Things to do on a Wet Day Near St Ives

Whether it’s a bit of Cornish mizzle or a full-on downpour, a wet day in St Ives doesn’t have to mean hiding away indoors. At Orange Roofs, we’re passionate about making family holidays truly memorable, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite wet-weather activities in St Ives and West Cornwall.

As well as some of the bigger, well-known rainy day attractions Cornwall has to offer, we’ve put together some close-by, easy wins too. From swimming and slip ‘n’ slides to cinemas, escape rooms, soft play centres, and even indoor golf, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained until the next beach day.

Swimming

If you’re looking to keep active in the rain, why not head to one of our local swimming pools near St Ives for a few lengths or some sand-free family fun? Great pools nearby include:

St Ives Leisure Centre – Situated at the top of town, it’s easily accessible by bus from Royal Square. The centre features a 25-metre main pool alongside a smaller leisure pool complete with slides and interactive water play. Families can enjoy fun swim sessions, aqua splash activities, and dedicated parent-and-baby swims.

Una Carbis Bay – With a seasonal heated 20-metre outdoor lido (sometimes even visited by the occasional mermaid!), a jacuzzi, sauna, and an indoor 15-metre infinity pool, this is a great spot to recharge after a morning soaking up the sights, shops, and galleries of St Ives.

Carn Brea Leisure Centre – Based (appropriately!) in Pool, less than half an hour’s drive from St Ives, you’ll find one of the biggest and longest running leisure facilities in Cornwall, offering a wide range of swimming activities for all ages. As well as a 25m main pool, Carn Brea offers inflatable sessions, “swim to music” classes and a popular Friday £3 Family Swim.

Una Carbis Bay

Slip N Slide

Let’s be honest – you’re going to get wet anyway! So why not make a splash during the summer months by packing the wetsuits and heading to one of Cornwall’s epic slip ‘n’ slide spots for some guaranteed family fun? As long as the wind isn’t too strong and there’s no thunder or lightning in the forecast, it’s the perfect chance to enjoy the slides and even skip the long queues you’d get on a busy, sunny day. The closest option to St Ives is Mega Slip ‘n’ Slide Cornwall, conveniently located just off the A30 at Blackwater, before Truro.

Cinema

As well as hosting some fantastic amateur theatre productions, St Ives is perfectly placed for enjoying a variety of local cinemas. From the charming, classic setting of the Royal Cinema in the heart of town to the intimate, independent Newlyn Filmhouse just a short drive away, you can enjoy everything from the latest blockbusters to art-house and indie gems. Look out for the upcoming science fiction drama Rose of Nevada, directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Mark Jenkin – filmed entirely in Cornwall!

Escape Rooms

Escape Time (St Ives) – Located just near to Orange Roofs HQ here on Park Avenue, Escape Time St Ives features two immersive 60-minute games including a pirate-themed adventure to locate hidden treasure aboard a sinking ship. Enjoy a 10% discount when staying with Orange Roofs.

Locked In Cornwall (Camborne) – Voted one of the best Escape Rooms in Cornwall, this venue offers rooms for both newcomers and seasoned escapers, and includes the family friendly ‘Puzzle Escape’ experience.

Escape Rooms Cornwall (Penzance) – Approximately 20 minutes from St Ives, this venue offers 3 themed escape rooms, including the aptly named ‘28 Pasties Later’ – described as ‘a 90-minute, fully immersive escape room packed with twists, turns, and a generous dollop of dark humour.’

Amusement Arcades

No family holiday in St Ives is complete without the sound of 2p coins clattering into the pusher trays or the thrill of finally winning a fluffy seagull from the grabbers! Ideal for ducking out of a sudden shower, you’ll find classic seaside amusements along the harbour fronts of both St Ives and Penzance.

Soft Play

If you’re looking for an easy way of entertaining the children while letting them burn off some energy, why not let them loose in one of Cornwall’s indoor adventure centres – nearby options include:

Paradise Park (Hayle) – Part of the much loved local wildlife park, The JungleBarn Indoor Play Centre provides a large, multi-level soft play area suitable for children of all ages. Featuring giant slides, climbing ropes, fireman’s poles, and a toddler zone with a ball fountain, Paradise Park is often a fail-safe way to brighten up a wet day when staying in St Ives.

Carn Brea Leisure Centre (Pool) – New for 2025, Carn Brea Leisure Centre has recently introduced a vibrant, jungle-themed soft play area designed for children under 148cm tall. This new facility offers a colourful, adventure-packed environment where little ones can climb, crawl, and explore safely.

Ferdi’s Indoor Play (Helston) – Formerly part of Cornwall’s legendary Flambards Theme Park, Ferdi’s Indoor Play is a vibrant indoor play centre perfect for little adventurers. It features a multi-level soft play area with slides, rope walkways, a ball pit, and an assault course, plus a mini climbing wall for older kids. Ideal for keeping children entertained on rainy days, Ferdi’s also has a café where parents can relax while the little ones burn off energy.

Indoor Golf

If you’ve got a car and fancy road trip to Britain’s most westerly point – Land’s End offers an immersive indoor adventure golf experience called The Lost Treasure of Lyonesse. This 15-hole course plunges players into the mythical world of Lyonesse, a legendary sunken city of Cornwall. As you navigate the course, you’ll encounter interactive elements, special effects, and surprises that bring the legend to life. It’s a perfect activity for families seeking indoor fun, regardless of the weather.

At Orange Roofs, our love for St Ives and West Cornwall runs deep. Having lived and worked here for decades, we know the coastline and countryside through every season, from the blooming vibrancy of spring and summer to the cozy charm of autumn and winter. Whether we’re managing our beautiful holiday cottages, exploring the town, or simply enjoying a walk along the coast, we’re immersed in the local life – supporting shops, businesses, and the environment we call home. Being so closely connected to St Ives means we’re perfectly placed to share insider tips on the best places to visit, activities not to miss, and even the very best things to do when the weather turns wet during your stay.

With the unpredictable Cornish weather, you never quite know what the day will bring – and that’s all part of the adventure! Luckily, St Ives and West Cornwall are packed with indoor and covered activities, from swimming and escape rooms to soft play and indoor golf, ensuring the whole family can have fun whatever the forecast. Book an Orange Roofs cottage today and turn any forecast into a fabulous family holiday!