Rainy Day Activities in Dorset

April 24th, 2025

The Great British weather can change with a moment’s notice, and even with the micro-climate that blesses the area, Dorset does get some rainy days! If rain suddenly starts to pour, you may be left wondering what there is to do without the staple trip to the beach. But with so much variety nearby you needn’t let the bad weather blues get you down.

Dorset Adventure Park

Embrace the wet weather with a trip to Dorset Adventure Park. This huge park spans two lakes and overlooks Corfe Castle – not that you’ll be taking too much of it in as you navigate round the two epic inflatable obstacle courses.

If you’re feeling adventurous you could tackle the Mud Trail – this muddy obstacle course is great fun in the rain!

 

Weymouth SEA LIFE Centre

Discover the world beneath the waves at Weymouth SEA LIFE Centre. Journey through different habitats as you learn about the creatures from the deep, as well as finding out about rescue, breeding and conservation efforts.

With both indoor and outdoor sections, this is a great day out for all the family. Save by booking your tickets in advance online.

 

Bournemouth Oceanarium

Sitting right next to the beach is Bournemouth Oceanarium home to fish, penguins and even otters. Watch sharks feed and feel like you’re truly under the sea as you walk through the Great Barrier Reef tunnel.

 

A Trip to the Cinema

With so many cinemas in the area you’re spoilt for choice. Housed in a building built in 1889, The Rex in Wareham offers a cinema experience oozing with history.

The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage offers cinema screenings, as well as nights of live theatre.

If you’re after a more familiar cinema experience, then Tower Park in Poole offers all the mod cons, as well as a bowling alley and plenty of eateries nearby.

 

Splashdown

Grab your swimmers and head to Splashdown in Poole. With a great variety of indoor and outdoor flumes, a fantastic spiral flume, lit with laser lights and under 5 facilities – there’s plenty for all ages!

 

Coasteering

Explore the exceptional Jurassic coastline from a new perspective by coasteering in Dorset. In the hands of experts and with top quality kit, you’ll feel like you’re truly conquering the elements and learning new skills to uncover hidden coves and caves. This is an outdoor adventure for all the family that doesn’t matter if it’s a little grey outside!

 

The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum is home to over 300 historic vehicles, including the world’s first ever tank. You’ll be able to take a step back in time and encounter tanks and vehicles that have seen combat in major wars through time.

 

Swanage Railway

This preserved railway offers a steam and diesel timetable to take in the beautiful scenery through Swanage, Corfe Castle, Norden and Harman’s Cross.

What our guests say

  • A lovely quiet site

    Andy Blackwell

    A lovely quiet site, nice warm amenities with good sized shower cubicles, shop not open yet as it’s too early but the local pub is ideal. Staff were very friendly and helpful. If you’re reasonably fit you can walk into Swanage but the bus service is great so why would you want to. Overall a very nice break, we will be back.

  • Super swimming pool

    Joseph Molford

    Fantastic site, we have had a brilliant holiday. Super swimming pool and changing facilities. Site really handy to get to Swanage and Studland. Will definitely return. Thanks to all the staff for a lovely holiday.

  • Excellent quality caravan site

    Peter Skrobacz

    Excellent quality caravan site, top quality, small and friendly, location fantastic. Been visiting Ulwell for over 25 years now and every year is special.

  • An amazing week at Ulwell

    Jenny H

    We have just returned back from our weeks stay at Ulwell Holiday Park with our 2 small children and dog. It was an absolute brilliant week! The site has everything you need, and more! A lovely comfy pub on site for drinks and a bowl of chips, a small shop, swimming pool, large play are with park, and the bus stops right outside.. what more could you want

  • Easter break

    Mit

    We have just returned after a brilliant Easter break. Couldn’t fault anything at all and we didn’t want to leave. We didn’t visit the pub but the shop is stocked with local produce and essentials. The facilities are great and the location convenient. Our van was spotless and had everything we needed. We will definitely be back

All reviews

4.5

We are currently at an amazing 4.5 score at TripAdvisor, based upon 200+ reviews from verified guests.

Latest reviews

Proudly associated

Over the years the family has developed the park to award-winning standards and in a style which compliments its surroundings.

  • Camping and caravanning
  • British Holiday & Home Parks assocation
  • Poole Tourism
  • Visit Britain
  • ulwell holiday park 5 star rating
  • premier parks 2025

Finding us

BY ROAD

From Bournemouth via the Sandbanks chain ferry and following the B3351 into Swanage.

From Wareham using the A351 into Swanage, turn left along the seafront towards Studland.

BY BUS

The park is situated on the main bus route from Bournemouth to Swanage.

GPS

1 ° 58’ 16” West, 50° 37’ 34” North

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