Cornwall has some of the most unpredictable weather in the UK, one day it can feel like the Mediterranean, the next like you’re on board a ship sailing the Atlantic. If you holiday here for a week you may get to experience all four seasons in one. While there’s plenty of places ideal to explore in the sun, places to go when it’s rainy are a bit hard to come by, particularly if you want to include your dog in your adventures.
We’ve highlighted some of the best places in West Cornwall to go on a wet day that are dog-friendly:
Play at Country Skittles
Only a mile away from us, Country Skittles is perfect as an indoor wet weather activity. There is a 6 lane automatic skittle alley which is similar to ten-pin-bowling, just with 9 skittles and a much shorter lane. There is a bar and restaurant and the whole place is dog-friendly. Please make sure to check out their website for opening times and to make a booking as it can get quite busy when it rains.
Visit a Museum
Porthcurno Telegraph Museum:
Travel down towards lands end and the beautiful Porthcurno beach which is often heralded for it’s golden sands and the unique Minack Theatre. Porthcurno Telegraph Museum is less well known but no less interesting. It’s dedicated to the history of global communications, being the site where the first ever Telegram landed and playing a historic role through the development of modern communications. The museum is family friendly and welcomes dogs on leads throughout the museum.
Museum of Cornish Life in Helston
Learn more about Cornwall’s past with a visit to the Museum of Cornish Life in Helston. This museum offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s social history. Dogs on leads are welcome, allowing you to delve into local heritage without leaving your pet behind.
Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro
The Royal Cornwall Museum in the centre of Truro hosts a wide collection of local treasures. It has recently undergone extensive renovations and now hosts beautiful galleries with a minerals, nature and art galleries alongside regular exhibitions. The entire ground floor is accessible to dogs and they host regular activities for children during the school holidays.
Take a trip on the Helston Railway
Take a train ride on the restored Helston Railway which regularly runs historic steam and diesel engine journeys through the countryside around Helston. Make sure to stop by the cafe after your journey, which is housed in an old carriage.
Dogs are welcome everywhere onsite, including on the train journey itself. Check out the website for more details of running times.
Visit Cornwall Gold
Visit Cornwall Gold, a unique Cornish experience. Based around the Tolgus Mill heritage site there are a collection of exhibits, shops, a restaurant and a range of family friendly activities including free panning for fools gold.
Dogs are welcome across the site, and entrance and parking is free.
Explore Geevor Tin Mine
Learn more about Cornwall’s rich mining heritage by visiting one of the best preserved mines in Cornwall. The site is now an award winning museum and heritage site with plenty to explore for the whole family both inside the museum and underground inside the mine (although dogs have to sit this bit out). This is a great wet weather activity which won’t leave you feeling like you have missed out.
Browse the Art Galleries in Newlyn
Newlyn is home to a brilliant art scene with the dog-friendly Newlyn Art Gallery taking centre stage. Dodge the rain and spend an afternoon enjoying some of the best up-and-coming talents in the Cornwall art scene. With plenty of galleries, coffee shops and award winning restaurants, you’ll have plenty of places to keep dry during even the most torrential downpours.
Alternatively, take a trip to St. Ives and explore the numerous art galleries dotting it’s cobbled streets.
Visit Cornish Seal Sanctuary
Say hello to the rehabilitating seals along with a bunch of other animals. Located in Gweek, near Helston, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates seals as well as caring for a range of other animals such as puffins and beavers. While much of the site is open to the elements, there is cover to be found where you can watch the seals underwater and enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the cafe’s while you dry off. Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the site.
Catch the train to St. Ives
Dogs are welcome on the branch line train from St. Erth to St. Ives. There is a large pay and display car park at St. Erth and you’re much more likely to be able to park then in St. Ives during the high season. The journey gives some stunning views of the coastline and across Hayle beach (make sure to sit on the right-hand side). When you get to St. Ives there are numerous cafés and small galleries which welcome well-behaved dogs on leads.
Additional Tips:
- Cafés and Pubs: Many are dog friendly, although it’s always a good idea to check in advance. See our guide to the best dog friendly beach cafes.
- Local Shops: Many independent shops welcome dogs, especially in towns like St Ives, Penzance and Helston.
- Visit the Beach and get wet anyway: Make sure to pack your waterproof trousers and coat and embrace the weather. There’s nothing quite like a warm coffee after a windy and wet beach walk. We’ve put together a list of the best local dog friendly beaches, although most beaches are now available for dogs out of the busy summer season.
We hope that some of these ideas help when the sun isn’t shinning or even inspire you to visit Cornwall out of the usual season when the roads are clearer and attractions are a bit less busy. Find out more about our dog friendly cottages here.
