Dorset rainy day ideas
Posted on: 29th June 2023
Posted on: 29th June 2023
British summer time is well-known for having it’s erm… not so sunny days! Don’t let the rainier days dampen your camping spirit though, there’s still plenty to see and do here in Dorset for those days when the weather isn’t playing ball.
Use award-winning South Lytchett Manor Camping & Caravanning Park as your base and plan visits to some of these top places to visit on a rainy day…
See the World’s largest collection of tanks and armoured vehicles spanning from 1915 to today.
The Tank Museum features ten exciting exhibitions and even if you aren’t a big tank enthusiast, you are sure to find something of interest.
For younger visitors, there’s an indoor play area and soft play zone and opportunities to get hands on with Lego and other exhibits. Look out for special events and free, themed activities throughout the school holidays too.
Rather than be under the rain, be under the sea instead at the Bournemouth Oceanarium. Situated right on the seafront by Bournemouth Pier, the Oceanarium brings with it a colourful selection of marine fish and other aquatic species. Spot the turtle, watch the otters scurrying about in their holt and see the colony of penguins at the Penguin Beach Enclosure.
Keeper talks and feeding times take place throughout the day.
A great place for the kids to burn off any excess energy, Lemur Landings at Tower Park not only has a large soft play area but also a role play area and climbing zone (please note, age restrictions apply).
Once you’ve finished playing at Lemur Landings, then be sure to spend a bit of time in one of Tower Park’s restaurants or combine your visit to Splashdown or the cinema.
Around a 30-minute drive from our award-winning campsite, Dorchester is Dorset’s county town. Within Dorchester, you’ll find several museums which all offer a great place to escape any pesky raindrops!
The Dorset Museum celebrates 250 million years of history with exhibits from Dorset’s rich past, in fact, the museum is home to over 4 million objects! The museum plays host to a wide range of exhibitions including Wildlife Photographer of the Year which will take place from 21 July-29 October this year.
Continuing with the historical theme, you can discover the history of justice at Dorchester’s Shire Hall Museum. Experience the dock yourself as you learn some of the stories of punishment, justice and injustice that took place in this former law court.
Any dinosaur lovers should definitely check out the Dinosaur Museum, which is open daily throughout the summer months and step back in time at the Tutankhamun Exhibition, where you can see a spectacular replica of the famous Egyptian king’s tomb.
Situated in an imposing Grade II Listed building at the top of Dorchester High Street, The Keep Military Museum offers a fascinating history of local military history.
You don’t need to stroll too far from South Lytchett Manor to escape the rain, take the short walk to The Courtyard Craft Centre for a variety of crafty shops and a cosy café, The Cowshed.
In addition to this, Be Creative Jewellery, runs jewellery-making workshops and other craft workshops, with some suitable for children too.
This blog gives you just a flavour of what you can see and do in Dorset when it’s raining, you’ll find plenty of other suggestions on our website and in our Information Hut.
Our award-winning holiday park is situated in the heart of Dorset, just outside of Poole. It the ideal holiday destination for exploring the Jurassic Coast and delightful towns and villages, including Swanage, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Wareham, all of which have some great places to pop into to escape the rain!
Located on Bournemouth’s East Cliff, Russell Coates is one of our favourite places to visit! With commanding sea views, Russell Coates features four gallery spaces, the finely decorated hall (which was once owned by Merton and Annie Russell-Coates) and the Café at the Museum. On finer days, enjoy the gardens as well.
We have a wide selection of superb accommodation options to ensure a pleasant break. Stay in one of our Glamping Pods, Shepherd Huts or Romany Caravans or book a classic Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Pitch. However you decide to stay you can make use of the excellent on-site facilities set within our tranquil grounds. We’re constantly investing in the park to ensure you have nothing but a 5-star holiday!
To secure your unforgettable holiday in Dorset, you can simply book online or call our friendly reception team who will gladly assist you with any queries that you may have.
You’ve converted me to camping! (Or glamping in my case!).
I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely stay.... 
Sophie, Apr 2024
Thank you for making our stay so fantastic.
For your complete commitment to us during our stay - thank you.... Mark and Stella , Mar 2024
What a fabulous place! Our first outing in our new campervan to try it out, the campsite and facilities are... thewardrobem, Nov 2023
