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 Waterpark
Embrace the wet weather with a trip to Dorset Waterpark. 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. Sessions are an hour long and prices start at £12.50 in advance.
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, and you can even save up to 40% when buying tickets 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. What’s more, if you book tickets online you can also save up to 15% on food too.
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. Of course, 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! Tickets start at £12.20 for two hour sessions, it’s an ideal rainy day activity.
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.
Pub lunch
From beachside pubs, to those nestled in the countryside there’s great places to cosy up next to the fire and enjoy some hearty Dorset grub – you could even sip on some local ciders too. See our Top 5 Pubs in Purbeck for some inspiration.
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. With family tickets available from £26 you’ll enjoy the snug carriages of the Swanage Railway and watch the rain outside.
