as live stand-up, perfect for a rainy day in Newquay.
Grab some popcorn and sit back and enjoy a movie on the big screen in the center of Newquay. The Lighthouse hosts regular Silver Screen Matinees playing the best films of the year that maybe you missed the first time around.
An adult ticket costs £8.30 and $6.30 for a child. The cinema is open from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, 11:30 am to 8:30 pm Saturday, and 11:30 am to 6:30 pm on Sunday.
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11. Take a Surfing Lesson
Just like coasteering, a little bit of rain isn’t going to hamper the fun of catching a few waves as you’ll be getting wet anyway (and using a wetsuit). So as long as it’s not blowing a gale outside, you can still enjoy surfing in Newquay — one of the area’s favorite pastimes.
This beginner’s surf experience is the perfect thing for those that haven’t had a go before and will have you standing up on your board by the end of the 2.5-hour session.
You’ll learn all about surf safety, techniques, and more from your qualified instructor before hitting either Towan or Fistral beach to put it all into practice.
I’ve never let a bit of rain stop me from surfing when in Cornwall, and it’s great fun whatever the weather. You really shouldn’t visit the UK’s surfing capital without giving it a go. Click here for details about this beginner surfing lesson.
12. Go to the Pub (One of the Best Things to do in Newquay in the Rain)
One of the best things to do on a rainy day in Cornwall is to hit the pub (preferably one with a roaring fire). The Fort Inn is just such a pub and is situated on the edge of the town with magnificent coastal views.
The restaurant has an extensive menu of pub classics from grills to build-your-own burger and of course fish and chips (battered in Cornish St Austell ale).
The Fort is open from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm seven days a week. Lunch is served between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, and dinner is from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Mains are reasonably priced from £11.00 to £18.00.
The Fort Inn Address: 63 Fore St, Newquay. Phone: +441637875700. Click here for directions.
13. Hit the Shops
The Whitegate Shopping Complex in Newquay is the perfect place for a bit of retail therapy while it’s raining. From big High Street names to independent stores, cafes, and restaurants, you’ll be sure to while away a few hours browsing the latest fashions and consumer goods.
Whitegate is an out-of-town shopping center, but you can also explore the town center shopping district which has plenty to offer. Bring a brolly (umbrella) and dive from shop to shop, being sure to pop into one of the great cafes for a classic cream tea.
Pauline’s Creamery is a great place to indulge in this most Cornish of snacks with locally made clotted cream.
14. Visit Newquay Heritage Archive Museum
The Newquay Heritage Archive Museum charts Newquay’s rich cultural heritage and history through a series of interesting exhibits and displays.
From the Newquay and Cornwall’s long connection with the ocean, you’ll learn about the town’s stone age origins to its 19th-century fishing industry, tourism, and much more.
The museum is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm. Entrance is free, but donations are encouraged to help with the upkeep of the place.
Newquay Heritage Archive Museum Address: Central House, 4-6 Crantock St, Newquay TR7 1JS, United Kingdom. Phone: +441637870611. Click here for directions.
15. Visit the Cornwall Gold and Tolgus Mill
If you’re looking for things to do near Newquay in the rain then the Cornwall Gold and Tolgus Mill is just the thing. Visit the onsite jewelry workshop to see the goldsmiths in action crafting the finest pieces using gold, Cornwall pearls, and more.
You can even choose your own pearl to have set in a ring and watch as it’s crafted in front of your very eyes. There’s also a build-a-bear, pottery painting, and Cornwall’s last working Victorian mill to explore here too.
The Cornish Pantry restaurant uses ingredients sourced within a 20-mile radius so you know you will be getting the freshest, locally sourced produce on your plate at this wonderful onsite eatery. The Mill and onsite attractions, shops, and restaurant are open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm every day.
Address: New Portreath Rd, Redruth TR16 4HN, United Kingdom. Phone: +441209203280. Click here for directions.
16. Visit Trerice Manor
The Tudor Trerice Manor House is a Grade I listed building in Kestle Mill, 3 miles from central Newquay. Explore this beautiful old building that dates back to 1570 and the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
Inside you can discover an interesting collection dating back centuries which includes a 300-year-old longcase clock, wooden skittles, books, and more.
