Travel experts reveal what to do in Cornwall when it rains this February

21 days of rainfall are predicted for Cornwall this February - here is your guide to the ultimate family ‘cool-cation’ this half-term, and where to stay

• Ahead of February half-term, travel experts at Perfect Stays reveal their ultimate guide to what to do in Cornwall when it’s raining, as rainfall is expected across 21 days in February
• As ‘cool-cationing’ continues to be cited as a top travel trend in 2025, it’s clear the colder weather is no deterrent for Brits seeking a holiday by the sea
• The luxury holiday rental company also reveals their exclusive list of homes available for the school holidays

With the first half-term of the year approaching, a coastal retreat provides the perfect antidote for families looking to leave the New Year blues firmly behind. One of the quietest times to visit the South West, February promises less crowded beaches and deserted stretches of coastline for the whole family to explore. 

It’s the perfect option for lovers of ‘cool-cationioning' - where Brits swap hot holidays for winter getaways and colder conditions - cited as a top travel trend for 2025.* So much so, booking data from Perfect Stays, the luxury holiday rental company, revealed that 17% more stays took place during the shoulder months of January to March in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. For bookings made so far in January 2025, 39% have been for a winter or autumn stay. 

However, it’s also the month that sees some of the highest levels of rainfall, spanning an average of 21 days.** With the odds of a clear day against them, and with restless children in tow, families must find creative ways to keep everyone entertained. 

To support parents looking for a February getaway that can weather any storm, Perfect Stays’ team of local experts reveals the best things to do in Cornwall when it rains, whether it’s letting young imaginations wander in the county’s most-loved museums and aquariums or visiting a lobster hatchery and seal sanctuary. 

Joe Knight, Head of Sales & Guest Experience at Perfect Stays, says “It’s hard to know how to keep children entertained on holiday when the weather seems to go against you. However, Cornwall offers plenty of experiences that the whole family can enjoy, come rain or shine. To help parents in their search, we’ve pulled together an insider list of our favourite things to do, so you don’t have to.”

For those who prefer to stay indoors, Perfect Stays’ inclusive concierge service can organise in-house experiences to keep the whole family entertained, from a children's cooking class with a private chef, to in-house spa treatments for tired parents. They can also book your activities outside the home, whether it’s booking museum tickets, making a restaurant reservation, or even ordering a taxi. 

Find Perfect Stays’ full list of recommendations for what to do in Cornwall on the Perfect Stays blog.

Your February half-term itinerary 

North Cornwall

National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow

A dedicated marine conservation project, the National Lobster Hatchery is committed to protecting lobsters and increasing the population of the species. Children will love discovering more about Cornwall’s local marine life and saying hello to the baby lobsters. What’s more, you can even adopt your very own to name and track after your visit. A perfect time to drop by, they also celebrate their 25th birthday in 2025. Before venturing back home, stop for an early evening meal at one of Padstow’s best restaurants.

Lappa Valley, Newquay  

Lappa Valley in Cornwall is a fantastic destination for families, offering a combination of outdoor adventure and nostalgic charm. Known for its enchanting steam railway through the picturesque Cornish countryside, the family-friendly destination offers a wealth of activities to keep children entertained. Complete with an indoor play area, golf course, boating lake and an abundance of nature trails, there is something for everyone at Lappa Valley!

Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

Located on the shores of Towan Beach in Newquay, the Blue Reef Aquarium makes for a wonderful family-friendly day out. Peek into the tanks and watch shoals of exotic fish weave through the corals, say hello to the caiman crocodiles and walk beneath swimming sharks in the underwater tunnel. If you’re staying on Cornwall’s south coast, we also recommend paying a visit to Fowey Aquarium. Home to local marine life, discover the unusual creatures that occupy the waters around Cornwall. Just be sure to arrive in time to watch the resident octopus be served lunch! 

