Things to do in Weymouth in the rain

Looking for things to do in Weymouth when it rains? While Weymouth is best known for its award-winning beach and sunny seaside atmosphere, the English weather doesn't always cooperate. Fortunately, there are plenty of indoor attractions and rainy day activities to enjoy, from historic forts and fascinating museums to amusement arcades, shopping and family-friendly attractions across Dorset.

Best Things to Do in Weymouth When It Rains

• Visit Nothe Fort
• Explore Weymouth Tudor House
• Enjoy Weymouth's amusement arcades
• See a show at Weymouth Pavilion
• Relax in Weymouth's harbour cafes and pubs
• Browse Weymouth's shops
• Visit Dorset's historic country houses
• Explore Dorset museums
• Take a trip to Dorchester
• Visit Portland Castle and Portland attractions

Visit Nothe Fort - One of the Best Indoor Attractions in Weymouth

The Nothe Fort opens daily throughout the summer. A Victorian fort that tells the military history of Weymouth through the ages, the Nothe Fort is one of the best Dorset attractions to visit and is definitely worth a visit. Like most attractions, the Nothe Fort is best visited on a clear, dry day when a picnic up on the top can be enjoyed with stunning views from the ramparts taking in Weymouth harbour, Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour but there are plenty of indoor areas in the Nothe Fort though too making it a good place to visit if the weather isn't good enough to enjoy the beach.

Explore Weymouth Tudor House

The Tudor house at Weymouth is an old Tudor merchants house and can be found on Trinity street, a small road that joins the old harbour to Hope Square. The buildings on Trinity street would once have stood right on the waters edge allowing direct access for the merchants to their ships, however, today the inlet has been filled in and the house stands on a small road that leads from the harbour onto Hope Square. The Tudor House today is set out as it would have been all those centuries ago allowing us to step back in time and see how a Tudor merchant lived in Weymouth, it's definitely worth visiting. As an indoor attraction, it's perfect for an hour's visit if you find yourself needing to find things to do in Weymouth in the rain, the museum is run on donations so it is also a great option if you're looking for free things to do in Weymouth. Although not open every day, if you're in Weymouth on a day when its open, then you should definitely visit this historic building.

Enjoy Weymouth's Amusement Arcades

Amusement arcades are a holiday favourite for many, be it 2p slot machines, one arm bandits or the latest simulation games. Weymouth has a few amusement arcades to visit, from Alexandra gardens on the seafront - a large amusement arcade with some fairground rides outside - including a carousel. There are other amusement arcades along Weymouth seafront too, while many of the Weymouth holiday parks will of course have their own arcades to enjoy as well. For indoor things to do in Weymouth when it rains, a visit to the amusements could be just the thing.

Enjoy Indoor Entertainment at Weymouth Pavilion

Weymouth Pavilion is one of the town's premier entertainment venues and offers a fantastic option for rainy day activities in Weymouth. Situated on the seafront, the Pavilion hosts a varied programme of live theatre productions, comedy performances, tribute acts, concerts, family shows and seasonal events throughout the year.

The venue also regularly screens films, making it an excellent indoor attraction if the weather isn't suitable for spending time on the beach. With entertainment available for all ages, checking what's on at Weymouth Pavilion could provide the perfect solution when searching for things to do in Weymouth when it rains.

Relax in Weymouth's Harbour Cafes and Traditional Pubs

If you're looking for more relaxing things to do in Weymouth when it rains, why not take shelter in one of the town's many cafes, coffee shops or traditional pubs? The picturesque Weymouth Harbour offers independent cafes offering everything from a quick coffee and homemade cake to hearty lunches with views across the bustling waterfront.

Weymouth is also home to a variety of traditional pubs, cosy bars and welcoming restaurants, making it easy to escape the weather while enjoying a leisurely meal or drink. Whether you're watching the boats from a harbourside cafe or warming up in a historic pub, it's a great way to spend a rainy afternoon in Weymouth.

Visit Dorchester for Museums, Shopping and Indoor Attractions

Just a short drive from Weymouth, the county town of Dorchester offers even more things to do in Dorset when it rains. The town is home to a variety of museums and historic attractions, including Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, The Keep Military Museum and Shire Hall Museum, where visitors can explore fascinating local history and discover stories of famous trials, including those of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

Dorchester also has a good selection of shops, cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for a rainy day. Whether you're interested in history, shopping or simply finding somewhere warm and dry to spend a few hours, Dorchester is well worth considering.

Discover Indoor Attractions and Entertainment on Portland

The Isle of Portland offers more than dramatic coastal scenery and outdoor walks. If you're looking for indoor things to do near Weymouth when it rains, Portland has several attractions worth considering. Alongside exploring Portland Castle, visitors can discover local museums and heritage attractions celebrating the island's rich maritime and military history.

Portland also has a number of cafes and pubs providing a cosy retreat from wet weather, while nearby arts venues and community events can offer additional entertainment depending on the time of year. Combined with the island's unique atmosphere and spectacular views, Portland remains a worthwhile destination whatever the weather.

Visit Portland Castle on a Rainy Day

Portland Castle overlooks Portland Harbour where it offers fantastic views from the gun platforms, it's another good day out if you're looking for things to do when it rains in Weymouth. Portland is just a short drive from Weymouth and offers some fantastic scenery and walks. Portland Castle like many other places is best enjoyed on a clear dry day to let you take full advantage of the fantastic views on offer but much of the castle can still be explored on a rainy day. Portland Castle is open to the public as an English Heritage property.

Things to do in Weymouth in the rain? Visit the shops of Weymouth or visit Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth

Weymouth shops vary from some of the big high street names to the unique holiday gift shops, they can be found in the town as well as around the harbour and on the seafront. There are also lots of pubs, restaurants and coffee shops around, full of character offering food and drink and some delightful views. Why not shelter from the rain by visiting the local shops, if it brightens up you're only a stones throw away from the beach. The surrounding towns of Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth also have lots of shops to visit if you fancy going a little further afield.

The big country houses of Dorset are a great option whatever the weather

Dorset and the surrounding counties have some delightful country houses to visit, just a few include Kingston Lacy near Wimborne and Montacute in the village of Montacute near Yeovil. Both are National Trust houses with wonderful grounds to explore should it dry up. Other National Trust properties in the area include Corfe Castle, Thomas Hardy's Max Gate and Hardy's cottage, all great things to do in Dorset. Obviously, the grounds are best explored on a dry day, but exploring the historic houses could be another option for things to do in Dorset when it rains.

There are more than enough things to do in Weymouth when it rains

As you can see, there's plenty of things to do in Weymouth in the rain and even more if you want to travel and visit the rest of Dorset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do in Weymouth when it rains?

Popular rainy day activities in Weymouth include visiting Nothe Fort, exploring Weymouth Tudor House, enjoying the amusement arcades, shopping in the town centre and visiting museums and historic attractions across Dorset.

Are there indoor attractions in Weymouth?

Yes. Indoor attractions include Nothe Fort, Weymouth Tudor House, amusement arcades and nearby museums in Dorchester and across Dorset

What are free things to do in Weymouth when it rains?

Free or low-cost options include Weymouth Tudor House (donation entry), browsing local shops.