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The Jurassic Coast

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Discover gems of the Jurassic Coast

5 days From £449 £399 per person
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Save up to £100pp on selected UK and European 2023 holidays when you book before 31st of March 2023.

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2023 Tour code: 23DJS

About the tour

Discover gems of the Jurassic Coast, England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, by steam train and heritage railway. Visit ancient Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck, explore gardens and Christchurch.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Bournemouth

Meet at your hotel in Bournemouth. You have time to settle in and explore independently before dinner at the hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 - The Jurassic Coast & Corfe Castle, Isle of Purbeck

This morning you transfer by coach to Poole Quay for a cruise to the Victoria seaside town of Swanage on Dorset's eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. Sailing the open blue sea, you pass Brownsea Island, the beaches of Studland Bay and the unique geological formations of the Jurassic Coast. As you approach Swanage, from the boat you see the white chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks. Swanage is an atmospheric town with a long beach, interesting shops and delicious food. On arrival, you have time to grab some lunch before joining the Swanage Railway to Corfe Castle. This rebuilt heritage railway takes you on a steam hauled journey to Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck. Here you are free to look around the fascinating 1,000 year old royal castle at your leisure. The keep of this fortress castle was built in the early 12th century for William the Conqueror's son, King Henry I. The castle has an intriguing history, having survived siege, destruction and the English Civil War. At the end of the afternoon you transfer by coach back to your hotel for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Exbury Gardens Steam Railway, Beaulieu Motor Museum

After breakfast this morning you transfer by coach to Exbury Gardens in Hampshire's New Forest. The gardens feature the world-famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. On arrival, you explore the gardens on the narrow-gauge Exbury steam railway, 'the Rhododendron Line'. The narrow gauge engines - described as a 'chauffeur driven buggy' depart from a replica Victorian station 'Exbury Central' and travel through the beautiful park and gardens. If you prefer, you could take a scenic stroll through the gardens, or hop on board the steam train to pass through sections that can only be seen from the railway.

After your rail journey, you transfer by coach to the Beaulieu Motor Museum. There's plenty to see here, including the National Motor Museum, 'Palace House' - a medieval turreted house, remodelled in Victorian times and owned by the Montagu family - and Beaulieu's serene grounds and gardens. On entry to the museum you are free to get lunch in the restaurant and to explore at your leisure. Afterwards you return to your hotel by coach before dining at your hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Watercress Line, Christchurch

Today you travel by coach to join the Watercress Line from Alton to Alresford. The line is named after the watercress that was once sent all over the country from Alresford station. You travel to Alresford in an elegantly restored carriage. On arrival in the station you have time to explore the restored buildings - these include a museum with exhibits of Somerset and Dorset, and the Old Goods Shed, which sells gifts, stationery and books. There's free time for lunch here and you'll find something delicious at the West Country Buffet, which on a pleasant day you can enjoy in the picnic area. After lunch you continue by coach to Christchurch, along the coast, where you have time to look around.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Home

After breakfast today your holiday ends and you are free to make your way home or to continue to explore the fascinating Jurassic Coast.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Hermitage Hotel, Bournemouth

Hermitage Hotel, Bournemouth

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Trains

Swanage Railway
The Watercress Line

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The Jurassic Coast

Discover gems of the Jurassic Coast

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Ashleigh Howe
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Lynne Broadley
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