As you speed down the M5 for a hard-earned break in Cornwall this summer, the chances are you’re headed for pony rides in the sunshine, dips in the swimming pool and endless days on the beach. Of course, there’s a tiny chance that things might be looking slightly different: the windscreen is getting a much-needed wash, the kids are fighting over who touched who’s arm, while you obsessively refresh your weather app in the passenger seat instead of focusing on the directions.
If you find yourself in scenario two, don’t panic – the accidental detour via Widecombe-in-the-moor is actually very pretty, even in the mist, and however soggy the holiday week looks, we’re here to help!
South East Cornwall is packed with things to do on damp summer days, and for a distillation of the best stuff, you need look no further than this blog:
Lanhydrock
Now in my opinion a tip to Lanhydrock is a must, with the beautiful grounds to explore, the amazing bike trails and of course the the house. Now just because it’s a rainy day and you can’t take advantage of some of the great offerings Lanhydrock has to offer the House is rather special. You can explore both upstairs and downstairs, dressed as it would have been in the Victorian era. The kitchens and larders/pantries fascinating, and my personal favirout the nurseries and playroom along with the bedrooms upstairs. The magnificent Victorian family home is now split into three routes for exploring: Kitchen, Family and Lady R’s Bazaar. This summer they have lawn games and giant building blocks on the old tennis court, a specially constructed barefoot trail in the parterre and a magical music circle in front of the house. You can take part in a family sack race, dress up in the theatre room or enjoy a picnic and some cloud-spotting on the formal lawns. Catch Mrs Candy the cook and the other Victorian staff around the house and garden every Thursday to learn about life in the Victorian country house. Look out for Friday storytelling sessions in the nursery and garden. So there is plenty to do come rain of shine. For more information on whats going on at Lanhydrock click here
The Eden project
Eden is another great place to visit come rain or shine this summer. The iconic biomes of this Cornwall attraction are well known and a beauty to behold in themselves on rainy days you’ll want to head to the two main biomes where the Mediterranean and Rainforest gardens bring the feeling of being outside whilst also not getting wet. But, Eden is also so much more than a wander round a garden. This summer is all about the summer of play and with there new amazing natures playground the children will be entained for hours what ever the weather. They also have their exhibition “Acts of Gathering” displayed in the Core gallery along with some clay workshops which look great fun. For more information click here.
National Marine Aquarium
This is completly worth a 40 min drive to Plymouth – it’s the largest public aquarium in the UK and completely captivating for children and adults alike. Follow up with a coffee or supper in one of the independent cafes or restaurants on the Barbican. for more info click here
Cornish Mizzle Days
On days when there's only a light drizzle (Mizzle), a walk in the woods (any woods) or around a lake is quite lovely - especially is there's a nice, warm café at the end of it Cardinham Woods and the wonderful Woods café is great as is the delishous Olive & Co at Siblyback lake.
Treworgey
You don’t even have to leave the site, the indoor beach is a great way to fill a couple of hours, or there is the play room and soft play, and a swim in the rain is always fun! And if that doesn’t take your fancy why don’t you snuggle down, light the fire and watch a film. All our cottages have smart tvs, or pop up and ask for a dvd player and borrow a couple of dvds or why not borrow a bord game or puzzle find out more here.
