It rains in Cornwall. There, we said it. If you're coming in April or October there's a decent chance at least one day will be a write-off weatherwise. The thing is — and this is genuinely true — some of the best days we've had at Bluehouse have been the wet ones. Slower, cosier, less rushed.
Start at home
Honestly? Don't underestimate a rainy morning at Bluehouse. A big cooked breakfast, the kids in the cinema room, the adults with coffee and the papers. There's no rush. That's the point of renting a house like this rather than a hotel. Use it. The hot tub is actually brilliant in the rain — there's something slightly mad and brilliant about sitting in warm water while it pours down around you.
The Eden Project (45 min drive)
The big one. It's brilliant and it doesn't matter what the weather does because the biomes are enormous indoor spaces. Allow a full day — there's loads to see and the kids will run themselves ragged. Book in advance online, it's cheaper. Don't leave it to the day.
Newquay Aquarium (10 min drive)
Good for younger kids. Not massive but well done — sharks, rays, Cornish rock pool creatures. Takes about two hours. Pair it with lunch in Newquay town.
Padstow (25 min drive)
Padstow is brilliant in the rain. The harbour, the shops, Rick Stein's — none of it requires sunshine. We'd recommend wandering around, finding a coffee, doing the Rick Stein fish and chip shop rather than the full restaurant (honestly just as good, a third of the price, and no booking required). The drive there along the coast is dramatic on a stormy day.
Tate St Ives (50 min drive)
Worth the drive if you have older kids or the adults want an afternoon. The Tate gallery is small but beautifully done and St Ives itself is gorgeous even in the rain. There are good cafés and some excellent independent shops.
Stay in and cook
Our actual favourite rainy day plan: go to the farm shop or supermarket in the morning, come back and cook something slow and good for everyone. Cornish lamb in the oven, something bubbling on the hob, everyone in the kitchen. That's what the big kitchen is for.