Good Times aw16/17
Brownsea Island
Situated in the middle of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island is one of the UK’s rare homes for red squirrels and many other wildlife species.
Jurassic Coast
Step back over 185 million years and uncover the remains of dinosaurs and all manner of ancient creatures. Stretching from East Devon to Purbeck, Portland Bill, Durdle Door and Chesil Beach are well worth a visit. You may even find a fossil of your own!
Mayflower Theatre
Treat yourself to a theatre show at the South Coast’s biggest theatre, featuring a mixture of spectacular touring productions.
Monkey World
Set up in 1987 as a home for abused chimpanzees in Spain, it has grown into a sanctuary for endangered and neglected primates from all over the world.
New Forest National Park
The original hunting ground of William the Conqueror, the forest is ideal for cycling, horseriding or a scenic walk while ponies, cattle and donkeys roam freely.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
This popular attraction is home to Lord Nelson’s Victory, HMS Warrior, the first iron-hulled warship, a newly-revamped museum dedicated to Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose and lots more...
Stonehenge
Just a short drive inland from the coast, this World Heritage Site is over 3000 years old and has withstood the rigours of time.
Studland Beach
Studland Beach offers a breathtaking panoramic view from the Isle of Wight, to Bournemouth Bay, to Old Harry Rocks and the Purbecks.
Tank Museum Bovington
Discover the World’s biggest collection of tanks, from many different wars and eras, as well as explosive live displays.
Shopping Central
The South Coast is full of great places to shop big brands and bargains alike, including WestQuay in Southampton and harbour side shopping in Portsmouth.
Hidden Gems
Beech Avenue and Badbury Rings
Beech Avenue is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks, and for good reason. Amongst rolling country hills, the road of Beech Avenue is smooth and hilly, great for driving or cycling. The only problem is you won’t want to keep your eyes on the road for all the stunning scenery! Fortunately, Badbury Rings lies just off Beech Avenue, and the tall structure provides great views. Badbury Rings is not only greatly aesthetically appealing, but a site of historical interest, being the remnants of a fort dating back to the Iron Age.
Hardy’s Cottage
For those literature lovers this is a must. The small cob and thatch Cottage was where Thomas Hardy was born, and resided until his marriage to Emma Gifford. Within its walls, Hardy wrote Under the Greenwood Tree, and Far From the Madding Crowd, perhaps his most famous novel. Visitors can see the majority of the house, most significantly Hardy’s room, the windowsill of which being where he wrote his early novels. The surrounding landscape gives an insight into the inspiration for much of his work, and just 3 miles away Max Gate can be found, the house Hardy lived in following his residence at the cottage until his death.
Moreton Ford
Moreton is a secluded, picturesque little village; a relic of a time passed, with small traditional tea rooms, cob and thatch cottages, and the beautiful St Nicholas’ Parish Church, which dates back to the medieval era, though was reconstructed in the 18th Century. The deciduous woodland has various walking trails and cycle paths, which if the right route is followed, will bring you to the ford. It’s the largest in Southern England, and is perfect for a cooling paddle on a hot summer’s day, as well as an excellent spot for a picnic.
Fleet Lagoon
Fleet is freshwater lagoon with its own beach, and is a fantastic spot for bird watching, significantly in its propensity to host migrating bird species, and Abottsbury Swans. There is a walking path perpendicular to the site, beginning at the Victoria Inn, and ending at the South West Coastal pathway, allowing visitors an immersive experience of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Additionally, the Lagoon is hidden behind Chesil beach, setting of Ian Mcewan’s famed short story On Chesil Beach; an added bonus for those with an interest his writing.
Ringstead Bay
An idyllic and unspoilt segment of west Dorset Coastline, Ringstead bay is a wonderful place for a walk, a picnic, to fly a kite, or go on a dog walk. There are ancient paths winding through the countryside which lead to the shingle beach. The beach boasts panoramic view of Weymouth harbour and Portland, as well as clear, warm and safe waters, so if the sun is glaring bathing and paddling can prove a particularly pleasant relief.
