Our Dorset Life

Even when the skies turn grey and the rain sets in, West Dorset has plenty of places to explore, play, and keep everyone smiling.

Whether you’re after something active, creative, or just cosy, here are some of the best local recommendations for wet-weather days.

Museums & History

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to dive into a little Dorset history.

• Bridport Museum – A small but fascinating local museum right in the heart of town.
• Lyme Regis Museum – Learn about Mary Anning and the town’s fossil-hunting past.
• Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre – Free entry and a great place to learn about fossils before heading to the beach when the rain clears.
• Dorchester Museum & Tutankhamun Exhibition – Packed with local stories and ancient treasures.
• Tank Museum (Bovington) – Always a hit with kids and adults alike, and Monkey World is right opposite.
• Nothe Fort, Weymouth – Full of tunnels, history, and great views (plus a café).
• Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton – Brilliant for aviation enthusiasts.
• Portland Castle & D-Day Museum – Ideal for a full-day family adventure.

Pools & Water Fun

If you can’t stay dry, you might as well dive in.

• Freshwater Beach Holiday Park – Open to the public with a great indoor pool, slides, arcade, and ten-pin bowling.
• Bridport Leisure Centre – Perfect for a swim without the drive.
• Highlands End – A lovely pool with views and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Warmwell Holiday Park – Offers a pool, soft play, and other indoor fun.
• Moonfleet Manor Hotel – Has a beautiful indoor play area and pool — you can book sessions online even if you’re not staying.

Soft Play, Climbing & Indoor Adventures

Rainy days are made for letting off steam indoors.

• Seal’s Cove, Bridport – Indoor climbing, soft play, and a café for parents to refuel (shown above)
• Rockburn, Bridport – Fantastic indoor bouldering and climbing with a great café.
• Viking Village, Bridport – For something different, try axe throwing (shown above)
• Vurlands Farm, near Bridport – Great for little ones with indoor animal-themed play.

Wildlife & Nature

You don’t need sunshine to get close to nature.

• Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth – Completely free and wonderful for children (and animal lovers).
• Monkey world – we loved it here
• Kingston Maurward Animal Park, Dorchester – Free entry and lots of friendly animals to meet.
• Sea Life Centre, Weymouth – Mostly undercover and full of marine magic.

Creative & Unique Days Out

For a splash of inspiration:

• Sandworld, Weymouth – Incredible sand sculptures with a chance to make your own.
• Pecorama, Beer – Indoor model railways, play areas, and family-friendly fun.
• Discovery Centre, West Bay – Free, family-friendly, and full of fascinating local stories.

Make a Day of It

Many of these spots are surrounded by great cafes, cosy pubs, and shops to explore between showers.

Whether it’s pizza in Dorchester, fish and chips in West Bay, or a hot chocolate in Lyme Regis, you’ll find plenty of ways to make a rainy day memorable in West Dorset.

Check out some of my other posts for inspiration:

The best coffee in Bridport

Fossil hunting in Charmouth (pop the coats and wellies on and search for fossils)

A locals favourite – Rise, West Bay

Love Sarah x