Rainy days out in Dorset & Hampshire
Winter is well and truly on its way and love it or hate it, you can’t deny the fact that sometimes it can make the thought of venturing outside just a little less appealing - especially if it’s raining.
Don’t let the rainy days trap you inside. There’s plenty to do in and around our Dorset and Hampshire parks that’ll keep the whole family entertained and more importantly, dry.
Here are our top rainy-day activities in Dorset and Hampshire…
FOR THE MOTORHEADS
The National Motor Museum Beaulieu is a fantastic day out for the whole family. With over 280 vehicles on display including famous on-screen cars, F1 cars and the World of Top Gear exhibition, you can easily fill an entire day there. It’s not just for car lovers either, there's the historic Palace House where you can learn about life in the Victorian times, the WWII Secret Army exhibition and the beautiful grounds to wander if you remember your wellies!
Sammy Miller Motorbike Museum is just down the road from Hoburne Bashley. The museum is home to one of the largest collections of racing bikes in the UK which are restored and cared for by 11 times British Champion motorcyclist, Sammy Miller. The museum's tearoom is also popular with the locals!
FOR THE AFTERNOON TEA ADDICTS
Stewarts Garden Centre is just a ten-minute walk, or two-minute drive from Hoburne Park, and around 15 minutes in the car from Naish or Bashley. The garden centre offers a range of plants, homeware, gifts and lots and lots of cake – including afternoon tea!
Cosy up and escape the rain at The Cliffhouse, Barton on Sea where you can enjoy afternoon tea with clifftop views of the Isle of Wight. If you’re staying at Hoburne Naish it's even within walking distance and can be accessed using a cut-through from the back gate. A local favourite!
New Forest Lavender Farm Tea Rooms – A little further afield, but worth the journey! This hidden beauty boats a delicious range of homemade cakes, many of which are made using local ingredients including those grown in their very own gardens! Why not tie it in with a trip to Southampton?
FOR THE SHOPAHOLICS
Featuring all of the popular high street stores, and being predominantly inside, West Quay, Southampton is a great choice for a rainy day. All members of the family will be catered for with shops to suit a range of tastes and ages, a large choice of restaurants and cafes, plus the cinema and bowling nearby.
Gunwharf Quays Outlet, Portsmouth is just over an hour away from our Dorset and Hampshire parks and is the perfect place to get some early Christmas shopping done. With big brands such as Levis, Ralph Lauren, Joules and even a Lindt store, you can easily spend the whole day there.
If you fancy a browse but don’t want to go so far, then Christchurch, Lymington, New Milton, Ringwood and Bournemouth are also nearby with a smaller selection of shops.
FOR THE ANIMAL LOVERS
Get lost in a land under the sea when you visit Oceanarium, Bournemouth. With exotic fish, penguins, sharks, otters, stingrays and turtles to name but a few, you’ll be able to enjoy talks and feeding sessions as well as walk through the famous tunnel of fish.
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