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10 rainy day activities in Dorset

Whilst Dorset is known for its warm and sunny weather, the great British weather can be unpredictable and rain can sometimes make an unwelcome appearance. Not to worry though, rain doesn’t have to stop play, as there are so many attractions and activities, within a short drive of our holiday parks that are perfect to visit on a wet and windy day. Here’s our top pick of rainy day activities in Dorset.

Lyme regis marine aquarium and lyme regis harbour
starfish at lyme regis marine aquarium
lyme regis marine aquarium
fish inside the lyme regis marine aquarium

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, Lyme Regis

Learn about the marine life that inhabits the waters along the Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium. Through a number of interactive displays, visitors can gain an insight into the magnificent species that are native to our waters and even handle some of the creatures, including mullet and starfish!

portland bill lighthouse Portland Bill

Portland Bill Lighthouse Visitor Centre, Portland

Take a guided tour to the top of Portland Bill lighthouse, where you will learn about this historic landmark and the ways in which helps keep passing vessels safe. Experience stormy seas for yourself, in the ‘into the dark’ interactive zone and look out at the seas that surround the rocky outcrops on Portland’s coast.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays Athelhampton House
Athelhampton House & Gardens in Dorset Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House & Gardens in Dorset Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House & Gardens in Dorset Athelhampton House and Gardens
Athelhampton House & Gardens in Dorset Athelhampton House and Gardens

Athelhampton House and Gardens, Dorchester

Athelhampton House is a Tudor Manor House built in the 15th century. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and manicured lawns, a trip is like stepping back in time. As you walk around the magnificent grounds, including the great hall and west wing, you will see opulent furnishings and artefacts on display as well as a gallery of artist Marvena’s stunning work.

The Little Fire Station Soft Play in Bridport, Dorset
Martin's Bar & Restaurant in Bridport, Dorset The Little Fire Station Soft Play at Martin's Bar & Restaurant
little fire station soft play area

The Little Fire Station Soft Play, Bridport

Located at our very own Highlands End Holiday Park, The Little Fire Station soft play area is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained on a wet and windy day. With climbing frames, a ball pit and obstacles to climb, they can run around untill their hearts content. Adults can enjoy a tasty a delicious meal, a bite to eat or a Costa Coffee at the adjoining Martin’s Bar and Restaurant.

stuart wiltshire glass

Stuart Wiltshire Glass, Weymouth

Participate in a glass blowing workshop at Stuart Wiltshire Glass and get to experience this unique form of craftsmanship for yourself. Create your very own masterpiece to take home as a keepsake form your time in Dorset. This unique form of craftsmanship is suitable for individuals or groups looking to try something new.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays

Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester

The Dinosaur Museum is Dorset’s answer to Jurassic Park, with life-size models and skeletons to discover! Little ones can participate in their very own excavation in search of fossils and bones and can experience for themselves the smell and sounds that dinosaurs make.

Palmers fermenting

Palmers Brewery Tour, Bridport

Take a tour of Palmers Brewery and learn about the historic process behind some of the counties favourite beers. As you walk through the brewing buildings you will learn about each of the stages  involved before commemorating your visit with a glass tankard and a spot of beer tasting!

dorset water park

Dorset Waterpark, Corfe

Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you have to head indoors! Why not enjoy the wet weather by getting even wetter at Dorset Waterpark! This inflatable obstacle course is spread over two lakes close to historic Corfe Castle and offers the opportunity to bounce, slide, climb and flip to your hearts content.

climbing wall dorset RockReef

RockReef, Bournemouth

Situated at the end of Bournemouth Pier, RockReef is an indoor activity centre offering a whole host of family fun. There are a number of adrenaline fuelled activities to combat, which cater to all ages and abilities including 28 climbing walls There is also a vertical slide, highline rocks course and indoor cave to manoeuvre if you’re brave enough!

The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum, Bovington

Learn about military vehicles old and new at Bovington Tank Museum. The museum boasts a collection of more than 300 vehicles and is home to the worlds first ever tank, Little Willie! Considered to be the best collection of tanks in the world, the Tank Museum offers fun for all the family, with plenty for children to do, including a trail and dressing up.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays

West Dorset Leisure Holidays are a family run group of 5 holiday parks on or near the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. The parks offer excellent accommodation and facilities and each of them is unique, so you are bound to find one to suit you. Accommodation includes lodges, caravans, glamping and pitches for touring & camping.

Facilities include Martin’s Bar & Restaurant, Highlands End Leisure Club, the Little Fire Station Soft Play and park nature trails. The parks are family friendly, dog friendly and are situated in beautiful coastal and countryside locations with a great range of places to visit and things to do nearby. We have caravan and lodge holiday homes for sale across all 5 parks. Find out more here, or check availability and make a booking.

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