Things to Do in Dorset When It Rains: Our Favourite Indoor Days Out for Families

There’s nothing quite like waking up on a Dorset holiday, pulling back the curtains, only to discover that the sunshine has decided to take the day off.

The beach picnic might have to wait; the coastal walk suddenly seems less appealing, and the children are already asking what you’re doing today.

Fortunately, Dorset has many solutions.

Having lived here and raised our children in Dorset, we’ve had our fair share of rainy weekends, school holidays and last-minute changes of plan. We’ve also discovered that some of our favourite family days out have happened when the weather hasn’t been on our side.

We’ve spent countless happy hours at Splashdown in Poole, explored Dorset’s fascinating museums, and found places where children can climb, splash, investigate, and generally wear themselves out, whatever the weather.

And it isn’t just for families. There are beautiful historic houses, fascinating art galleries, independent cinemas and cosy pubs where a rainy afternoon can be something to look forward to.

Whether you’re enjoying a family break in one of our Dorset holiday cottages or not, here are some of our favourite things to do in Dorset when it’s raining.

And who knows? That rainy day might turn out to be one of the highlights of your holiday.

The best indoor activities in Dorset at a glance

Not every attraction is completely undercover, so we’ve included a few that work best in variable weather rather than when it’s pouring all day.

Attraction	Best for	Weather protection
Splashdown, Poole	School-age children and teens	Indoor and outdoor rides
The Tank Museum, Bovington	All ages, history lovers	Fully indoors
SEA LIFE Weymouth	Younger families	Partly indoors
Nothe Fort, Weymouth	Adventurous children	Partly indoors
GLOBALLS, Weymouth	Families and teens	Fully indoors
Dorset Museum, Dorchester	Curious children and adults	Fully indoors
Bournemouth Oceanarium	Families and marine-life lovers	Mostly indoors
RockReef, Bournemouth	Active children and teens	Indoor climbing
Lemur Landings, Poole	Toddlers and younger children	Fully indoors
Seals Cove, Bridport	Younger families and climbers	Fully indoors
Athelhampton House	Couples and history lovers	House indoors
Russell-Cotes, Bournemouth	Art and architecture lovers	Fully indoors
Dinosaurland, Lyme Regis	Fossil and dinosaur enthusiasts	Fully indoors
Poole Museum	Families and history lovers	Fully indoors

Rainy day family activities in Poole and Bournemouth

Splashdown Waterpark, Poole. One of our family’s all-time favourites

Best for: School-age children, confident swimmers and teenagers | Allow 2–3 hours, including changing | Indoor and outdoor rides

Among all the family attractions in Dorset, Splashdown Waterpark holds a particularly special place in our memories.

Our children grew up visiting Splashdown. We held birthday parties there, spent countless happy hours racing down the waterslides, and still laugh about some of those visits.

It’s one of those places we still talk about.

It’s wonderful to see that so many of the rides we remember are still going strong.

Velocity, Dragon’s Lair, The Screamer and Infinity were all favourites, and there’s something wonderful about returning to a place that holds so many family memories.

The great thing about Splashdown is that it doesn’t really matter if it’s raining. You’re going to get wet anyway.

Thrilling flumes are available for older children and more confident swimmers, alongside gentler activities for younger visitors. Please check the individual height restrictions and swimming requirements before booking.

Some rides are outdoors and operate seasonally, but the indoor flumes make this a particularly appealing option when the weather is unfavourable.

Because Splashdown is at Tower Park, there are restaurants, a cinema and a bowling alley nearby, making it easy to turn your visit into a longer day out.

Our local tip: We always recommend booking in advance during the school holidays. Splashdown is popular with local families and visitors, especially when it rains.

Bournemouth Oceanarium. Sharks, penguins and underwater discoveries

Best for: Younger children and families | Allow: 1.5–2 hours | Mostly indoors

If you’re exploring the east of Dorset, Bournemouth Oceanarium is another excellent option for a rainy day.

Located beside Bournemouth Pier, it’s home to an interesting collection of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles and penguins.