Central Cornwall

Bodmin Jail

For a truly unforgettable family experience in Cornwall, Bodmin Jail provides a captivating journey into the region’s eerie past. This immersive attraction combines history with intrigue, giving visitors the chance to explore the former prison, which dates back to the 18th century. The highlight is the award-winning Dark Walk, an interactive experience that uses cutting-edge technology to bring the harrowing stories of Bodmin Jail's prisoners to life. Perfect for curious minds and history enthusiasts alike, it offers families with older children an educational way to discover Cornwall’s darker side.

Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway

Perfect for families and welcoming four-legged friends, a day on the train could be just the ticket for when the weather turns. Board at Bodmin General Station and enjoy winding through the Cornish countryside for a few hours on a 1950s-style train. Catch glimpses over the River Fowey, play ‘eye spy’ as you pass livestock grazing in the fields and delve into a traditional cream tea en route.

South Cornwall

The Eden Project, near St Austell

A favourite amongst visitors and locals alike, The Eden Project is on nearly every rainy day guide to Cornwall and it’s easy to see why. Let children discover the scent trails, plant displays, and sculptures hidden around every corner in the Mediterranean Biome, walk high above the treetops in the Rainforest Biome and recharge at the Eden Coffee House, there’s something to keep everyone entertained. Older children will love running ahead to take it all in, while the whole site is buggy-friendly, making it ideal for younger families too. 

West Cornwall

Tate St Ives, St Ives

Located just a stone’s throw away from Porthmeor Beach, the Tate St Ives is home to awe-inspiring exhibitions and child-friendly art classes. Let little ones get creative with their ‘Art Challenge’ and encourage them to recreate their favourite pieces of work in their own drawing books. Round off your trip with a pit-stop at the rooftop café where delicious ice creams await – after all, ice cream is an all weather event when in Cornwall. Take a look at our full list of crafty workshops dotted around the South West, ideal for a rainy day.

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

An ode to Cornwall and the sea, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth aims to educate and inspire its visitors. With exhibitions dedicated to Cornwall’s maritime heritage, the whole family will enjoy wandering through the fleets of boats and discovering archives, maps and models from the past. 

When hungry bellies call, head over to The Shed just opposite the museum for a sea-view supper by the harbour. Or stop by Gylly Beach Café before driving home for one of their famous hot chocolates and watch as the weather whips up the waves across the bay.

Paradise Park, Hayle

For those staying in West Cornwall, head to Paradise Park near Hayle where a beautiful animal kingdom awaits. From penguin feeding to flying bird shows, everyone will be thoroughly entertained all day. Plus, with an indoor play centre open all year round, children will love zooming down the giant slides and exploring the multi-level soft play area.

Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

When walking the coastline of Cornwall, you may be lucky enough to spot a bobbing seal or two, but the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek allows visitors to get up close and personal with the marine animals. A home to seal pups and injured grey seals from the surrounding coast, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary’s mission is to care for them until they can be released back into the waters. A great place to spend grey days, youngsters will love meeting the sweet seal pups and cheeky penguins, as well as learning fun facts about the animals.

Where to stay…

Ednovean House | Perranuthnoe, Cornwall | Sleeps 12 - 14 

Pricing: Short breaks from £2,050, week from £2,450

Images: HERE

If your children are obsessed with House of the Dragon, they will love this spectacular coastal property overlooking the famous ‘High Tide’ Castle - situated on St Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay on Cornwall’s breathtaking west coast. Featuring an enormous open plan kitchen and large dining area, with a sea-view living area and media room equipped with TVs for movie nights, it is the perfect property for rainy days indoors with views that parents will love. 

Prennek House | Mawgan Porth | Sleeps 8 

Prices: Per week from £1,600, short breaks from £1,800

Images: HERE

Showcasing a love of reclaimed and repurposed materials, this sea-view beach house was designed with an eco-inspired twist. Its open plan layout, striking colour scheme and designer touches celebrate the best creators in the South West. Complete with a ground floor bedroom and a large wraparound garden, it’s ideal for multi-generational stays. The glistening shores of Mawgan Porth Beach can be relished within minutes, not forgetting an abundance of charming Cornish towns and beaches just along the coast.

