All weather family days out near Doublebois
Cornwall is famous for its beaches, coastal walks and days spent outdoors, but we all know the Cornish weather likes to keep us on our toes and can never be guaranteed.
The good news? A rainy forecast in Cornwall certainly doesn’t mean a day stuck inside your lodge. From underground adventures and tropical biomes to immersive history and family attractions, there are plenty of rainy-day activities in Cornwall to keep everyone entertained.
And, thanks to our central location at Doublebois Lodge Escape, these brilliant family days out are just a short drive away!
Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Cornwall when it rains.
Head underground at Carnglaze Caverns
Just down the road from Doublebois Lodge Escape you’ll find Carnglaze Caverns, one of our favourite local recommendations for a rainy day.
Tucked away near St Neot, this intruging attraction invites you underground to discover Cornwall’s slate mining heritage and impressive caverns. It’s a wonderfully different way to spend a few hours and a great choice for families looking for an adventure close to their lodge.
If the rain clears, you can also explore the beautiful ancient oak woodland outside.
Our tip: bring an extra layer. Underground adventures can be a little cooler, whatever the Cornish weather is doing above ground.
Step into the tropics at the Eden Project
Rain outside? No problem. Inside the Eden Project’s famous Biomes, you can wander through a tropical rainforest and explore lush Mediterranean landscapes without worrying about the forecast. The Rainforest Biome is always a highlight. Warm, tropical and filled with fascinating plants and a waterfall, it’s easy to forget all about the grey skies outside.
Set within a former China Clay Pit, The Eden Project near St Austell needs no introduction and is a fantastic family day out, as well as an easy trip from Doublebois.
There is plenty to discover with seasonal activities offered during the main school holidays making it a particularly good option when you need to keep curious children entertained.
Our tip: Treat yourselves to a delicious lunch or snacks in the Biome kitchen. Freshly made on site, and packed with local produce, it’s worth the queue. Plus, there are always incentives available, with the price of kids meals often reduced.
Discover Cornwall’s darker history at Bodmin Jail
For families with older children, Bodmin Jail offers a rainy day out with a difference.
This immersive visitor attraction brings Cornwall’s history to life through atmospheric storytelling and interactive experiences. Explore the historic jail, hear the stories of former prisoners and discover a very different side of Cornwall’s past.
It’s educational, fascinating and just the right amount of spooky, making it perfect for those holidaying with us around Halloween!
Bodmin is also within easy reach of Doublebois, making this a great choice when the weather changes your plans at the last minute.
Our tip: Plan ahead to see if you can book onto one of their ‘Dark Walks’ or ‘Ghost Walks’. We also advise wearing comfortable shoes and have cash for local parking.
Discover The Story of Emily near Liskeard
Sometimes the best family days out are the places you weren’t expecting to discover.
The Story of Emily in St Ive, near Liskeard, is an immersive historical experience telling the remarkable story of Cornish humanitarian Emily Hobhouse.
Explore her beautifully restored Victorian Rectory before stepping into the War Rooms where you can learn more about Emily’s incredible life and legacy.
It’s a fascinating local attraction and particularly well suited to families with older children who enjoy history or are keen to discover real stories from the past.
Best of all, it’s wonderfully local to Doublebois.
Our tip: Make sure you book enough time for your visit. There are two exhibitions so you’ll need plenty of time to experience both. There is also a delicious restaurant serving up South African inspired food as well as a charming shop.
Explore Lanhydrock House
A short drive from Doublebois Lodge Escape, on the outskirts of Bodmin, lies Lanhydrock House and Estate, another great option when the forecast is looking a little unpredictable.
The impressive Victorian country house is packed with rooms to explore, offering a glimpse into life both upstairs and downstairs.
There are extensive grounds to discover too, including woodland, fields and manicured gardens so if the clouds clear you can stretch your legs before heading back to Doublebois. The cafe is also worth sampling, its handily located next to the children's play park where little ones can continue to let off steam whilst parents enjoy a well-earned rest!
Our tip: Managed by the National Trust, parking is free for members so bring your card if you have one. A nominal charge applies for non-members. Whilst the grounds are free to explore, there is a fee to enter Lanhydrock House, which we feel is well-worth it. Check in advance to see if there are quieter times as it can get busy with queues to enter during peak school holidays.
Make the most of your lodge
Of course, not every rainy day needs a full itinerary and sometimes the best plan is no plan at all.
Pick up a few tasty Cornish treats, head back to your lodge and enjoy a slow afternoon together. Play games, watch a film, soak up the raindrops in your hot tub or simply listen to the rain from the cosy comfort of your accommodation.
Rainy days in Cornwall are all part of the experience
The weather might change, but your holiday plans don’t have to.
With family attractions, underground adventures and fascinating local history all within easy reach, there are plenty of rainy day activities near Doublebois to choose from.
So pack a waterproof, bring a sense of adventure and embrace the Cornish weather. After all, the sun usually finds its way back.
Looking for a family-friendly base for your next Cornwall adventure? Discover our family holidays and lodge breaks at Doublebois Lodge Escape.