A beautiful discovery of the Jurassic Coast and New Forest, exploring seaside towns, ancient castles and natural wonders by heritage rail

Your exploration of the Jurassic Coast and New Forest starts as you arrive independently at our four-star hotel in the coastal town of Bournemouth.

With check in available from 2pm, you could spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the seaside resort. Our hotel is within easy access to the beach and city centre, where you'll find the Bournemouth Aquarium and a mix of shops on the high street. Bournemouth as we know it was founded in the early 1800s as a health resort and quickly became a popular destination for Victorians, attracted to its spas and seven miles of sandy beaches. It remains a favoured seaside town amongst Brits and is also the ideal base for our discovery of the surrounding areas.

Returning to the hotel, meet the Tour Manager ahead of dinner this evening.

After breakfast, we take a short coach transfer to Poole Quay for a boat trip to Swanage. Sailing the open blue sea, we pass Brownsea Island, Studland Bay and the white chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast.

Swanage is an atmospheric Victorian seaside town with a long beach, independent shops and delicious food. On arrival, there's time to grab some lunch before joining the Swanage Railway*. This heritage rail journey runs through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside, passing waving fields and charming villages.

Reaching Corfe Castle, you can explore its fascinating 1,000-year-old ruins at leisure. Sitting on a hill overlooking the peaceful village, the dramatic remains have an intriguing history, having borne witness to sieges and the English Civil War. The keep of this fortress castle was built in the early 12th century for William the Conqueror's son, King Henry I. After admiring this former royal stronghold, we return to Bournemouth by coach for dinner at our hotel.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

Please Note - For departure 9th May, Days 2 and 4 have been swapped around.

For departure 10th September, Days 2 and 3 have been swapped around.

This morning, we travel by coach to the New Forest to explore Exbury Gardens, home to the fantastic Rothschild collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. We enjoy a different view of the gardens by boarding the Exbury steam railway, also known as the Rhododendron Line. Departing from a charming replica Victorian station, the train meanders around the beautiful gardens and circles Dragonfly Pond, where you can try to spot local wildlife.

This afternoon, we are driven to the National Motor Museum in the expansive grounds of Beaulieu, home of the Montagu family. There's plenty to see here, from Formula 1 vehicles and land-speed record breakers to the famous car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Alternatively, enjoy a bird's-eye view by riding on the monorail through the roof of the museum. Also on the estate, you can find Palace House - a medieval turreted house - or wander the serene gardens.

There's a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch before returning to the hotel by coach, with time to relax before dinner.

Please Note - For departure 14th May, Days 3 and 4 have been swapped around.

Heading into Hampshire by coach this morning, we arrive in the traditional market town of Alton. There is time to wander independently, uncover the grand Georgian architecture lining its attractive main streets, or you could seek out St Lawrence Church, where you can still see damage caused during a 1642 battle in the English Civil War.

Heading to the station, we board the Mid Hants Railway, also known as the Watercress Line*. This steam-hauled heritage railway travels through ten miles of idyllic countryside on a picturesque route that originally transported produce to London's markets from the UK's capital of watercress farming, Alresford. There's free time to explore or enjoy lunch independently before boarding the coach for our next stop.

Historic Christchurch boasts many attractive sights, and its 11th-century priory is one of the few monastery churches to have survived Henry VIII's rule. Panoramic views reward those who climb the 176 steps to the top of its tower. Later, the coach takes us back to our hotel for our final dinner as a group.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

This scenic part of southern England has given us many beautiful memories during our exploration. Sailing from Poole Harbour to Swanage revealed the gleaming chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks. In the New Forest, we admired Exbury Gardens and Beaulieu's National Motor Museum, while Alton and Alresford showcased elegant Georgian architecture. Throughout all this, nostalgic heritage railways allowed us to sit back and enjoy front-row seats to the picturesque countryside we travelled through.

Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Once you've checked out of our Bournemouth hotel, you can make your way home or continue to explore more of the fantastic Jurassic Coast and New Forest on your own.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

The Swanage Railway is a heritage steam railway which follows the route of the old Purbeck branch line through the picturesque scenery of the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. The railway first opened in 1885 and continued to carry passengers for almost 90 years until British Railways closed the line and lifted the track in 1972.

A group of enthusiasts got together with plans to restore the line and after re-opening a small section in 1979, the railway grew and grew. In 1995 the journey passengers enjoy today was finally completed: a six mile long route between the town of Norden and the seaside resort of Swanage, passing the impressive ruins of Corfe Castle along the way.

The Mid Hants Railway, affectionately known as the 'Watercress Line', runs between Alton and New Alresford. The line was opened in 1862 and got its charming name from being used to transport watercress to the London markets. It ran for just over 100 years before being closed, but was re-opened in 1977 as a heritage line, transporting passengers through the lovely Hampshire countryside.

The 4-Star Hermitage Hotel is close to Bournemouth's sandy beach and pier. Set in front of the attractive Lower Gardens it also boasts wonderful sea views. The elegant hotel restaurant, Hardy's, has an AA-Rosette award and serves modern British cuisine using local produce, with Full English breakfasts served each morning, while the Lounge Bar offers light meals, snacks and drinks. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The hotel has paid parking available on site.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York, London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour Advisors to discuss your requirements.