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Itinerary
Bournemouth & Dorset Delights
We start the day with a visit to Poole, with its lively quayside, stunning natural harbour and some of the finest beaches in England. It also boasts a historic Old Town which showcases the splendour of its medieval past. Next stop is Swanage, where the Victorian pier is accompanied by colourful beach huts, seaside attractions and a scenic promenade. The museum is worth a visit too, featuring Purbeck art and displays about the town’s rich heritage, dating from the beginning of the stone trade.
Full Day
Bournemouth & Dorset Delights
We make our way to the charming county town of Dorchester. Idyllically located on the banks of the River Frome and framed against the glorious backdrop of the South Downs, this vibrant market town is steeped in history. Discover relics of Dorchester’s Roman past in the County Museum and Roman Town House or head to the award-winning Dinosaur Museum to find out more about the history of the area. There are also plenty of quaint cafés and restaurants dotted around the town too.
Half Day
Swanage Seaside Promenade & Victorian Pier
Explore Swanage’s classic seaside charm along the promenade lined with colourful beach huts and cafés. Walk the Victorian pier for sea views and fresh breezes, with the white chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks and the Jurassic Coast framing the bay on clear days.
Discover how Purbeck stone shaped the town’s fortunes and architecture at the local museum, which highlights quarrying heritage and regional art. Railway enthusiasts may spot steam-era carriages on the heritage line linking Swanage with Corfe Castle, while photographers find rewarding angles along the shore.
Dorchester Roman Sites & Dorset Museum
Visit Dorchester, Dorset’s historic county town on the River Frome, to explore its walkable centre and layered history. Choose to view striking mosaics at the Roman Town House and curated collections at the Dorset Museum, including manuscripts and artefacts linked to Thomas Hardy.
Known to the Romans as Durnovaria, the town also preserves the earthworks of Maumbury Rings, adapted from a Neolithic henge into an amphitheatre. Independent cafés and market streets add a friendly buzz, ideal for a mid-day browse between landmarks during your time in Dorset.
Poole Harbour & Old Town Quayside Stroll
Discover Poole’s character along the lively quayside, where fishing boats and sleek yachts share one of Europe’s largest natural harbours. Stroll past galleries and old warehouses, breathe the salt air, and look across to Brownsea Island and the wooded shores that shelter this stunning bay.
Step into the historic Old Town to trace centuries of maritime trade in narrow lanes and Georgian facades. Those interested can visit Poole Museum to see exhibits on seafaring and local crafts, or simply pause beside the glinting water to take in the maritime atmosphere.
