What to do in Dorset when it's raining

Dorset is a beautiful county and makes an ideal holiday destination, even when the weather is bad! We have found some great suggestions for what to do in Dorset when it’s raining that will keep you entertained and dry.

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum in Lyme Regis is the ideal attraction to keep the kids entertained when it’s raining. Visitors can enjoy seeing an extensive collection (over 9000 specimens!) of Jurassic marine fossils collected locally from around Dorset. Kids will be amazed at the unusual shapes and sizes of the fossils, marvel at the diinosaur eggs, and they are sure to find the 73kg lump of dinosaur droppings highly amusing! This is one of the best places to see dinosaur fossils in the South West and a wonderful place to spend a few hours. Admission is £16 for a family ticket.

The Tank Museum

The Tank Museum in Bovington is a superb day out for history lovers and families. The museum houses over 300 vehicles and is considered one of the best of its kind. Visitors can see fascinating exhibitions that reveal the treacherous journeys made by tanks during the 20th Century, from the World Wars to the present day in Afghanistan, as well as hear stories of those who fought in them. The museum also offers wonderful opportunities for learning via its interactive multimedia exhibitions. Adult tickets are £12.50 and children are £7.50.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

Art lovers and those interested in intriguing objects will be delighted with the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth. This very popular attractions plays host to a large number of fascinating exhibitions on all matter of subjects including maritime history, world cultures, modern art and nature. Visitors can see a huge variety of art on display ranging from paintings and textiles to ceramics. The attraction has a number of fun children’s activities to keep kids busy as well as a newly opened café and an excellent shop. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a truly unique place not to be missed! Adult tickets are £5 and children tickets are £4.

Sherborne Castle

Those looking for a little sight-seeing will love the grandeur of Sherborne Castle, built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594. You will be left in awe at the beauty and elegance of the interiors of the stately home, which reflect over 400 years of history through its decorative styles. You’ll see a magnificent collection of art and furniture as well original features and exciting treasures in the castle’s museum. Even if the rain is pouring, the beautifully landscaped gardens are well worth a look if you can face the drizzle. There’s a good restaurant on site as well as a lovely tearoom to relax in. An adult ticket to the castle and gardens is £11 and children under 15 go free.

Marine Aquarium

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is a great place to spend a few hours when the weather is looking a little drab. Kids will love discovering a variety of sea life including giant lobsters, starfish, hermit crabs and sea scorpions. Although fairly small, the aquarium has a very good collection and is a good option for keeping the whole family entertained when the heavens open. The centre offers interactive experiences where visitors can handle some of the sea creatures. An adult ticket is £5 and a child ticket is £4.50.

Beer Quarry Caves

The Beer Quarry Caves, just over the border in Devon, provide an interesting day out for those looking to do something a bit different. You can take a tour of these fascinating man-made underground caverns that have over 2000 years’ worth of history. The caves were created by centuries of quarrying for Beer Stone, which has been used to build a number of significant buildings in the UK including Windsor Castle and Hampton Court. The very interesting tours here provide a unique insight into the lives of the people who once worked here, often in awful conditions. An adult ticket is £6.50. Be sure to wrap up warm as the temperature in the caves is very cool. 

As this list shows, there is no reason to let rain ruin a good holiday in Dorset. This beautiful county has something to offer everyone and, with a number of great indoor attractions, you are sure to have a great time no matter what the weather.