Bournemouth & Delightful Dorset Rail & Sail

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your coach at your convenient local pick up point this morning and sit back and relax as we head to the south coast and your lovely resort of Bournemouth. On arrival at your hotel, there will be time to settle in and perhaps take a stroll for a breath of fresh sea air. Make sure you have time for a drink in the bar to meet new friends before enjoying your first evening meal.

Days 2 to 4

Enjoy time to explore your lovely resort including beautiful sandy blue flag beaches, museums, galleries, amusement arcades and fabulous shopping opportunities. Visit the colourful esplanade, where delightful beach huts edge the soft sands and the two piers that stretch away from this beautiful coastline. Alternatively, there is the award-winning, world-class Victorian Gardens or the charm and bustle of the town centre to entice shoppers. You could also just decide to stay in the hotel and enjoy the facilities including the Indoor swimming pool or lounge bar. Maybe treat yourself to a Dorset Cream Tea! Make sure you leave room for your evening meals, which are followed by great entertainment on some evenings, giving you the opportunity to step out and sample Bournemouth by night on other evenings, or simply relax with a drink from the bar.

You can choose to either spend all your time enjoying the delights of Bournemouth at your own pace or join our INCLUDED excursions to explore some of the very best of Dorset with visits to the historic market town of Dorchester, the wonderful coastal town of Poole with an included Poole Harbour and Islands Cruise, and Swanage with a nostalgic ride on the Swanage Railway.

Day 5

After a final hearty breakfast it is time to say farewell today. Board your comfortable coach for a relaxing journey home with suitable stops on the way, full of fun memories.

Tour includes

• 4 nights hotel with English breakfast & evening meals
• Evening entertainment on at least 2 nights
• Plenty of free time to explore Bournemouth at leisure
• Visit to Dorchester
• Poole Harbour & Islands Cruise with live commentary
• Journey on the Swanage Railway
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate

Bournemouth

Bournemouth is the largest resort in Dorset and along with seven miles of sandy beaches also has beautiful parks and gardens. You’re sure to find plenty of things to do while exploring this coastal town, with lots of attractions, activities, entertainment and adventure to keep all ages entertained. With great shopping and dining experiences there really is something for all ages and budgets.

Beneath the magnificent cliffs you’ll find Bournemouth’s award winning beaches and world-class seafront. From family attractions and a historic house museum to picturesque walks and outdoor activities – as well as restaurants and bars – Bournemouth’s coastline is the jewel in its crown.  Beach huts are a very British tradition that actually originated in Bournemouth in 1908 - you can even rent the world’s oldest beach hut! The beach huts and funky beach pods are available for hire and are ideal for taking in the stunning views and watching the world go by.

For more information on what to see and do in Bournemouth, please click here (opens in a new window)

Dorchester

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationDorchester is a vibrant town for sightseeing and shopping. You will find a town with one foot in the past and another firmly in the future, with some of this country's best preserved Roman ruins moments away from a thriving high street. Dorchester is very fortunate in having no less than 8 museums, leafy riverside walks near the centre, dialect trails through the town's shops and cafes and the largest Iron Age hillfort in Europe. The Dorset Museum will give you an insight into the county's Jurassic past through to the life and work of Dorset's famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy. For more specialist interests you could visit the many themed museums from Teddies to Terracotta Warriors and Tutankhamun, all in this bustling town where there are plenty of individual shops and cafes to browse and watch the world go by for a more sedate visit.

Poole Harbour & Island Cruise

INCLUDED Visitor AttractionGet acquainted with the seaside splendour of Poole during a cruise around Europe’s largest natural harbour. Take in the fantastic views from the open deck as you pass picturesque Brownsea Island, homes of the rich and famous at the exclusive Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and much more.  With live commentary from the Captain you're guaranteed to not miss a thing.  You can also enjoy the lower saloon lounge area that includes booth seating and a fully licensed bar.  A great way to sit back and relax with friends and family. Hear how Poole Harbour was formed in the last ice-age and absorb the tranquility of the ocean before returning to Poole Quay.

Swanage Railway

INCLUDED Visitor DestinationWe travel to the Victorian coastal town of Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck to join our steam-hauled train for a scenic ride on the Swanage Railway. The heritage railway attraction operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line from Swanage to Norden. The station shop at Swanage is well stocked with souvenirs, railway books and DVDs, a large selection of items for model railways as well as clothing, railway prints and gifts for all ages.

Swanage itself is a popular destination and is pure seaside nostalgia, retaining much of its original character. Along with the traditional steam train, you can take a walk along the Victorian pier or enjoy a coastal walk with stunning views and amazing wildlife. Many artists have made their home in this beautiful town, and you can browse and buy their unique wares from the many studios, gift shops, galleries and workshops the town has to offer. Enjoy some of the delicious local produce, or sit down with an ice cream and watch the pretty town views. Back to top

Accommodation

Durley Dean Hotel Bournemouth

This historic Victorian townhouse in situated close within easy reach of Bournemouth's beautiful beaches. This 3-star Hotel offers bright and airy bedrooms which help to make you feel right at home, and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a work area. All rooms also have a private bathroom with a hairdryer. There is complimentary access to the leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, fully equipped gym, sauna and steam room. The restaurant and lounge bar are both light and comfortable, and a great place to relax or maybe even enjoy a traditional Dorset Cream Tea. The hotel is well-placed, just a short walk from the bars and shops in the town centre and the famous pier.

For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window)

Hotel location

Back to top