Dorset is one of the most stunning counties in the UK. With its rolling countryside, iconic UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coastline and charming towns and villages, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular place to live and visit. Thanks to an array of indoor activities and attractions in Dorset, it’s a fantastic place to be, come rain or shine.
At Silverlake Dorset, you’ll find the very best of the county – from peaceful natural surroundings and luxury holiday homes to easy access to some of Dorset’s most exciting attractions. And while the British weather may be famously unpredictable, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop when the rain starts falling. In fact, there are plenty of rainy day activities in Dorset for all the family - from indoor adventures to cultural escapes.
Let’s take a look at the top attractions and things to do in Dorset in the rain!
Embrace the rain and get wetter!
Once you're wet, you can't get wetter – so why not embrace the elements and take a dip?
Dorset is fabulous for wild swimmers with plenty of coastal locations and hidden gems inland too. Silverlake offers beautiful open-swimming lakes, surrounded by nature. For something to keep the kids busy, you can't go wrong spending a day flying through the flumes at Splashdown!
- • Dorset Adventure Park, Corfe Castle
- • Splashdown, Poole
- • Wild swimming, various locations across Dorset including Silverlake
Explore the underwater world
If you'd rather stay dry but want to explore the wonders of the sea, an aquarium offers a perfect rainy day activity in Dorset.
From sea turtles to sharks, penguins to crocodiles, these marine centres are brimming with fascinating creatures. Learn about their habitats, behaviours and the vital conservation efforts helping protect them for future generations.
- • Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park, Weymouth
- • The Oceanarium, Bournemouth
- • Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, Lyme Regis
Active indoor activities in Dorset
Burn off energy with soft play or indoor climbing - ideal for both kids and grown-ups looking for some fun indoor activities in Dorset!
Little ones can run wild at soft play centres – perfect for climbing, leaping, sliding and imaginative adventures. Meanwhile, older children and adults can scale new heights at one of Dorset’s indoor climbing centres, offering exciting challenges for an exhilarating afternoon!
- • Sharky’s Fun Factory, Weymouth
- • Crazy Monsters Soft Play, Blandford Forum
- • RockReef, Bournemouth
- • Seals Cove, Bridport
- • Lemur Landings, Poole
- • The Project Climbing Centre, Poole
See a show in Dorset
Step into one of Dorset’s local venues and enjoy a bit of escapism, whether it’s on the big screen or the live stage.
From the latest blockbusters to live music and theatre, Dorset offers a vibrant mix of venues and performances to suit all tastes.
- • Bridport Electric Palace, Bridport
- • Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth
- • Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
- • Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
- • Poole Lighthouse, Poole
- • The Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
- • Weymouth Pavilion, Weymouth
Historic indoor attractions in Dorset
Steeped in history and culture, some of the best indoor attractions in Dorset include grand stately homes and fascinating museums.
Visit Max Gate, the Victorian home designed by Thomas Hardy, or wander through Portland Castle, built by Henry VIII as a coastal artillery fort. For families, Dorset’s dinosaur museums are always a hit, while military museums offer a fascinating insight into the county’s important role in British defence history.
Historic homes and castles:
- • Athelhampton House and Gardens, near Puddletown
- • Max Gate, Dorchester
- • Mapperton House and Gardens, Bridport
- • Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth
- • Corfe Castle, Corfe
- • Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe
- • Portland Castle, Portland
- • Sherborne Castle, Sherborne
- • Lulworth Castle, Wareham
- • Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster
Dorset museums:
- • Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester
- • The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester
- • Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester
- • Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester
- • The Dinosaur Museum, Dorchester
- • The Tank Museum, Bovington Camp
- • Hardy’s Cottage, Higher Bockhampton
- • The Etches Collection, Kimmeridge
- • Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, Lyme Regis
- • D-Day Centre, Portland
Indoor arts and crafts activities in Dorset!
Rainy days are perfect for slowing down and exploring your creative side.
Whether you fancy getting hands-on with some pottery painting or simply want to admire the work of talented local artists, Dorset has plenty of inspiring galleries and artisan workshops to discover.
- • Dorset Museum & Gallery, Dorchester
- • SandWorld, Weymouth
- • Pottery Painting Cafe, Ferndown
- • Burngate Stone Carving Centre, Swanage
Pamper yourself at a Dorset spa
Not all Dorset indoor activities have to involve activity and adventure! Escape the elements and unwind your body and mind with a soothing treatment or a full day of pampering at one of Dorset’s luxury spas. Whether you’re after a peaceful massage, a dip in a heated pool, or a full wellness experience, there’s no better way to recharge.
Guests staying at Silverlake Dorset can enjoy the tranquil Hurricane Spa – the perfect spot to relax and reset.
Other local Dorset spas include:
- • Monart Day Spa, Poundbury
- • Summer Lodge Spa, Evershot
- • Haven Spa, Sandbanks
Enjoy a local Dorset beer
What better way to spend a rainy day in Dorset than appreciating its brewing heritage?
Settle into a cosy country pub and watch the world go by with a pint (or two) or take a tour of some of the local breweries to delight your taste buds and feed your curiosity!
Dorset breweries:
- • Cerne Abbas Brewery, Dorchester
- • Convivial Rabbit Micropub, Dorchester
- • Copper Street Brewery, Dorchester
- • Dorset Brewing Company, Dorchester
- • Piddle Brewery, Dorchester
- • Hall & Woodhouse Brewery, Blandford Forum
- • The Way Outback, Bournemouth
- • Palmers Brewery, Bridport
- • Eight Arch Brewing Co, Wimborne
Dorset pubs:
- There are many quaint pubs in the area, many of which are very old with thatched roofs, log fires, tasty beer and a warm welcome. The perfect hideaway on a wet and windy day! Take a look at the best country pubs in Dorset for some inspiration.
Silverlake: Perfect whatever the weather
Dorset offers so many great activities for a rainy day – from relaxing spas and cosy pubs to adventurous climbing walls and wild swimming.
Whatever the weather, Silverlake Dorset is also a haven of relaxation and adventure. On-site, you can unwind in the exclusive Hurricane Spa, take part in water activities on the lake, or enjoy a meal with friends and family. Plus, with easy access to the best indoor attractions in Dorset, it’s the ideal base for making the most of a rainy day.
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