The Yellow Cottage | Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall | Sleeps 9

Prices: Per week from £2,750, short breaks from £2,350

Images: HERE

Completely unique and with spectacular sea views, The Yellow Cottage is set in a truly magnificent location on the wild north coast of Cornwall. Traditional in design but modern in function, its beautiful New England style interiors exude character in abundance. Perfect for older family members or guests with limited mobility, the charming king size bedroom on the ground floor comes with its own en-suite. Surrounded by a large landscaped garden and a spacious south-facing terrace, it’s the perfect spot for watching the storms roll in whilst the wood burner roars. 

Salt Spray | Porthleven, Cornwall | Sleeps 6 - 8

Price: From £1,995 per week, short breaks from £1,800

Images: HERE

Having started life as two fisherman’s cottages on the edge of the Porthleven, Salt Spray is now one striking ocean-view home designed by local architect, Richard Andrews. Sleeping up to eight guests across two spacious floors, the innovative reverse design makes the most of its incredible coastal backdrop, with modern facilities and eco-friendly features peppered throughout. Whilst parents marvel at the sweeping sea views, children can bunker down in the TV and games room. Sitting on the South West Coast Path, be on the beach within moments or head for the iconic Porthleven Harbour in search of fantastic restaurants, bars and delis. 

Gabriel’s View | Mawgan Porth, Cornwall | Sleeps 10

Price: From £2,550 per week, short breaks from £2,150

Images: HERE

Ideal for exploring North Cornwall, this dog-friendly home warmly welcomes up to 10 guests. Wake to views over coast and countryside before stepping onto sandy shores just moments away. With ample social space, including a spacious open plan living, kitchen and dining area, it’s the ideal home for multiple families to join together. For those seeking rainy-day entertainment, head for the ground floor snug. Complete with a sumptuous sofa, Samsung Smart TV and Xbox One, it easily becomes the cosiest room for family film nights.

Trelorna | Polzeath, Cornwall | Sleeps 10

Price: From £3,250 per week, short breaks from £2,850

Images: HERE

Featuring a games room and bar for indoor entertainment, plus a cedar-clad hot tub, Trelorna is the ideal home for those wanting to avoid the cold outdoors altogether. The open plan living space sits at the top of the house, which allows for an elevated outlook across the bay. With high ceilings, modern roof lights and an expanse of bi-fold doors, this room feels incredibly close to the elements. If wild weather ensues, stoke the log burner and turn to the Smart TV for movie nights in.

Roscarrock | Porthcothan, Cornwall | Sleeps: 12 - 14

Price: From £4500 per week, short breaks from £4200

Images: HERE

Roscarrock’s elevated position above Porthcothan Beach makes it a haven for surfers, families and four-legged friends. Featuring a steam room and outdoor sauna, it’s perfectly equipped for warming up after a wet and rainy walk on the beach, which is just minutes away. Whilst parents will love the endless sea views, children will find fun and entertainment in the separate TV room.

ENDS

Source

1. https://www.lemongrassmarketing.com/about-us/trend-report
2. https://www.holiday-weather.com/cornwall/averages/february/?ref22=www.holiday-weather.com%2Fcornwall%2Faverages%2Fjanuary%2F%23weather-calendar

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Editors notes

Perfect Stays is a luxury holiday rental company specialising in spectacular holiday homes in beautiful locations across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset. From stunning contemporary houses to waterside retreats and countryside cottages, all feature five-star facilities like private swimming pools and games rooms. Perfect Stays match guests to exclusive, hand-picked homes that are best suited to their needs and occasion.

Breaking the mould when it comes to luxury self-catering holidays, Perfect Stays is about much more than opulent accommodation. Through a tailored approach and inclusive concierge service, their team of local experts can craft a personalised itinerary for the duration of your stay. From private chefs, wine tastings and in-house spa treatments, to foraging adventures and one-to-one surf lessons, the Concierge team will plan and book experiences on your behalf. Also on hand to take care of the practical details, from recommending baby-sitters and dog-sitters to making taxi reservations, Perfect Stays aim to create memorable, bespoke holidays that are hassle-free.