As much as we love a staycation in the UK; the weather is one thing we can’t predict. Thankfully, there are many things to do in Dorset in the rain!
Rainy days are common, and while it’s something you don’t want to happen on your holidays, it can also be an excellent opportunity to make the most of it and visit somewhere new, thoroughly enjoying your day!
Read on to discover our favourite rainy day activities in Dorset.
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1. Splashdown, Poole
Family Fun-Water Park
- Suitable for all the family, a fabulous indoor water park in Poole
- 13 indoor water slides for different ages, ranging from 3 years upwards
- Great value £17 per person for up to 2 hours, £9 for under 5’s, £6.00 for spectators
- Suitable for under-5s, dedicated splash zones monitored by lifeguards
- Seasonal rides are open from April until the beginning of November
Good to know:
- Opening Hours: open 9 am to 7 pm – please check the official website for any changes
- Address: Tower Park, Poole, Dorset, BH12 4NY
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: starts at £17
2. Tower Park Leisure Complex, Poole
Family Fun For All Ages
- Variety of attractions; located just 3 miles from Poole town centre
- Multiscreen cinema, ten-pin bowling, or even try your luck at Buzz Bingo!
- Something for the kids: soft play and, of course, Splashdown Water Park
- Variety of restaurants: takeaway, drive-thru, or enjoy a meal and sit in a choice of diners
- Free parking is available at the complex, open from 6 in the morning to midnight.
Good to know:
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 12 am, daily
- Address: Yarrow Road, Poole, BH12 4NY
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: varies per activity
3. Adventure Wonderland, Christchurch
Family Fun: Adventure Park
- Voted Dorset’s ‘Top Family Attraction 2018’ Star Readers Awards
- Superb rides and various attractions throughout the adventure park
- Special themed Alice In Wonderland entertainment team for kids up to the age of 11
- The entry price includes all attractions and rides in the park, except the pony rides.
- It is very easy to find by car, just 10 minutes from Bournemouth and Christchurch
- It’s also near Rockley Park; this is one of the popular things to do nearby.
Good to know:
- Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday to Sunday
- Address: Merritown Lane, Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BA
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: starts at £1.75 (1 year old + free adult) + £0.50 Booking Fee
4. Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe
Family Friendly – Historical Attraction
- Stunning castle located close to the beautiful beach at Highcliffe, superb view of Isle Of Wight
- Precious Grade 1 listed house on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural and Historical Interest
- Prices range from £3.00 for children aged 5–16, £8.00 for adults, and a family ticket discount of £18
- Guided tours are available to explore behind the scenes of the castle and are bookable in advance.
- There is a lovely restaurant and tea room in a large garden with spectacular castle views.
Good to know:
- Opening Hours: 10 to 4 PM, Sunday to Thursday
- Address: Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: starts at £8.00
5. The Tank Museum, Bovington
All Ages – Historic Museum
- A modern exhibition of the world’s best collection of tanks and crews
- The museum has 300 military machines, accounting for all key conflicts since the First World War.
- A total of 9 exhibitions feature many powerful stories from the soldiers.
- The museum is open 7 days a week and has café and shop facilities.
- The museum is easily accessible, with free annual passes on every ticket!
Good to know:
- Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, daily
- Address: Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
- Standard Adult Ticket Price: £17.55 (Online) and £19.50 (On the door)