One of the highlights is the underwater viewing tunnel, where you can watch marine creatures swim around you.

There’s also plenty to learn about diverse habitats and the importance of conserving the marine environment.

It’s an enjoyable outing for younger children, but there’s enough to interest older visitors as well.

And because the Oceanarium is relatively compact, it works well as part of a day spent exploring Bournemouth rather than taking an entire day. When we lived in Bournemouth our two children loved visiting the Oceanarium, so much it became a once a year visit, which they loved to combine with a visit to the amusement arcade underneath Bournemouth Pier.

Our local tip: Combine your visit with lunch in Bournemouth. If the weather clears, you can enjoy a walk along the seafront afterwards. The Oceanarium also has outdoor areas, so keep your waterproofs handy.

RockReef, Bournemouth. For children who love an adventure

Best for: Active school-age children and teenagers | Allow: 1–2 hours | Indoor climbing

Some children are perfectly happy spending a rainy afternoon exploring a museum.

Others need somewhere to climb, scramble and burn off a bit of energy.

If yours fall into the second category, RockReef is well worth considering. And, again is one of those attractions wev;e visited multiple times, including holding birthday parties for our children. 

Located on Bournemouth Pier, this indoor adventure attraction offers a range of climbing challenges, including themed climbing walls that test balance, confidence and determination. Our children loved RockReef when they were younger, particularly the Vertical Drop Slide. The photograph here is actually of our son Matthew being pulled up to the top, ready for the drop. It was quite something to watch! And for parents who’d rather leave the adventures to the children, there’s also a café where you can enjoy a coffee while they have their fun.

Rock Reef is particularly appealing to active children and teenagers who fancy something a little different.  And should it stop and the weather improve, there’s a zip wire just outside where you can zip across the sea to land safely at Bournemouth beach. Again, it’s something we’ve all done as a family. 

Our local tip: Check the age, height and activity requirements before booking, as different experiences have different restrictions. You’ll also need to walk along the pier to reach the attraction.

Lemur Landings, Poole. Let the little ones run wild

Best for: Toddlers and primary-age children | Allow: 1.5–2.5 hours | Fully indoors

If you’re holidaying with younger children, you’ll know that sometimes the best rainy-day attraction is simply somewhere they can run around to burn off all that energy.

Lemur Landings is designed for that purpose.

It’s a large indoor play centre with climbing frames, slides, tunnels and play areas for different age groups, including dedicated spaces for younger children.

There are also more adventurous activities for older children.

And, importantly, there’s somewhere for parents to sit with a coffee while the children enjoy themselves.

Because it’s at Tower Park, you can easily combine a visit with lunch or another indoor activity.

Our local tip: This is especially useful for families with toddlers and primary-school-age children when the weather is too wet for outdoor playgrounds.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Something a little different

Best for: Couples, friends and families with older children | Allow: 1.5–2.5 hours | Fully indoors

Perched above Bournemouth’s seafront, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is among Dorset’s more unusual attractions.

This extraordinary Victorian house is filled with paintings, sculptures, decorative objects and collections gathered from across the world.

But it’s the house itself that’s especially memorable.

With its richly decorated rooms, beautiful interiors and wonderful views across the bay, it feels quite unlike a conventional museum.

It’s a lovely place to spend a rainy afternoon, especially for couples, friends or families with older children.

And if you enjoy interiors, architecture or art, there’s plenty to admire.

Our local tip: This is one we’d particularly recommend for a quieter, more leisurely day, perhaps followed by lunch or afternoon tea in Bournemouth.

Indoor activities in Weymouth when it rains

If you’re staying in one of our Weymouth holiday cottages or at nearby Silverlake Estate, Weymouth might be famous for its sandy beach and picturesque harbour, but there’s plenty to enjoy away from the seafront when the weather turns.

Fortunately, there are some lovely alternatives available.

SEA LIFE Weymouth. Discover a world beneath the waves

Best for: Toddlers and primary-age children | Allow: 2–3 hours | Partly indoors

SEA LIFE Weymouth is a lovely option for families with younger children, especially if you’ve planned a day at the beach but the weather has other plans.

