What to do on a rainy day in Dorset

If you happen to have a rare drizzly day on your next holiday to Dorset, don't let it stop you exploring all of the delights it has to offer!

Take a look below at what our lovely team get up to on a rainy day in this beautiful county!

Our Dorset Manager, Anne-Marie

If you have a rainy day on your well earned break to Dorset, it could be a reason to stay in and hit the TV remote looking at re-runs of an old TV show - or you could get out there and get wet! ( after all, if you had gone to the beach for a swim, you’d be wet from sea water anyway).

Zip your raincoat up and get walking. A trip to any of the beaches for a good walk followed by a cup of tea ( and cake, you deserve it after being so active) is a lovely day out, especially if you have children or a dog. If you are visiting in summer, you can still brave the sea for a dip, sometimes it feels warmer in the rain!

f you prefer a day out, I love to visit one of the beautiful towns we have in Dorset. Dorchester is the county seat with some lovely historic properties, shops and tea rooms.

My personal favourite is Christchurch, to the east of our county. It is within easy reach of the west from A31 and a hop over the sandbank ferry from our Swanage and surrounding properties. Shopping in the town is varied with markets, malls and independent quirky shops all available. There is an art gallery and beautiful priory church and grounds to wander through. Why not treat yourself or a friend to some locally produced gin or sweets from the Christchurch confectionary shop? The gin range available is displayed from the east to west of Dorset with a whole wall full of the in between.  Who cares if it’s raining?!

Our Administration Assistant, Natalie

If the weather's not quite what you were hoping for and you have children that need entertaining, why not take them to Putlake Adventure Farm in Langton Matravers, Swanage?

This fantastic working farm is the perfect place to let your little monkeys do what they do best!

There is a great indoor soft play area where kids can go burn some of that never-ending energy whilst Mums & Dads can enjoy a well-deserved coffee or bite to eat.

If the weather does happen to brighten up, there is a lovely farm to explore with some new friends to make along the way. Why not try feeding the lambs or take a ride on the tractor train? Whatever the weather Putlake is definitely worth a visit!

Our Property Manager, Claire

Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Abbotsbury is a pretty village with a lot going on!

Just a mile from the coast, and enjoying its own microclimate, Abbotsbury has three major attractions to visit; The Subtropical Gardens, The Children’s Farm and the Swannery.  All of the attractions have cafes, and the children’s farm has an indoor soft play area, perfect for a rainy day!

If there is a break in the clouds, then a walk up to the Chapel is well worth the effort, with fabulous views along Chesil beach towards Portland.  At the bottom of the walk, is a children’s play area to rival all others, with a fantastic view for the parents!

In the village itself are some hidden some gems.  Dansel is a favourite with locals for its fabulous contemporary, handmade wood designs – perfect as a unique gift.  To round the day off, there are a number of tea rooms and a pub!

Our Guest Services Assistant, Cleome

If you are looking for the perfect place to take shelter from the rain, then I could not think of any place better than LoveCake! As the name suggests, this café/deli has an astounding array of cakes that can’t be described as anything other than magnificent.

I have personally checked every flavour and can confirm they are all delicious, although the Carrot Cake is a firm favourite!

While I could keep rambling on about the cake, it would be rude for me to not mention what else is available. The friendly staff offer a wide variety of specials for both breakfast and lunch, and make sure you check out all the local items they sell.

The icing on the cake (pun intended) is that this beautiful, Instagram-worthy café is also dog friendly! Why not check it out on your next visit to Swanage?