When the Cornish sun is beating down and the temperatures are creeping up, many visitors to Cornwall will head out to the beaches. If you’re looking for refreshing experiences to escape the heat and the crowds then National Maritime Museum Cornwall isn’t just a rainy day retreat – it’s actually the perfect cool and shady sanctuary if the weather gets too hot to handle!
Step through our doors and feel the immediate relief as you enter our spacious Boat Hall. The soaring ceilings and carefully designed ventilation create a naturally cool environment that’s a world away from the blazing sunshine outside. Here, surrounded by historic vessels and maritime treasures, you can take your time exploring without worrying about suncream or seeking shade. We think the airy atmosphere makes it feel like you’ve discovered a secret cool zone in the heart of Falmouth!
When you need a proper break from the heat, our Waterside Café offers the perfect combination of refreshment and relaxation. With gentle views across Falmouth harbour, you can enjoy a cool drink while watching the world go by from the comfort of our café. It’s all the pleasure of harbourside dining without having to shield your snacks from seagulls – the perfect spot to recharge before continuing your maritime adventure.
Perhaps our coolest secret is below your feet. Descend into the Tidal Zone, where it’s always refreshingly cold, regardless of the weather above. At high tide this unique underwater experience lets you spot marine life through our specially designed windows while enjoying temperatures that provide instant relief from summer heat.
At our miniature sailing boat pool, strategically placed fans create a gentle breeze as you learn to navigate remote control boats against the wind. It’s hands-on learning that keeps you cool, combining the joy of sailing with the relief of a breeze on a hot day!
Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to slow down entirely. Stop by our airy boatbuilders’ workshop as a mindful pause to see the progress on the boat build and admire the slow craftmanship of traditional and heritage skills in action.
Our major exhibition SURF! captures all the sunny, energetic vibes of surf culture while maintaining seriously cool temperatures throughout. The highlight is probably the immersive surf film experience where you can lose yourself in the sounds and sights of summer while your body temperature drops, daydreaming about cool ocean waves!
Open every day throughout the summer from 10am to 5pm, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall offers more than just a temporary escape from the heat. Your admission automatically includes an annual pass, which means you can pop in whatever the weather!
So next time the sunshine appears in Cornwall and you’re trying to escape the crowds or the heat, remember that some of the coolest experiences in Falmouth are waiting for you indoors. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall isn’t just for rainy days – it’s your perfect sunny day sanctuary.
Ready to cool down? Visit us at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Discovery Quay, Falmouth. Open daily 10am-5pm throughout the summer.
National Maritime
Museum Cornwall Trust
Discovery Quay
Falmouth Cornwall
TR11 3QY
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See our opening hours
Tel: +44(0)1326 313388
Email: enquiries@nmmc.co.uk