Bournemouth, New Forest & Gardens of Dorset

Day 1

We travel south today, enjoying a visit to Salisbury along the way. Known as 'the city in the countryside', enjoy the splendour of the city's medieval cathedral, boasting the original Magna Carta and Europe's oldest working clock, or the nearby quaint streets and historic half-timbered houses. After our visit, we continue to our hotel.

Day 2

Our tour of the New Forest begins with a scenic drive through this stunning National Park, renowned for its ancient woodlands, idyllic glades, heathlands, and open moors, as we travel to Lyndhurst, often referred to as the 'capital of the New Forest'. As we drive through an area once used as the hunting grounds of kings and queens, we also visit Burley, oozing old-world charm with pretty thatched cottages, and the charming coastal market town of Lymington, home to cobbled streets, colourful marinas, and independent shops.

Day 3

Boasting seven miles of sandy beaches, a glistening, clear blue sea, award-winning gardens, and a vibrant town centre, Bournemouth offers all the traditional seaside attractions for you to explore in your own time. Why not stroll amongst the town's many glorious gardens and parks, such as Alum Chine Tropical Gardens? You can take a beautiful walk from the seafront, passing the lush trees and shrubs from around the world, and enjoy fantastic views from the cliffs above or jump on the land train for a scenic journey along the seafront to Boscombe Chine Gardens.

Day 4

This morning, we travel to Wimborne Minster, a historic market town. We also make our way to nearby Kingston Lacy House and Gardens; this Venetian-inspired country estate in the Dorset Countryside is home to magnificent gardens that Queen Victoria once sent her gardeners to for inspiration and is now under the protection of the National Trust.

Day 5

We travel to Compton Acres, one of the country's finest ornamental gardens, boasting over three thousand varieties of plants, laid out in a circular route like the jewels in a necklace. After our visit, we continue our journey back home.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner