The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Dorset, England

The Tank Museum brings history to life, with the world’s best collection of tanks and explosive live displays. Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare spanning over 100 years of history. Exploring ten powerful exhibitions, you will come face to face with almost 300 armoured vehicles. This unique collection includes the world’s first ever tank, the feared German Tiger and the modern Challenger 2. There are special events going on throughout the year at The Tank Museum including TANKFEST, Tiger Day and the Vintage Christmas Festival and Craft Fayre, as well as special activity programmes during the School Holiday.

Sit back, relax and enjoy Dorset's spectacular scenery and wildlife on our 'Park Farm ATV Safari', venturing into 52 acres of beautiful countryside. Your guide will share some fascinating local history and a few quirky Dorset tales along the way. Refreshments, including homemade baked goods, are offered on every safari. Our aim is to leave you with unforgettable memories and an experience to talk about.

After a short break we are delighted to be opening again for Brewery Tours from 21st June 2021. Our draught ales win awards. Beer drinkers love them. They love the distinctive taste and delicious character. And the refreshing, thirst-quenching qualities of Palmers’ traditional ales. They love the fact we’re among the UK’s very best small independent brewers – and that we’ve been brewing fine ales non-stop since 1794. The original Old Brewery at Bridport in West Dorset is where we still work to traditional methods with the finest ingredients. Methods and ingredients that have built our reputation over 200 years. Today, we skilfully blend these best brewing rules with scientific systems, to create five quality ales for the 21st century.

Dorset Adventure Park is a family fun Waterpark and Mud Trail. Featuring 18 acres of woodland and lakes with stunning views of Corfe Castle. Whether you’re looking to get wet or muddy, there is something for everyone to enjoy! The Waterpark is a huge Woodland Water Park spread over two lakes overlooking Corfe Castle. Each lake features different inflatable obstacles for you to tackle. More than 200m of wet inflatable fun for you to challenge your family and friends. Dorset Mud Trail is an outdoor adventure trail for any age and is fantastic fun in any weather; great on a sunny day, but even more fun in the rain. Featuring 50 different muddy obstacles over a 2km trail. Mud washes off, memories last a lifetime! Free parking and Snack Shack offering hot and cold food and drinks. Come and join us for a full of fun day of outdoor adventure for all the family!

The Castletown D-Day Centre is a family friendly, interactive WWII museum that tells the story of the thousands of US military personnel who in June 1944 sailed from Dorset to the beaches of Normandy.

The Swanage Railway provides an ideal way to get to the beach without the need to park in Swanage. Simply leave your car at Purbeck Park, next to Norden station, which is conveniently located just off the A351 north of Corfe Castle, and start your holiday early!

A former Georgian workhouse, the Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. Find out about the town’s ancient past with our displays about Saxon princes and Iron Age dwellers at Hengistbury Head, then take a glimpse at life in the 19th century in our Victorian bygone gallery. In our family area, you’ll find hands-on activities and dressing-up costumes, as well as quizzes and spotter trails. There are plenty of corners to escape to at the museum, including our charming herb garden and south garden, which holds unexpected dinosaur surprises. The Red House has a charming shop with a wide selection of gifts to browse or buy and the café is the perfect setting for a bite to eat or something to drink, inside or out. Throughout the year, we also run a programme of fun, family-friendly events.