Day 1: We make our way to Bournemouth arriving at our hotel, with its stunning location on the East Cliff, with time to relax and freshen up before dinner.
Day 2: It’s seaside all the way today, as we make our way to Poole Harbour to embark on a relaxing boat cruise around the Eastern tip of the Jurassic coast. There will be live commentary on the stunning scenery and array of wildlife. Our cruise arrives in the traditional seaside resort of Swanage. With its Victorian pier reflecting its rich heritage and splendour, the town is steeped in nostalgia. After time at leisure to enjoy this charming resort and maybe get some lunch at one of delicious restaurants or cafes we embark on a scenic journey on the award winning Swanage Steam Railway to Corfe. There will be free time to explore this this pretty village or maybe visit Corfe Castle itself, with its dramatic ruins overlooking the village and one of Britain’s most iconic and evocative survivors of the English civil war. We return to Swanage on the heritage railway before our return cruise sailing back to Poole.
Day 3: This morning we have free time at our hotel or you may wish to take the opportunity to explore a little of Bournemouth with its wonderful beaches, traditional amusement arcades and great shopping. In the afternoon, we travel to the award winning Compton Acres, one of the most important ornamental gardens in England. With over 10 acres of themed gardens including The Italian Garden, The Wooded Valley, Rock and Water Gardens and the Japanese garden, there is so much to admire. Our guided tour will introduce us to some of the magnificent trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants around its circular walk. A step free route is available, if required. We have time to wander the stunning gardens at leisure, perhaps visit the café, plant centre or shop before returning to our hotel.
Day 4: Our excursion today takes us to Beaulieu located in the beautiful New Forest. With a stately home, a world famous motor museum and a 13th century abbey surrounded by picturesque gardens, there are over 800 years of heritage to discover. Celebrating 140 years of ingenuity, imagination and engineering, The Motor Museum exhibits over 250 vintage and iconic vehicles which depict the story of motoring in the UK and motor racing internationally. You can enjoy The World of Top Gear where the cars that were battered, modified and generally ruined are gathered in a special exhibition that pays homage to the world’s biggest car show. Visit Palace House, once the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey and a treasure-trove of Victorian artefacts. Lose yourself in Beaulieu’s serene grounds and gardens via the network of footpaths that criss-cross the attraction and head to Beaulieu Abbey to take a moment to pause and reflect in this oasis of calm. There is so much to see and do at Beaulieu we have the full day here to explore.
Day 5: After breakfast, we will make our way home.