9 Things to do in Dorset when it Rains

Rain doesn’t have to spoil your Dorset adventure. In fact, it’s the perfect excuse to explore the county’s amazing museums, cosy cafés, indoor attractions, and hidden gems.

Whether you’re visiting Bournemouth, Dorchester, Weymouth, or the rest of the Jurassic Coast, there’s plenty to do when the weather turns grey.

Here are some of the best rainy day activities in Dorset that will keep you entertained, dry, and inspired.

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Explore Dorset’s Museums and Art Galleries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you love history, culture, and art, Dorset’s museums offer hours of fascination indoors.

1. Dorset Museum (Dorchester)
Step inside Dorset County Museum and explore Dorset’s archaeology, fine art, and the life of Thomas Hardy. With dinosaur fossils, Roman artefacts, and creative exhibitions, it’s a top choice for a cultural rainy day. Afterwards, wonder up the hill to see the Roman Villa ruins and display.

2. The Tank Museum (Bovington)
Home to the world’s finest collection of armoured vehicles, The Tank Museum combines history with hands-on exhibits — perfect for families, history fans, and anyone seeking a unique day out.

3. The Etches Collection (Kimmeridge)
If the Jurassic Coast inspired your visit, don’t miss The Etches Collection, an award-winning fossil museum. You’ll discover marine fossils and learn how Dorset’s ancient past shaped its stunning coastline.

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Family-Friendly Indoor Activities in Dorset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rainy days are no problem when Dorset’s packed with indoor adventures for kids and adults alike.

1. RockReef Indoor Adventure (Bournemouth Pier)
From climbing walls and high ropes to tunnels and slides, RockReef offers adrenaline-packed fun — all undercover. Perfect for children and active adults alike.

2. Splashdown Waterpark (Poole)
This indoor waterpark guarantees a good time whatever the weather. Splashdown hosts thrilling flumes, lazy rivers, and splash zones, it’s one of Dorset’s top family attractions on a wet day.

3. The Dinosaur Museum (Dorchester)
Get hands-on with real fossils and life-size dinosaurs. Although small, The Dinosaur Museum interactive museum is a must-visit for children fascinated by prehistoric life.

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Relax Indoors — Cafés, Shopping & Hidden Corners

Not every rainy day needs to be packed with action. Sometimes, a slow wander through shops and cafés is exactly what you need.

1. Brewery Square (Dorchester)
This stylish complex of boutique shops, restaurants, and a cinema makes the perfect rainy afternoon escape. Enjoy coffee and cake, browse independent stores, or catch a film.

2. The Dolphin Centre Poole
This indoor shopping centre hosts a range of high street shops, coffee stops, indoor food market and indoor climbing centre making it the perfect day out for a rainy day.

3. Portland Museum (Isle of Portland)
Learn about shipwrecks, quarrying, and local legends in this charming museum nestled on the Jurassic Coast. A cosy, atmospheric place for history buffs.

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Other Great Indoor Things to Do in Dorset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Catch a film or show at the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage or the Lighthouse in Poole.
• Try an escape room experience in Dorchester or Bournemouth for a rainy-day challenge.
• Indulge in afternoon tea at one of Dorset’s many tearooms. Upwey Wishing Well in Weymouth and The Green Yard Café in Sherborne are local favourites.
• Go antique shopping in Bridport or Sherborne, perfect for treasure hunting under cover.

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The Perfect Rainy Day Itinerary in Dorset

Even if the weather turns grey, you can still have an unforgettable day exploring Dorset’s charm indoors.
Here’s a one-day itinerary that blends culture, comfort, and great food – ideal for couples, families, or solo travellers looking for a relaxed pace and cosy atmosphere.

9:00 AM – Start with Breakfast at Brewery Square, Dorchester

Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast at Vivo Lounge in Brewery Square or artisan coffee at one of Dorchester’s artisan cafes such as Finca. This stylish hub is perfect for people-watching while staying warm and dry.

After breakfast, browse the boutique shops or catch a quick film at the Odeon or The Plaza Cinema if the rain is particularly heavy.

10:30 AM – Dive into Dorset’s History at the Dorset Museum

Walk a few minutes to the Dorset Museum where ancient artefacts, fossil discoveries, and Thomas Hardy’s manuscripts tell the story of the county’s rich past.

Allow around 1.5–2 hours to explore. It’s one of the best indoor attractions in Dorchester and perfect for culture lovers.

12:30 PM – Lunch at The Wise Man or a Cosy Country Pub

When hunger strikes, head to The Wise Man Inn in West Stafford (a short drive from Dorchester) for comforting pub food, roaring fires, and local ales.

Prefer something lighter? Try The Potting Shed Café in Poundbury for homemade soups and scones.

2:00 PM – Afternoon Adventure at The Dinosaur Museum or The Tank Museum

• Families: Visit The Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester for interactive fun, fossils, and life-sized dinosaur models.
• Adults and history buffs: Drive to The Tank Museum in Bovington, one of Dorset’s most impressive indoor experiences with world-class exhibits.

Both are perfect for keeping everyone entertained while the rain pours outside.

4:30 PM – Tea and Treats in Wareham or Bovington

After your museum visit, stop by The Salt Pig café in Wareham for afternoon tea, or try Clavell’s Café in Kimmeridge for delicious homemade cakes.

These cosy tearooms are quintessentially Dorset and make for the perfect mid-afternoon break.

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6:00 PM – Evening Relaxation: Dinner & a Show

As evening sets in, enjoy a relaxed dinner at Rockfish in Poole or Pizza Express at Brewery Square, Dorchester.

If you’d like to end the day with entertainment, catch a performance at The Lighthouse Theatre in Poole or a movie at the Rex Cinema in Wareham, a vintage gem with plush red seats and old-world charm.

9:00 PM – Settle into a Cosy Cottage or Country Inn

Round off your perfect rainy day by retreating to a warm Dorset holiday cottage. Light a fire, pour a glass of local cider, and listen to the rain on the roof — the perfect ending to a relaxing, weather-proof day.

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Stay in Dorset with Dream Cottages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, these Dorset holiday cottages will provide a home away from home.

From cosy accommodation for two to cottages perfect for a family reunion, Dream Cottages will ensure you have a Dorset holiday to remember.