Top Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Dorset
If you are looking for things to do on a rainy day in Dorset then look no further than Dorchester. Dorchester is the county town of Dorset so it is jam packed with great indoor and outdoor experiences, shopping and places to eat and drink. Dorchester is also right in the middle of Dorset with great connections via bus and train, making it easy to get to from across the County.
Here are our top things to do on a Rainy Day in Dorchester, Dorset (in no particular order!)
1. Visit a Museum
Dorchester has some amazing museums that offer a wide variety of exhibits to suite your interests.
Dorset Museum is housed within a beautiful gothic building from the 1800s. The space has been newly designed and there is plenty to explore as the museum has three floors of exhibits. Downstairs there is a natural history section of the museum with lots of interactive exhibits perfect for children. On the upper floors you can explore Dorset’s rich history through many amazing artefacts. There is a Thomas Hardy section where you can see the novelist and poets original study and on the top floor you can explore the Elizabeth Frink collection of fantastic sculptures. The museum has two beautiful mosaics one is interestingly displayed on a wall meaning it’s easier to get close and see the intricate details of this masterpiece. If you need a break from exploring, you can pop into Taste Café for a coffee and some cake too.
Shire Hall Museum was once a former courthouse and here you can learn and experience the history of social justice and about social justice today. The museums earie cells hidden below ground are an incredible experience, and you can learn about people (including children) that spent time in them. You can explore the courthouse where the historic Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried, there are even costumes for dress up too. The Museum has a great café that serves yummy affordable brunches and lunches for after your visit.
The Keep Military Museum sits within the grand former gatehouse for the depot barracks of the Dorchester Regiment. There are three floors hosting stories of the Dorchester regiments and those who fought with them. At the museum you can see and incredible number of medals, flags, uniforms and weaponry used in different battles over time. Visit the top floor to see some stunning views of Dorchester and its surrounding areas. Even if it is a rainy day!
All of the museums have regularly changing exhibitions and packed events programmes so it is worth checking out the Discover Dorchester What’s On section to find out what they have on now
2. Enjoy a trip to the cinema
The Plaza Cinema on Trinity Street opened in 1933 and it housed in an Art Deco style building. Unlike many cinemas now a days the prices are very affordable so it’s a perfect spot to bring you, family or friends on a rainy day. The cinema has four screens and shows many of the current blockbuster movies.
3. Enjoy a spot of independent shopping
Brewery Square right next to Dorchester South Train Station is a great complex of shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment. Brewery Square has lots of independent shops, including the Vinyl Van who play great tunes for you while browse their huge selections records. As well as Loco Loves selling beautiful fashion, gifts and lifestyle products, you can also enjoy coffee and cake while you shop for the ultimate shopping experience.
If you like support local independent shops then Dorchester has many to explore. Especially Antelope Walk, on South Street, the historic walkway with very charming character is a perfect spot for some retail therapy or just to window shop. There are lots of boutique style shops such as the Cranbournes, selling gifts, cards, jewellery and more.
Up in Poundbury there are some more beautiful independent homeware shops to peruse including , Cherryade and The Rhubarb Candle Company.
4. Try out Dorchester's Escape Room
If you like escape rooms why not visit The Great Big Escape. This is the ultimate rainy-day activity for a group. Solve puzzles and find clues with your friends or family to figure your way out of the room. There are two themed rooms ‘The Spell of the Hattie Moonfall’ a more magic themed room and ‘Hop House Homicide’ a murder mystery themed room.
5. Catch a show
Dorchester Arts is based in the Corn Exchange in the centre of Dorchester and has a performance space accommodating up to 375 people with a fully licensed bar. Dorchester Arts programme about 100 events a year and aim to appeal to all sorts of people. At Dorchester Arts you can see comedy, music and theatre. They have special performances and workshops for children and young people too.