Are you looking for things to do in Dorset in the rain? Even in the Summer months, the weather can be miserable, and thinking of things to do with the kids can be challenging when you’re against the elements.
There’s a lot of variety for things to do in Dorset on a rainy day, suitable for all the family. As well as all these great ideas, don’t forget about the many leisure centres with swimming pools in Dorset.
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Things To Do In Dorchester In the Rain
Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton Rd, Puddletown, Dorchester DT2 7LG
If you want to visit one of the many Dorset stately homes, why not visit this stunning Tudor mansion in Dorchester. Enjoy the Elizabethan style garden, kitchen gardens, and explore the Great Hall, Great Chamber and wine cellar in the house.
Finish off your visit with some refreshments in one of the cafes or restaurant.
Teddy Bear Museum Dorchester
Eastgate, corner of High East St. & Salisbury St, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1JU
The Dorset Teddy Bear Museum is one of Dorchester’s family museums. Meet Edward Bear and all the family in Teddy Bear House.
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From the earliest antique teddy bears to today’s TV favourites, there are over 100 years of teddy bears displayed in the Museum.
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
High W St, Dorchester DT1 1UY
Visiting Shire Hall is one of the unique activities in Dorset to do whatever the weather. You can take the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of people whose lives were forever changed in the historic court at Dorchester’s Shire Hall.
Visit the cells before going up to the dock and experience it for yourself. Museum opening hours are Monday-Sunday 10-4pm, with ticket prices giving you a FREE annual pass included in the price.
Things To Do In Bournemouth In The Rain
Bournemouth Oceanarium
Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
One of the best things to do in Bournemouth in the rain is to visit the Oceanarium. There are 150 different species of fish including sharks, puffer fish, clown fish and more. Reptiles including crocodiles, turtles and water dragons, and mammals and birds, there’s plenty to see at the Oceanarium.
An entrance ticket is valid all day so combine your visit with one of the other nearby attractions and you can return later in the day.
Bournemouth Escape Rooms
Dorset is home to some great themed escape rooms. Check out the escape rooms in Bournemouth.
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Laser Quest
Glen Fern Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2LZ
Indoor laser tag chain offering games over multi-level, fog-filled arenas. Open daily between 10am – 10pm (Sundays 9pm). Laser Quest is suitable for children over 6 years of age, with each game lasting approximately 20 minutes.
Mr Mulligans Indoor Golf
Exeter Rd, Bournemouth BH2 5AF
There are three different 9 hole courses to play including the Cosmic course, Apocalypse course and the Space course.
The lighting has been dimmed to fit the experiences of the course themes. You can even have your drinks brought to you whilst you play.
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Oasis Fun Indoor Centre
Glen Fern Rd, Bournemouth BH1 2LZ
There are multiple things to do when it’s raining in Bournemouth at the Oasis Fun Indoor Centre. Enjoy a six lane bowling alley, indoor soft play areas, large adventure golf course, arcades and pool tables as well as an American diner serving food and drink. A popular choice for things to do in Dorset in the rain.
Rock Reef
Bournemouth Pier, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
There are 28 clip and climb indoor climbing walls at Rock Reef to enjoy, especially on a rainy day in Bournemouth. The activities are suitable for all levels and ages from age 4 upwards. Also inside is a vertical drop slide, high ropes obstacle course and a 65 meter indoor cave experience.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery And Museum
Located on East Cliff promenade with stunning views across the sea, the Russell Cotes art gallery and museum was once one of the last Victorian houses to be built in England.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday between 10am – 5pm. The exhibitions change through the year, so return visits are a good idea to discover the new exhibitions.
All Fired Up Ceramics Cafe
The Square, 35-37 Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DT
In the heart of Bournemouth, you can visit to paint a plate, mug, or many of the unique pottery painting creations. The perfect wet weather activity for the whole family.
Read a full review of All Fired Up
Things To Do In Lyme Regis In The Rain
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
Coombe St, Lyme Regis DT7 3PY
The Dorset dinosaur museum is suitable for all ages. This fossil museum contains local marine fossils from the Jurassic period. There are more than 10,000 specimens on display. Aimed at children (and adults) aged 6+.
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Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
The Cobb, Lyme Regis DT7 3JJ
Enjoy an hour or two in the marine aquarium discovering the marine life that can be found along the coast line, such as mullet, lobster, starfish and plenty more. One of the things to do in Lyme Regis when it rains.
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Things To Do In Shaftesbury In The Rain
Gold Hill Museum
Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8JW
Located on the famous hill in Dorset from the Hovis advert. The museum showcases the story of how Shaftesbury was formed, and is also home to Dorset’s oldest fire engine dating back to 1744.
Things To Do In Poole In The Rain
Poole Museum
4 High St, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1BW
Poole Museum is one of the many free things you can do in Dorset. Alongside the free entrance, the museum spans across four different buildings. Discover Poole’s maritime history and history of the harbour. Opens daily between 10am-1pm and 2pm – 5pm.
Splashdown Water Park
Yarrow Road, Poole, BH12 4NY
There are 13 slides at Splashdown water park to enjoy, with varying levels of adventure and difficulty. There’s something for all the family whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or perhaps enjoy smaller slides.
Tower Park also has amusements, a bowling alley, cinema and restaurants if you are looking for things to do when it’s raining in Dorset.
Insanity Gaming Arcade
42 Harwell Road, Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole
The South’s first pay per play arcades. You’ll find over 60 machines across 2 floors. There’s also a bar and grill onsite, and kids eat FREE offers through the holidays*
Things To Do In Weymouth In The Rain
Sand World
Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth DT4 7SX
Weymouth’s first sand sculpture festival and one of the few located in the UK. Alongside the amazing sand sculptures, you are able to have a go yourself with the tools provided.
Weymouth Sealife Centre
Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX
One of the more popular days out in Dorset is a visit to Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park. There are some outdoor areas at Sea LIfe Weymouth, however the majority can be enjoyed under cover if it’s a rainy day in Weymouth.
There are 13 different zones with over 2,000 creatures in the park, making it a great day out for all the family.
Things To Do In Wareham In The Rain
The Tank Museum
Linsay Road, Bovington, Wareham, BH20 6JG
Home to almost 300 exhibits from over 20 countries, the Tank Museum isn’t just for tank enthusiasts. There are also plenty of trails and quizzes to keep everyone entertained during your visit.
Things To Do In Blandford In The Rain
Blandford Fashion Museum
Lime Tree House, 11 The Plocks, Blandford Forum, DT11 7AA
After the Great Fire of Blandford in 1731, most of the town was destroyed. Lime Tree House, now home to the Blandford Fashion Museum was built by the Bastard brothers after the fire.
Today, the museum has grown to accommodate thirteen display spaces which span across two floors. In 2010, it was accredited by the Arts Council, and aside from small grants from the local Town Council, no other funding is received.