Dorset is famous for its scenic coastline which is great to explore when the British weather is on side. But what about those rainy days in Dorset when the number one priority is keeping dry?
We’ve compiled a list of Dorset’s best indoor activities and attractions which you can turn to if the weather does take a turn for the worst.
Things to do indoors in Dorset
Kingston Lacey
Address: Kingston Lacey, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Entry: Free for National Trust Members. Or £18 for non-members.
Kingston Lacy is a lavish family home styled on as a Venetian Palace near Wimborne. It was for many years the family seat of the Bankes family who lived nearby at Corfe Castle until its destruction in the English Civil War. As well as the house there are 8,500 acres of grounds to explore.
Northe Fort
Address: Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Entry fee: £9.50 for adults or £8 for concessions.
Built in 1872 to protect Weymouth and Portland harbours, Nothe Fort is now one of Weymouth’s premier tourist attractions. The fort is split over 3 levels and tells the story of the forts history. You can enjoy 360 degree views from the fort across both harbours.
Sherborne Castle
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Entry fee: £13.50 for the house & grounds
Sherborne Castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594, this historic house reflects a glorious variety of decorative styles from over 400 years of English History. There are also beautifully landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown.
Rainy day activities in Dorset
The Tank Museum
Address: Linsay Road, Bovington, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Entry fee: £14 if booked in advance or £15 on the door for an adult
The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays, this attraction has recently been voted Dorsets best family day out. Come face-to-face with over 300 military machines as you explore our nine exhibitions covering over a century of history. With trails, interactive games, play areas, and free talks and tours (including getting inside a real tank!), you can easily spend the whole day at The Tank Museum.
Splashdown waterpark
Address: Tower Park, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
Entry free from: £14.50 for 2 hours
Visit one of the largest water parks in the UK. Splashdown in Poole boasts 13 thrilled indoor and outdoor flume rides and 3 splash zones. It’s a wonderful day out for the whole family.
Oceanarium
Address: Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA
Entry fee: Adults in advance from £11.50 or £13.50 on the door.
Visit the Oceanarium to experience a magical underwater adventure above and below the waves. Watch the water come alive while penguins, sharks, otters, stingrays, turtle and all kinds of other marine life. The Oceanarium is the perfect all weather attraction.
Learn more about Dorset’s famous sons & daughters
Max Gate – Home of Thomas Hardy
Address: Alington Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2FN
Entry Fee: Free for National Trust Members or £8 for an adult
Max Gate is the former home of Thomas Hardy and is located on the outskirts of Dorchester. It was designed and built by Thomas Hardy for his own use in 1885 and is where he wrote Tess of the d’Ubervilles, The Mayor of Casterbridge and more of his poetry. Thomas Hard lived at Max Gate until his death in 1928.
Clouds Hill – Home of T.E. Lawrence
Address: King George V Road, Bovington, near Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7NQ
Entry fee: Free for National Trust Members or £8 for an adult
Clouds Hill is an isolated cottage near Wareham which was once the peaceful retreat of T. E. Lawrence, who is more famously known as Lawrence of Arabia. Inside the cottage Lawrence furnished the rooms to his own personal taste and they are much as he left them giving an insight into his life and personality. Loose yourself in the atmospheric cottages where he sat down to write, read and entertain friends.
Lyme Regis Museum – Mary Anning
Address: Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QA
Entry Fee: Adults £5.95
Built on the site of Mary Anning’s home, Lyme Regis Museum stands in the heart of the town, just where the beautiful coastlines of Dorset and Devon meet on the Jurassic Coast. The museum is packed with interesting and thought-provoking displays. Local history is well represented by its spectacular fossil collections, maritime and domestic objects.
Living in Dorset
We have luxury retirement apartments available at multiple locations in Dorset. If you’d prefer to be closer to the action, our Esprit in Poole town centre is ideally located opposite the main shopping centre. Or if you prefer stunning views across Poole Harbour why not visit Vista.
You can also discover our retirement development in Sherborne in North Dorset which is located within easy walking distance of Sherborne town centre.
