DETAILED OVERVIEW

ITINERARY

Day 1

We depart the local area and make a stop for lunch before arriving at The Mercure Bournemouth Hotel mid-afternoon, ready to settle in and get acquainted with the facilities on site.

Day 2

Today we enjoy a scenic drive through the New Forest National Park and enjoy a visit to Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway. More than 100 years in the making, Exbury's glorious gardens, designed and curated by the de Rothschild family, have the power to delight and inspire in equal measure. This spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens provide an ever-changing palette of colour that will entice you back to witness the seasons unfold.

Day 3

This morning we travel along the coast to the pretty harbour town of Poole, famous for its pottery. We head back for the afternoon at leisure in Bournemouth.

Day 4

Today we will visit Athelhampton, explore the 500-year-old house and find out about the history and the Hardy connection with their new short film, 'Hardy at Athelhampton'. The Great Hall built in 1485 remains greatly unchanged with a mainly original hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, stained glass and other details. Stroll through the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens and explore the beautifully restored Kitchen Gardens.

Day 5

We depart the hotel after a leisurely breakfast and return home with a lunch stop on route, arriving back late afternoon.

PICK-UP POINTS

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour. Please note some pick up points may not be served on all departure dates.

USEFUL LINKS

• Bournemouth
• Mercure Bournemouth
• Athlehampton
• Exbury Gardens