Rainy Days on the Lizard Peninsula
- pebblescottagecorn
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
A little Cornish rain doesn't have to spoil your holiday. In fact, some of our favourite days on the Lizard have been spent wandering around galleries, discovering hidden workshops or lingering over coffee while the weather passes.
Whether you're looking for somewhere warm and dry to browse, a fascinating local attraction or simply a cosy place to spend a few hours, these are the places we'd recommend.
Creative & Craft Experiences
A lovely collection of independent makers, artisan shops and, of course, delicious handmade chocolates. It's the perfect place to browse for an hour or two, pick up a few locally made gifts and enjoy a coffee while waiting for the skies to clear.
Watch skilled glassmakers at work or, if you're feeling inspired, book one of their popular hands-on workshops. It's a wonderful way to spend a wet afternoon and you'll leave with a unique handmade souvenir. Advance booking is recommended for workshops.
The Old Cider Barn Arts & Crafts Centre
One of those wonderfully eclectic places where you never quite know what you'll discover. Browse vintage finds from Cornwall and France, sample local wines and ciders, and stock up on Cornish produce to enjoy back at Pebbles.
Heritage & History
Discover the fascinating story of Britain's most southerly lighthouse through interactive displays and tales of shipwrecks, storms and life on this dramatic coastline.
Please note: the Heritage Centre is currently temporarily closed.
One of Cornwall's largest free museums, bringing together everything from farming and fishing to local industry and everyday Cornish life. It's an unexpectedly fascinating place that's well worth a visit, whatever the weather.
Gardens & Shopping
More than just a garden centre, Trevena Cross is a lovely place to wander on a rainy day. Browse Cornwall's largest plant centre, enjoy lunch or coffee in the café and pick up a few gifts before heading back to Pebbles.
Cinema
A charming independent cinema that's perfect for escaping the rain for a couple of hours. Showing the latest releases in a relaxed setting, it's ideal for those days when the weather simply isn't playing ball.
Further Afield
If you're happy to venture a little further afield, these are some of our favourite destinations for a drizzly day. Each offers something a little different, from world-class galleries and fascinating museums to vineyard lunches and Cornwall's rich industrial heritage.
Penzance & West Cornwall
Approximately 40–60 minutes
A family-run vineyard producing award-winning Cornish wines, ciders and juices. The café is a lovely spot to relax over lunch or coffee, and if the weather improves, the vineyard walks are well worth doing. If you're planning a tour or tasting, we'd recommend booking ahead.
A contemporary gallery showcasing an ever-changing programme of exhibitions by established and emerging artists. Situated in one of Cornwall's most celebrated artistic communities, it's a wonderful place to spend an hour or two if you enjoy modern art.
Home to one of the finest collections of paintings by the Newlyn School artists, alongside exhibitions exploring the history and culture of West Cornwall. A must-visit if you're interested in Cornwall's artistic heritage.
One of Cornwall's most important mining heritage sites and a fascinating insight into the county's industrial past. Explore the surface buildings, learn about life underground and discover the stories of the communities shaped by tin mining.
Pebbles PickWe like to combine Polgoon with Newlyn or Penlee House, making a leisurely day of good food, art and local history.
Falmouth
Approximately 45 minutes
An excellent museum overlooking Falmouth Harbour, with interactive exhibitions, historic boats and fascinating displays celebrating Cornwall's maritime history. It's suitable for all ages and easily fills a rainy afternoon.
Lunch Recommendation – The Harbour House, Flushing
Cross the water to the picturesque village of Flushing and enjoy lunch at The Harbour House. With seasonal food and beautiful estuary views, it's one of our favourite spots for a long, relaxed lunch. Afterwards, take a gentle stroll around the village before catching the ferry back to Falmouth.
Pebbles Pick
Even on a grey day, there's something rather special about taking the ferry across the estuary.
St Ives
Approximately 1 hour
Perched above Porthmeor Beach, Tate St Ives celebrates modern and contemporary art inspired by Cornwall's extraordinary light and landscape. Even if you're not a regular gallery-goer, the setting alone makes it worth the journey.
Step inside Barbara Hepworth's former home and studio, where many of her sculptures remain displayed exactly as she intended among peaceful subtropical gardens. While some of the sculptures are outdoors, it's still a wonderfully atmospheric place to visit on a drizzly day.
Lunch Recommendation – Porthgwidden Beach Café
One of Cornwall's most spectacular beachfront restaurants, serving fresh seafood and seasonal dishes with uninterrupted views across Porthgwidden Beach. A perfect place to linger over lunch before exploring more of St Ives.
Pebbles Pick
If you're visiting St Ives, we'd recommend making a whole day of it. Wander the narrow streets, dip in and out of independent galleries and finish with lunch overlooking the sea before heading back to Pebbles.
