Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Dorset
Rainy days in Dorset don’t have to mean cancelled plans or sitting indoors wondering what to do. In fact, the county is packed with indoor attractions, immersive experiences, and weather-proof activities that are perfect when the rain rolls in.
Whether you’re visiting Dorset on holiday or you’re local and just want something different to do, here are some of the best things to do on a rainy day in Dorset — all dry, all memorable, and all worth your time.
1. Play Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf at GLOBALLS Weymouth
When the weather turns, GLOBALLS Weymouth is one of the most fun and reliable rainy-day activities in Dorset.
This is indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf, but not as you know it. Giant animals and dinosaurs tower above you, the entire space glows with colour, and every hole feels playful and immersive.
It’s fully indoors, weather-proof, and works brilliantly for families, friends, couples, and groups. Most rounds take around 45 minutes, making it easy to slot into a rainy afternoon or evening.
If you’re looking for something energetic, social, and genuinely different on a wet day in Dorset, this is a strong contender.
2. Explore Nothe Fort and Its Underground Tunnels
Nothe Fort in Weymouth is ideal when the weather is grey. Inside, you’ll find underground passageways, historic gun rooms, and atmospheric tunnels that make the experience feel part museum, part adventure.
The fort also offers sweeping views over Weymouth Harbour — and when the rain clears, stepping back outside feels even more dramatic.
3. Visit the Tank Museum, Bovington
One of Dorset’s most famous indoor attractions, the Tank Museum is a fantastic rainy-day option. Home to hundreds of historic military vehicles, it’s surprisingly engaging even if you’re not a military enthusiast.
There’s plenty of space to explore indoors, interactive displays, and enough content to easily fill several hours.
4. Discover the Teddy Bear Museum, Dorchester
For something a little more quirky, the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum offers a charming indoor escape from the rain. With displays ranging from antique bears to famous fictional characters, it’s a nostalgic and unexpectedly enjoyable stop — especially for families.
5. Get Creative at Dorset’s Art Galleries and Museums
Dorset has a strong creative scene, and rainy days are perfect for exploring it. Places like the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester offer exhibitions covering archaeology, art, and local history — all indoors and easy to explore at your own pace.
It’s a calmer option, ideal if you want something cultural without battling the elements.
6. Enjoy Indoor Attractions Along Weymouth Seafront
Even when it’s raining, Weymouth still has plenty to offer. From indoor attractions to cafés and arcades, the town centre is easy to explore while staying mostly dry. Pairing a walk along the harbour with an indoor activity like GLOBALLS makes for a balanced rainy-day plan.
7. Warm Up in a Cosy Dorset Café or Tearoom
Sometimes the best rainy-day activity is slowing down. Dorset is full of cosy cafés and traditional tearooms where you can escape the rain, warm up, and enjoy local food. It’s not an attraction in the traditional sense, but it’s part of what makes rainy days feel special rather than wasted.
Why Dorset Is Still Worth Exploring on a Rainy Day
Rain doesn’t stop Dorset from being enjoyable — it just shifts the focus indoors. From immersive experiences and historic sites to playful attractions and creative spaces, there are plenty of things to do on a rainy day in Dorset that feel just as memorable as a sunny beach walk.
With options like GLOBALLS Weymouth offering fully indoor, high-energy fun, there’s no reason to let bad weather dictate your plans.