Arne
A haven for wildlife, this natural heath land is both a beautiful and fascinating site. There are information huts and guided walks available for those with particular interest in the plant and animal populations living here. In summer, when the heather is in full bloom, you can find various reptile and bird species, a seasonal highlight not to be missed.
Ensign Aut 12
Paultons Family Theme Park
Paultons Park is undoubtedly a fabulous day out for all the family, featuring over 60 breathtaking rides designed to deliver all round thrills. Smaller children will relish getting a thorough drenching in the Water Kingdom, or charging around the huge indoor play area in Peppa Pig world. These are just a few of the awesome attractions that promise a fun filled day.
Beaulieu
For all car enthusiasts and petrol heads, Beaulieu is an absolute must. Not only does it offer a collection of over 250 classic, vintage and veteran cars, it is also home to the world renowned National Motor Museum, alongside the Bond In Motion exhibit, the World of Top Gear and the On Screen Cars collection, featuring many of the celebrity cars you will have seen on the silver screen. Other fantastic attractions here are the historic Beaulieu Abbey, and Palace House, home to the Montagu family.
Poole
Take in Europe’s largest natural harbour
Hop on a harbour cruise from Poole Quay to witness some of the most stunning coastline views in the UK. See the five small islands of Brownsea, Furzey, Green, Long and Round and the world renowned Sandbanks peninsular where you can glimpse spectacular houses worth millions of pounds.
Relax on stunning beaches
Walk along Poole’s 3 mile stretch of blue flag awarded beaches including Britain’s best beach - Sandbanks. There are designated zones for swimmers and windsurfers.
Soak up the bustling Quayside
With its vibrant atmosphere, busy marina, factory price shopping, boat cruises and wide choice of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, Poole Quay is a great day out. Globally renowned Sunseeker is based just across the water so the quayside is the perfect base to view luxurious super yachts. For the kids, grab a bucket and line, as there’s plenty of crabbing opportunities.
Discover fascinating history
Delve into Poole town’s rich history with a trip to Poole Museum, ranked as one of the top free attractions in the South West by Visit England. The self-guided ‘Cockle Trail Walk’ takes you around the beautiful old town and quayside, and back in time with tales of Poole’s past.
Explore stunning parks and gardens
For spectacular gardens, Poole is hard to beat with Compton Acres, reputed to be the finest gardens in Europe and Upton Country Park - an early 19th Century residence built for a wealthy merchant and open for the public to enjoy. Immaculately maintained Poole Park, just a short walk from the town centre, has plenty to keep the family amused.
Dine Alfresco
Home to a selection of the South West’s best restaurants with the freshest fish from the bay (including locally caught oysters), with some of the best tables and views in the UK, we know you will find something to make your mouth water. www.eatoutpoole.com
Cross Poole’s unique Twin Sails bridge
The world’s first triangular leaf lifting bridge is now open. It is a spectacular sight to behold and taller then Nelson’s Column when its iconic sails are fully raised. Catch a night time lifting to view the colourful bridge lights dominating the landscape. www.boroughofpoole.com/twinsails
Experience Tower Park
The South Coast’s leading entertainment centre has something for all ages including Splashdown indoor water park, a recently refurbished 16 screen Empire cinema, bowling, Gala bingo, soft play and plenty of leading brand name places to eat. www.towerparkentertainment.co.uk
Be entertained at Lighthouse
Offers a year round programme of national and international events, shows and concerts. The centre is also home to the world class Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Be thrilled by Poole pirates at Poole Speedway
Watch current Sky Sports Elite League winning team, Poole Pirates battle it out on the speedway track offering exhilarating, edge of the seat action from the world’s top riders. Most Wednesday evenings, March – October. www.poolespeedway.net
further information on all these activities can be found at: pooletourism.com
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