Situated at Lodmoor Country Park, just a short distance from the seafront, it offers a chance to discover an extraordinary underwater world.

There are fascinating marine creatures to discover, from sharks and rays to seahorses and colourful tropical fish, alongside conservation displays and opportunities to learn more about life beneath the waves.

Children can spend time watching the animals, discovering unfamiliar species and learning about the importance of protecting our oceans.

SEA LIFE Weymouth has been a favourite of ours for years, long before we moved to Dorset. When our children were younger, we’d regularly visit while staying at our own holiday cottage in Weymouth, and we’ve been back many times since. It’s lovely to see how the attraction has developed and improved over the years. We’ve visited with the children, with friends and even without the children, and it’s still somewhere we really enjoy spending a few hours, particularly when the weather isn’t playing ball.

One thing to note is that SEA LIFE Weymouth isn’t entirely indoors. There are outdoor areas and paths between attractions, so you’ll still want a waterproof coat if it’s raining heavily.

Our local tip: If the rain eases, you’re close to Lodmoor Country Park and Weymouth’s seafront, making it easy to extend your outing.

Nothe Fort. Underground tunnels and secret passageways

Best for: Ages 6 upwards, adventurous families | Allow: 1.5–2.5 hours | Partly indoors

There’s something about Nothe Fort that makes it feel like a proper adventure, particularly for children.

Perched on the headland overlooking Weymouth Harbour, this Victorian fort was originally built to help protect the naval anchorage at Portland.

Today, it’s a fascinating collection of underground tunnels, gun rooms, military exhibits and secret passageways.

Children can explore the old gun decks, discover how soldiers once lived and learn about the fort’s role during different periods of British history.

For many younger visitors, the underground tunnels are the highlight. There’s something wonderfully atmospheric about wandering through the passages, not quite knowing what’s waiting around the next corner.

And when the weather is grey and blustery outside, the fort can feel even more atmospheric.

It’s not completely indoors, though. Some of its most impressive views are from the outdoor ramparts, so you’ll still want a waterproof coat.

Our local tip: Check the fort’s events programme before visiting. Family activities and themed events can make the experience even more enjoyable during the school holidays. The fort also has seasonal opening arrangements, including a planned winter closure from November 2026, so check before travelling.

GLOBALLS Weymouth. Glow-in-the-dark family fun

Best for: Families, older children and teenagers | Allow: 45–75 minutes | Fully indoors

Sometimes you don’t need a full day out. You just need an hour of something different to keep everyone entertained.

GLOBALLS Weymouth is a colourful addition to the town’s indoor attractions.

Located on St Thomas Street, it offers glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, set amid illuminated scenery and larger-than-life creatures.

There’s a dinosaur-themed course, Dinotopia, and an animal-themed course, ZooZilla.

It’s playful, a little unusual, and particularly appealing to children who enjoy a bit of friendly family competition.

The great thing about GLOBALLS is that it’s completely indoors, so it doesn’t matter whether there’s a passing shower or it’s pouring outside.

And because it’s in the town centre, it’s easy to combine it with lunch or a bit of shopping.

Our local tip: Book ahead during the school holidays and on rainy weekends. Indoor attractions can become very popular when everyone has the same idea.

Tudor House Museum. Step back into old Weymouth

Best for: Older children and history lovers | Allow: 30–45 minutes | Indoors, limited opening

Weymouth’s harbour is one of our favourite parts of town, especially around the older streets behind Hope Square.

It’s an area full of character, where you can still feel the town’s maritime past.

Tucked away on Trinity Street is Tudor House Museum, a historic building in Weymouth.

Dating back to the early 17th century, the house offers a glimpse of domestic life in the town centuries ago.

It’s a much smaller attraction than SEA LIFE or Nothe Fort, but that’s part of its charm.

Rather than rushing around, you can take your time exploring the historic rooms and imagining what life must have been like when Weymouth was a bustling trading port.

Our local tip: Combine a visit with lunch near Hope Square or the old harbour. The museum has limited seasonal opening days, so check before travelling. Admission is normally free, with donations welcome.

Sandworld. Extraordinary sculptures made from sand

Best for: Families and creative children | Allow: 1–2 hours | Covered and outdoor areas, seasonal

We all know how much children enjoy building sandcastles on Weymouth Beach.

But at Sandworld, sand sculpting is taken to an entirely different level.

The attraction showcases enormous sculptures created by skilled artists using little more than sand and water.

The detail can be remarkable, and it’s fascinating to see how such elaborate creations can be made from such a simple material.

There’s also an opportunity for visitors to have a go at sand sculpting themselves.

It’s worth noting that Sandworld isn’t a fully enclosed indoor attraction, so we’d recommend visiting on a day with light rain or when showers are expected to pass.

It’s also seasonal, generally operating from spring through to autumn rather than throughout the winter.

Our local tip: Because Sandworld and SEA LIFE are both near Lodmoor, they can make a useful combination if you’re spending the day in this part of Weymouth.

If you’re visiting any of the attractions in Weymouth, or several on a rainy day, and want to make a full day of it and eat in the town, for inspiration, we’ve recommended some of the best places to eat in Weymouth Harbour in our local’s guide. 

Rainy day activities in Dorchester and Central Dorset

The Tank Museum, Bovington. Much more than tanks

Best for: Ages 5 upwards, teenagers and adults | Allow: 4–5 hours | Fully indoors

Even if you don’t think military history is your thing, we’d encourage you to visit The Tank Museum.

It’s one of Dorset’s most impressive attractions and a place that can keep the whole family entertained for hours.

Located at Bovington, near Wareham, it’s ideal if you’re staying at Silverlake Estate or one of our Lulworth holiday cottages, as it’s just a short drive away. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of tanks and armoured vehicles, with vast exhibition halls, interactive displays and fascinating stories about the people who designed, operated and lived alongside these machines.

The scale of some of the vehicles is remarkable, especially when you’re standing right beside them.

There’s also plenty to interest younger visitors, and the exhibitions do an excellent job of bringing history to life without making it feel like a school lesson.

Because the main exhibitions are indoors, it’s a particularly good option for days when the rain shows no sign of stopping.

And there’s a café, so you can comfortably make a day of it.

Our local tip: Allow several hours rather than treating it as a quick visit. There’s much more to discover than you might expect, and it’s especially convenient for families staying at Silverlake Estate, just 20–25 minutes away by car.

We’ve written a more detailed guide to The Tank Museum and why we think it’s one of Dorset’s best family days out.

The Etches Collection, Kimmeridge. Meet the Sea Monsters of the Jurassic Coast

If you’ve ever wondered what was swimming in the seas around Dorset millions of years ago, The Etches Collection in the village of Kimmeridge is well worth a visit.

This fascinating museum is home to an extraordinary collection of Jurassic marine fossils, many discovered locally by fossil collector Steve Etches. There are ichthyosaurs, ancient marine predators and remarkable creatures that lived here around 150 million years ago, when this part of Dorset was beneath a warm, tropical sea.

One of the highlights is the enormous pliosaur skull featured in the BBC documentary Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster. The museum also uses digital reconstructions to help visitors imagine what these prehistoric creatures looked like when they were alive.

Children who love dinosaurs and fossils should find plenty to interest them, with interactive displays and opportunities to discover how fossils are uncovered and preserved. You may even get to see work taking place in the museum’s fossil preparation laboratory.

It’s a particularly good choice for families staying in one of our Lulworth holiday cottages who are looking for somewhere interesting to explore when the weather isn’t quite right for the beach.

Our local tip: Kimmeridge is a lovely part of Purbeck, but check your route before setting off. The nearby military firing ranges can mean road closures and a longer drive than you might expect. There’s also Clavell’s café and restaurant opposite the museum, which is handy for lunch afterwards.

If you’re planning to explore more of Dorset’s prehistoric past, we’ve also included a visit to The Etches Collection in our guide to the best Jurassic Coast days out, with more ideas for discovering this remarkable stretch of coastline.

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. Fossils, Romans and Dorset’s extraordinary past

Best for: Curious families, older children and adults | Allow: 1.5–3 hours | Fully indoors

Dorchester is one of our favourite places to visit when the weather turns. It’s compact, full of history, and has plenty of lovely places to stop for coffee or lunch.

At its heart lies Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, a beautifully restored museum where you can explore millions of years of local history without getting wet.

There’s an extraordinary collection of fossils, fascinating Roman discoveries, and galleries celebrating Dorset’s landscape, wildlife and people.

The fossil collections are particularly interesting, especially if you’ve been exploring the Jurassic Coast and want to discover more about the creatures that once lived here.

There’s also plenty to discover about Thomas Hardy, whose writing was so closely connected to the Dorset landscape.

For children, it’s a wonderful opportunity to discover that the countryside and coastline they’ve explored on holiday have stories stretching back millions of years.

The museum also offers family trails and activities, with facilities designed to make visits easier for younger children and families with additional sensory needs.

Our local tip: Combine the museum with a leisurely lunch in Dorchester. We’ve put together a guide to our favourite restaurants in Dorchester, from relaxed family meals to somewhere a little more special.

If your staying in one of our holiday cottages ion Dorchester and your family enjoys exploring local history, our guide to Dorchester’s museums offers more ideas. And if you’re staying in one of our Weymouth holiday cottages or at Silverlake Estate, Dorchester is only a short drive away, making it an easy option for a rainy afternoon.

Athelhampton House. A beautiful escape into Dorset’s past

Best for: Couples, friends and families with older children | Allow: 1.5–3 hours | Historic house indoors, gardens outdoors

Not every rainy-day outing needs to include waterslides, climbing walls or soft play.

Sometimes it’s lovely to spend a few hours exploring somewhere quieter.

Athelhampton House is one of Dorset’s most beautiful historic houses, featuring wonderful Tudor architecture, atmospheric rooms and a fascinating history.

The Great Hall, with its timber roof and historic interiors, is especially impressive.

It’s the sort of place where you can imagine generations of families living and entertaining themselves over the centuries.

The gardens are also beautiful, though we’d save visiting them for a break in the weather.

For couples, friends and families with older children who enjoy history, Athelhampton offers a lovely alternative to the busier family attractions.

Our local tip: It’s particularly convenient if you’re staying near Dorchester or Silverlake Estate. Check the house’s opening dates before travelling, as these can vary seasonally.

Indoor activities in West Dorset and Lyme Regis

Seals Cove, Bridport. Climbing and soft play under one roof

Best for: Toddlers, school-age children and active families | Allow: 1.5–3 hours | Fully indoors

For families staying in Bridport, West Bay or the surrounding countryside, Seals Cove is a useful rainy-day discovery.

It combines indoor climbing with a large soft-play area, making it especially appealing when you’ve got children of different ages.

Younger children can enjoy slides, tunnels and climbing frames, while older children can take on more adventurous challenges in the climbing centre.

There’s also a café, so parents can enjoy a coffee while the children are entertained.

Our local tip: This is one of our strongest recommendations for families staying in West Dorset who don’t want to drive all the way to Poole for an indoor activity.

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, Lyme Regis. Discover Dorset’s prehistoric past

Best for: Dinosaur enthusiasts, school-age children and adults | Allow: 1–2 hours | Fully indoors

Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is famous worldwide for its fossils, but you don’t have to head to a windswept beach to discover some of its extraordinary prehistoric treasures.

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, in the heart of Lyme Regis, has an impressive collection of fossils, many of which were discovered along the local coastline.

There are ammonites, marine reptiles and all sorts of fascinating creatures that lived millions of years ago.

It’s particularly appealing for children who love dinosaurs and anyone interested in the history of the Jurassic Coast.

The museum is housed in a historic building and has a wonderfully traditional atmosphere.

Our local tip: If the weather improves, take a walk around Lyme Regis afterwards. The town has lovely independent shops and cafés, as well as a beautiful seafront, though we’d leave fossil hunting on the beach for safer weather and tide conditions.

