National Maritime Museum Cornwall

The museum sits right on Truro's waterfront, and you can't miss the modern building with its distinctive sloped roof that somehow mirrors the shape of a ship's hull. Inside, it's genuinely absorbing - full of actual vessels, navigational instruments, and enough maritime history to keep you occupied for a good three hours if you're properly interested.

The real draw here is the collection of working boats and the chance to see how people actually lived and worked on the water. There's a proper working boatyard attached, which sounds gimmicky but isn't - craftspeople are genuinely building and restoring boats while you watch. Kids tend to engage well with the interactive bits, though younger ones might find the sheer volume of text-heavy exhibits a bit dry after the first hour.

It's free to wander the quays outside, but entry to the main museum building will cost you - though the site's website should have current prices. Allow at least two hours minimum, longer if you're the type who reads every placard. Weekday mornings are noticeably quieter than weekends.

For a park holiday in the area, it's a solid rainy-day option that beats sitting in a caravan. Trethem Mill is your closest base at under four miles away, giving you easy access without the long drive. The Truro setting means you can combine it with the town's other attractions - the cathedral's worth a look if you're in that mood - without it feeling like a full expedition.