Rainy-day things to do in North Cornwall
Weather turned? There's plenty to do around Boscastle, Tintagel and Bude when it rains.
in our own words
Even in summer, Cornwall sees rain. Here are our rainy-day ideas near Boscastle, so a wet morning doesn't spoil your camping holiday. Check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go.
In Boscastle
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic by the harbour is one of Boscastle's best-known attractions and a good hour or two indoors. The harbour's shops and cafés are also close together, so you can dodge showers.
In Tintagel
- King Arthur's Great Halls: an unusual Arthurian hall with stained glass.
- Tintagel Old Post Office (National Trust): a 14th-century house in the village.
- Tintagel Castle itself is mostly outdoors, but dramatic in moody weather if it is open. See our Tintagel guide.
In Bude
The Bude Castle Heritage Centre tells the story of the town and the canal. Combine it with a café and a walk along the canal if the rain eases. See Bude day trip.
Further afield
- The National Lobster Hatchery in Padstow.
- The Eden Project near St Austell is a longer drive, but most of it is under cover.
On site
Bring cards, books and a good awning; awnings are free here. Rain on the coast often clears quickly, so keep an eye out for a sunset.
Rainy day ideas in North Cornwall
Cornish weather can change in minutes, and a wet day doesn't have to spoil your camping holiday. Here's how our guests make the most of rainy days in North Cornwall, all within an easy drive of Lower Pennycrocker Farm.
Boscastle (about 2 miles)
The harbour village has cafés, galleries and shops, and a visit to the harbour in wild weather is dramatic. Check what museums and exhibitions are open before you go.
Tintagel (about 7 miles)
Tintagel village has cafés and gift shops. Castle visits are exposed in bad weather, so check conditions with English Heritage first. See our Tintagel guide.
Bude (about 15 miles)
Bude has a range of indoor options, from cafés and shops to leisure facilities. Our Bude day trip page has more.
Further afield
Larger towns inland and along the coast have cinemas, swimming pools and attractions. Check opening times before you travel.
Making the most of a wet day at the campsite
- Pack cards, books and board games.
- Bring a gazebo or awning — awnings are free on all our pitches.
- Keep a dry bag for clothes and a spare set of shoes.
- Use our free showers to warm up after a wet walk.
Our camping in wind and rain guide has practical tips for keeping your tent dry.
Walking in the rain
Light rain can make for a lovely walk in the wooded valleys inland, which are more sheltered than the cliffs. Avoid the exposed coast path in strong winds. See our walks near Boscastle.
When the sun comes back
After rain, the views from the campsite fields are often at their clearest, and sunsets can be spectacular. Have a look at our sunsets and stargazing post.
Plan ahead
Check the forecast each morning and keep one or two indoor ideas up your sleeve. For a full week's plan, read things to do near Boscastle.
Rainy day ideas for children
- Visit a café for hot chocolate and a board game.
- Go rock pooling in light rain with waterproofs — the pools are just as full.
- Watch the waves crash against the harbour walls from a safe distance.
- Head to a leisure centre or indoor pool in a bigger town.
- Plan tomorrow's adventures with a map in the tent.
Our camping with kids in Cornwall post has more ideas.
Rainy days with dogs
Dogs still need walks in the rain. Sheltered valley paths are a better choice than open cliffs, and a towel and blanket in the car make the drive home easier.
Staying dry on site
Our facilities include free showers and a washing-up room, so you can stay warm and clean even after a soggy day out. Parking is beside your pitch, which makes it easy to move wet gear into the car.
Rainy-day optionswhat you get
In Tintagel
Explore the village and the old post office.
In Boscastle
Museums and cosy cafés by the harbour.
In Bude
Shops, cafés and the canal.
Further afield
Bigger days out by car.
On site
Free hot showers, parking beside your pitch.
Make the most of itworth knowing
Check opening times
Some attractions are seasonal.
Pack waterproofs
Showers often pass quickly on the coast.
Pitch smart
Guy lines tight and kit off the ground.
Frequently asked questionsquick answers
What's open in Boscastle when it rains?
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, plus the harbour cafés and shops. Check opening times.
Is Tintagel Castle open in the rain?
It usually is, but it can close in very high winds. Check English Heritage before you go.
Is the Eden Project far?
It's a longer drive south, so make a day of it.
What can I do in North Cornwall when it rains?
Visit cafés and shops in Boscastle, Tintagel or Bude, try a sheltered valley walk, or head to indoor attractions in bigger towns.
Is the campsite OK in wet weather?
Yes, though the site is exposed, so peg your tent well and pack waterproofs.
Big skies and quiet fields,close to the coast
Your pitch near Boscastle is waitingsee you on the field
Check live availability and book online, or call Colin and Karyn between 9am and 7pm.