Sometimes a cinema, bowling or a long lunch is exactly what’s needed

Of course, not every rainy day needs a major attraction.

Sometimes a family trip to the cinema, a game of ten-pin bowling, or a leisurely lunch is exactly what everyone fancies.

And Dorset has some lovely independent cinemas, many with far more character than the typical multiplex.

Plaza Cinema – Dorchester

A wonderfully traditional Art Deco cinema in the centre of Dorchester. A good option for families staying in Dorchester or at Silverlake Estate. Also, it’s worth noting that if you’re staying at one of our Weymouth Holiday Cottages, it’s one of the nearest Cinemas. There is also the ODEON in Brewery Square in Dorchester, too. 

The Mowlem – Swanage

Overlooking Swanage Bay, this characterful theatre and cinema is a lovely place to see a film or a live performance.

The Rex Cinema – Wareham

A charming independent cinema with a wonderfully old-fashioned ambience.

Tivoli Theatre – Wimborne

A beautiful historic theatre and cinema, offering films, comedy and live entertainment.

Lighthouse Poole – Poole

An excellent choice for cinema, live performances and family entertainment.

For families, Tower Park in Poole is particularly useful because it brings together Splashdown, Lemur Landings, bowling, cinema and restaurants in one location.

And if you’re visiting Dorset as a couple or with friends, a rainy afternoon can be a lovely excuse to find a welcoming pub, settle by the fire and enjoy a long lunch.

After all, a holiday should leave plenty of time for doing very little as well.

Our favourite rainy-day plans by area

If you’re staying in Dorset for a few days, it often makes more sense to plan around your cottage’s location rather than spend half the day driving across the county.

Here are a few combinations we’d suggest.

Dorchester. History and a lovely lunch

Spend the morning at the Dorset Museum, then have lunch at one of Dorchester’s independent restaurants or cafés. A relaxed day with minimal travel.

Weymouth. Sea creatures and mini golf

Explore SEA LIFE in the morning, then head to GLOBALLS for some indoor family competition. Keep waterproofs handy for the outdoor areas.

Silverlake Estate.  A big day out, then home to relax

The Tank Museum is about 15-20 minutes by car. Spend the day exploring, then return to your cottage for a cosy evening, perhaps with a board game and the log burner on.

West Dorset. Climbing and a café stop

Let the children burn off energy at Seals Cove before enjoying lunch in Bridport or West Bay. A good option for families with younger children.

A few things we’ve learned about rainy days in Dorset

After years of family days out, there are a few things we’d always recommend.

• Book ahead when the weather forecast is poor. Indoor attractions can become surprisingly busy during the school holidays, especially when rain is forecast across the county.
• Don’t assume every attraction is entirely indoors. Places such as SEA LIFE Weymouth, Nothe Fort and Sandworld have outdoor areas, so waterproofs are still worth bringing.
• Check opening times directly. Some attractions have seasonal opening times, and activities or facilities can change throughout the year.

And sometimes, of course, the nicest option is to do very little at all.

One of the pleasures of staying in a beautiful holiday cottage is having somewhere lovely to come back to. A long lunch, a film, a good book or an afternoon of board games can be every bit as memorable as a day out.

Rain or shine, Dorset is a wonderful place to visit

We love Dorset’s beaches, coastal paths and wide-open countryside, but there’s much more to the county than its scenery.

Some of our happiest family memories have been made on days when the weather forced us to change our plans. With so many wonderful places to explore, a little rain needn’t spoil your holiday.

At Curated Cottages, we carefully select individual properties that offer somewhere special to stay, whether you’re spending your days exploring the Jurassic Coast, discovering Dorset’s attractions, or simply enjoying time together.

Explore our hand-picked Dorset holiday cottages, discover our family-friendly stays, or take a look at our Silverlake Estate holiday cottages, where lakeside surroundings and beautiful accommodation provide a wonderful base for exploring Dorset in every season.

And if the rain does arrive, you’ll know exactly where to go.

Frequently Asked Questions