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Itinerary
Bournemouth & the New Forest – Turkey & Tinsel
After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in.
Bournemouth & the New Forest – Turkey & Tinsel
We explore the New Forest, England’s smallest National Park, famous for its tranquil ambience and free-roaming ponies. We visit the Forest’s capital of Lyndhurst and the coastal town and former smuggler’s port of Lymington, with its cobbled streets and attractive quayside. Later we enjoy a traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner with all the trimmings back at the hotel.
Bournemouth & the New Forest – Turkey & Tinsel
Join us on an optional excursion which takes us first to the charming county town of Dorchester, where we have time to browse the stalls of its traditional market. We continue to wander down the memory lane of seaside resorts with a visit to Weymouth, crowned with a bustling harbour and fine Georgian seafront. The resort boasts a long sandy beach peppered with candy cane-stripe kiosks, plus fantastic views across the bay taking in the World Heritage Jurassic coastline. Anyone for a cone of cockles?
Bournemouth & the New Forest – Turkey & Tinsel
On our half-day excursion, we journey to Poole, a lively resort with a lovely quayside, stunning natural harbour and some of the finest beaches in England. It also boasts two Victorian parks, one of which, Poole Park, is a designated Conservation Area and a historic Old Town which still shows evidence of its medieval heritage.
Bournemouth & the New Forest – Turkey & Tinsel
After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head home.
Poole Harbour & Old Town Half-Day
On a relaxed morning, travel west to Poole for a half-day discovery of its lovely quayside and stunning natural harbour. Stroll the historic Old Town past merchants’ houses and warehouses before time to soak in the waterside atmosphere with a coffee on the quay or a gentle beach promenade.
Learn how Poole grew rich on Georgian maritime trade; its harbour is among the world’s largest, dotted with islands including Brownsea Island, famed for Scouting’s origins and red squirrels. If you wish, pause for photos and reflection in Poole Park, a Victorian landscape with boating lake and birdlife. Typically on day 4, this compact visit balances local history with sea air and wide estuary views.
Turkey & Tinsel Evenings: Traditional ‘Christmas’ Dinner, 2 for 1 Bar & Entertainment
Back at the hotel, festive cheer takes centre stage as you share a traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner with all the trimmings, followed by after-dinner tea and coffee. Most evenings feature a 2 for 1 bar (6pm–9pm) on selected drinks and light entertainment — think sing-along classics, quizzes or dancing — creating a convivial seaside house-party mood.
These Turkey & Tinsel nights echo a much-loved British tradition of bringing the season forward, complete with crackers and cosy camaraderie. Usually on day 2 or day 3, it’s a chance to relax with fellow travellers, enjoy a free evening without rushing out, and savour comforting flavours and warm hospitality that complement your daytime exploring.
Dorchester Market & Weymouth Seaside
Opt to join a full-day outing to Dorchester Market, where you can browse traditional stalls piled with local produce, flowers and bric-a-brac in Dorset’s county town — the setting for Thomas Hardy’s “Casterbridge”. There’s time to explore independent shops or pause for photos and reflection by the Corn Exchange before we continue.
We then travel to Weymouth to wander its bustling harbour and fine Georgian seafront. Amble the long sandy beach, spot pastel beach huts and savour views across the bay towards the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and the Isle of Portland. Usually on day 3, this experience is at an additional cost (£15 per person) and bookable on tour.
New Forest Scenic Drive: Lyndhurst & Lymington
Leave Bournemouth behind as you join a scenic drive into the New Forest, England’s smallest National Park, where free-roaming ponies graze heath and ancient woodland. In Lyndhurst, the Forest’s “capital”, stroll the High Street and, time permitting, pause for photos and reflection by St Michael & All Angels with its Pre-Raphaelite stained glass and the historic Verderers’ Court.
Continue to the coastal town of Lymington, once a smugglers’ haunt, to wander its cobbled streets down to the attractive quayside. Watch yachts tack across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight and browse boutiques and seafood stalls at your leisure. Usually on day 2, this outing blends tranquil landscapes with seafaring heritage, capturing the Forest’s unique commons culture and the salty character of a Hampshire port.
