South West - Dorset

The Coast with the Most

Discover Bournemouth with its award winning blue flag beaches, grade II listed beautiful Victorian gardens, parks & nature reserves, attractions, activities, great dining out and shopping experiences, coastal villages and a host of entertainment.

Explore Poole – Home to Europe’s largest natural harbour. With its eight unique islands and striking peninsula, the harbour is a haven for sailors, wildlife and water sports and is a gateway to the world heritage Jurassic Coast.  From the world famous Sandbanks beach to the bustling quayside, stunning parks & gardens and top attractions, tailor your trip to create unique experiences.

Resort Events

Bournemouth and Poole is known for its busy calendar and is proud to an eventful Resort.  Whether you’re here for the day or staying longer, there’s always something going on. 

In Poole you can experience the UK’s biggest and best weekly bike night from April to September, vintage events, music festivals and fireworks during the Summer.  

In Bournemouth highlights include the UK’s biggest Air Festival -  www.bournemouthair.co.uk

NEW for 2018, with a four-year investment in the town, Christmas Tree Wonderland is a unique festive trail featuring spectacular Christmas trees from around the world.

Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world. See them shimmer against the night skies along our pine-scented walkways. Explore the Alpine Market and skate under the stars in our enchanting Victorian gardens. Enjoy live music, entertainment and illuminations around the resort – www.christmastreewonderland.co.uk

Resort Accommodation

Bournemouth and Poole offer the perfect choice for a fantastic coastal break with a great range of accommodation choices from beautiful beach front hotels, national chains, family run hotels and guest accommodation.  There are also great group self-catering options including the opportunity to stay in the great outdoors. 

Many of our hotels welcome groups and coaches, offering coach parking on site, specialist breaks and tailored packages.

Resort Eating Out

Fresh seafood, local produce, traditional cream teas…no matter what you might be craving, you will find it in Bournemouth and Poole.

Bournemouth and Poole are renowned for offering a fantastic range of eating out experiences and celebrity chef restaurants.  Home to independent restaurants, bars, pubs, delis, cafes, hidden gems and well known chains offering a range of menus by day and night.

Bournemouth and Poole’s top 10 things to do

With so much to see and do in Bournemouth and Poole, we have highlighted the top 10 things to do and see in our award-winning resorts.

1. Coast with the Most – Take to the water on Poole Harbour and Bournemouth’s seafront. Have a go at something new or bring your gear and experience exhilarating water sports.

2. Picturesque Parks and Gorgeous Gardens – Award-winning Victorian gardens, parks, gardens and beautiful nature reserves, there are plenty of green spaces to explore.

3. Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! – With 10 miles of the South Coast’s best beaches to choose from, enjoy an ice-cream, go for a paddle in the sea or hire a beach hut and take in the views.

4. History & Heritage – Stroll along Poole’s historic quayside and beautiful old town.  Enjoy a visit to Poole Museum or Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth.

5. World Class Events – A dazzling programme of special events and festivals all year round from weekly firework nights in the summer, the UK’s biggest Air Festival in Bournemouth and new for 2018, Bournemouth’s spectacular Christmas Tree Wonderland.

6. Poole Harbour – Explore the world’s second largest natural harbour.  This beautiful national treasure is the gateway to incredible wildlife, countryside and woodland.

7. Shop ‘til you drop – From independents and boutiques to department stores, retail parks, shopping centres and high street favourites…get ready, get set and SHOP!

8. Evenings Out – You’ll find a perfect night out from international cuisine and award- winning food to theatre shows, concerts, touring West End shows and comedians or for a thrilling night out enjoy Poole Speedway!

9. A date with Nature – Internationally recognised, Poole Harbour is a UK hot spot for migrating birds and resident wildfowl.  A visit to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve in Bournemouth is a must for walkers, lovers of wildlife and nature.

10. Attractions and Activities galore – The resort is packed with award-winning family attractions and a wealth of activities that can be enjoyed throughout the season.

Resort Information

For more information and to download the latest Coach & Group Travel Guide for Bournemouth and Poole visit: www.bournemouth.co.uk/lovegroups or www.pooletourism.com/grouptravel

Resort Travel Trade Contact

Looking for help or need assistance to plan your next trip, please call our Group Travel Department on 01202 451741 or email tourism.marketing@bournemouth.gov.uk and we will be happy to help you.