Early Spring in Bournemouth

Early Spring is a wonderful time of year to getaway to the South Coast....and what could be better than a few days in ever-popular Bournemouth, the year-round resort town full of charm and character with a superb range of attractions, parks and gardens. Take a stroll through the lively and cosmopolitan centre with its pedestrian boulevards, historic gardens and street cafés or blow the cobwebs away along the historic pier or soft sandy beaches. Staying at the excellent Victorian townhouse Durley Dean Hotel enjoy included visits to the New Forest, Dorchester on market day and the stunning Tudor Manor, Athelhampton House & Gardens. And not forgetting a 99p bar each evening (selected drinks) between 19.00 - 21.00.Highlights
- 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Hotel entertainment (not nightly)- 99p bar deal each evening between 19.00 - 21.00 (selected drinks only)- New Forest Scenic Drive- Visits to Lyndhurst & Lymington- Visit to Dorchester on Market Day- Entrance to Althelhampton House & Gardens- Free day in Bournemouth- En-route stop in Winchester (time permitting)

Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head to the south coast making a stop en-route in charming Winchester, before arriving in Bournemouth for your 4 night stay. DBB with some in-house entertainment on some evenings. There is a 99p bar deal each evening between 19.00 - 21.00 which includes selected local beers, soft drinks, wines and spirits\n\nDay 2 - 4 - At leisure in Bournemouth with two included excursions and a full day of leisure to explore under your own steam\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nNew Forest Scenic Drive - Lyndhurst & Lymington\nStep back in time and discover the charm and natural beauty of the unique destination of the New Forest which became a national park in 2005. Once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, it covers an area of 566 square kilometres and is made up of vast tracts of unspoilt woodland, heathland and river valleys. Today deer, ponies and cattle continue to roam free in its ancient heaths and woodland as well as through the quaint traditional villages.\n\nHead to the historic market town of Lymington, with its charming, cobbled streets and old buildings, a great place for a spot of shopping. Its location at the mouth of the Lymington River has resulted in a colourful history of smuggling, shipbuilding, and sailing. Watch fishing boats and yachts coming and going from the Quay. Some free time here before heading northwards to Lyndhurst often referred to as the 'capital' of the New Forest. The Court of Verderers has been held here since medieval times and controls the number of ponies which can graze in the Forest. The New Forest Heritage Centre (free entry) - with museum, gallery, information centre, and shop is well worth a visit. Time here for a bite to eat and sightseeing. Return to the hotel late afternoon.\n\nDorchester (Market Day) & Althelhampton House\nVibrant Dorchester is not only Dorset's county town but also the birthplace of famous author and poet Thomas Hardy. The town enjoys a rich history dating back as far as the Iron Age and following a multi-million pound development, the excellent Dorset Museum is a major cultural attraction which traces 250 million years of Dorset's history (entrance not included - approx. £15pp in 2025). Thomas Hardy fans will of course, know Dorchester as 'Casterbridge' and can hunt down the Mayor of Casterbridge locations tucked away in the modern Dorchester's streets. With a large indoor market and an outside undercover section, you will find a wide range of products come rain or shine every Wednesday morning (until 13.00) at Dorchester Market.\n\nNext stop is Grade 1 listed Athelhampton House, one of England's finest Tudor Manors. The Great Hall, built in 1485, remains largely unchanged with its mainly original hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, stained glass, and other details. The Dorset literary giant, Thomas Hardy, visited Athelhampton many times throughout his life. The house has survived due to its complex ownership over the years and visitors can enjoy access to more than 20 historic rooms with antique furniture, heraldic glass and architectural details. (The majority of the rooms are on the ground floor but there is no lift access to upper levels). You may like to wander the 5 acres of award-winning gardens which features four walled formal gardens plus the broader gardens, with deep herbaceous borders and mature trees (some steps - access maps for best routes available on arrival if required). There is a cafe and shop. Return to the hotel this afternoon\n\nDay 5 - After breakfast and check out and head back to interchange with a suitable stop en-route and then onward to your hometowns.Durley Dean Hotel
The 4* Durley Dean Hotel is a historic Victorian townhouse hotel situated on Bournemouth's West Cliff, a few minutes walk from West Cliff Garden and approx. 15 mins walk down hill into the centre of town. There is also a public bus service which runs into town. \n\nThe bright, modern rooms are furnished to a high standard and feature flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, hair dryer as well as tea/coffee making facilities. There is a smart restaurant as well as a lounge bar and guests can make use of the leisure facilities (lower ground floor accessible via steps) including the heated indoor swimming pool. \n\nThere are no ground floor rooms but there is a lift to all floors. NB there are 6 steps at the hotel entrance