Trerice Manor is open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm seven days a week. Tickets cost £11.00 for adults and £5.50 for children. Address: Kestle Mill, Newquay TR8 4PG, United Kingdom. Phone: +441637875404. Click here to find it on the map.
17. Visit Oasis Fun Pools
Dive into Oasis Fun Pools with two large swimming pools, flumes, a river rapid ride, water geyser, fountains, and more, this is the perfect thing to do in Newquay on a rainy day.
There’s a terrace bar and restaurant (with inside seating too), a pizzeria, and a fish and chip shop so you won’t go hungry at Oasis.
If you have little ones with you then they’re sure to love Henry’s Playloft, a soft play and ball pit at Oasis.
The pools and adjoining restaurants and play areas are open to the public from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week. Tickets cost £9.50 for adults and £7.50 for children. Tickets should be booked online in advance. Address: Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay TR8 4NY, United Kingdom. Phone: +441637870711. Get directions here.
18. Visit the Tate St Ives
Tate St Ives is a sister gallery to the Tate Britain and Tate Modern in London and is a 50-minute drive from Newquay. St Ives is a beautiful fishing town that’s famed for its thriving art scene and many galleries – a great option for a rainy day in Cornwall.
Explore the best of Cornwall’s contemporary art at this beachside gallery and studio space. As well as a permanent exhibition, different events are put on throughout the year so be sure to check the website to see what’s currently on.
The gallery is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:20 pm. The entrance fee is £10.50 for all. If the sun comes out later then you can enjoy one of Cornwall’s most charming towns and scenic beaches.
Address: Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives TR26 1TG, United Kingdom. Phone: +441736796226. Click here for directions.
19. Newquay Trampoline and Play Park
Newquay’s first Trampoline and Play Park is a great option for kids and adults alike when it’s raining outside. Bounce away your worries with over 15 different zones and activities.
You’ll find everything from stunt boxes to vaults and a trick zone which is a cross between parkour and trampolining. There’s a dive platform, foam and ball pits, obstacle course, aeroball, and much more to enjoy at this fun activity center.
Tickets start from £7.50 per session and the park is open from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Monday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Trampoline and Play Park Address: Trenance Ln, Newquay TR7 2LZ, United Kingdom. Phone: +441637853828. Click here for directions.
20. Visit the Eden Project
The Eden Project is a large botanic garden and research center on the site of an old tin mill just a 30-minute drive from Newquay. The gardens are housed in large biodomes creating tropical conditions where you can explore plant life from around the globe and one of the largest indoor rainforests in the world.
During the summer the Eden Projects hosts events from music concerts to art exhibitions, talks, and workshops. The Eden Project is a great day out for families and nature lovers and is one of Cornwall’s top attractions.
There are large biomes with different sections including the Meditteranean, Invisible Worlds, the Rainforest, and even a Tunnel of Love and zipline ride (the latter is probably better if it’s not raining).
Tickets cost £32.50 for adults and £11.00 for children. The project is open daily from 9:45 am to 4:00 pm. The Eden Project address: Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG, United Kingdom. Phone: +441726811911. Find it here on the map.
Things To Do in Newquay When it Rains: FAQs
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about visiting Newquay in the rain.
Unless it’s absolutely pouring it down, surfing is still one of the best things to do in Newquay, even in the rain. If it’s too wet and stormy, then hitting the pub is the best option (and there are plenty to choose from in Newquay).
Going to the pub is the best indoor activity in the rain. Bring a book or share a meal with friends or family in convivial surroundings while you wait for the weather to clear up.
Newquay is definitely worth visiting rain or shine. There is so much to do in the town that you’ll not be bored whatever the weather. There are lots of indoor attractions to keep you occupied while the rain passes.
Conclusion
Now you know what to do in Newquay Cornwall when it rains. Just because there’s a little precipitation, doesn’t mean it has to spoil your plans. With so many wonderful things to do indoors and out, your trip to this buzzing resort town will not leave you disappointed.
The UK has something of a reputation for grey skies and rain, but that’s never stopped me from enjoying my many trips to Cornwall, and hitting the ocean is still something I do every time regardless of the weather.
