Bournemouth & the Isle of Wight by Hovercraft

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside! The bustling resort of Bournemouth is home to seven miles of golden sands and a historic pier, offering a traditional and friendly coastal ambience. We explore the charming Dorchester Market and the harbourside town of Weymouth. We also discover popular Ryde after taking a fabulous journey to the Isle of Wight by hovercraft and have the chance to visit picturesque Poole and Swanage to complete a lovely few days away.What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- 4 nights at a selected hotel in Bournemouth (JG2 or JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Dorchester Market, Weymouth & the Isle of Wight- Return hovercraft journey to Ryde, Isle of WightOptional excursion to Poole & Swanage (£14pp)

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsDorchester Market & Weymouth (full day)Our first included excursion takes us to the charming county town of Dorchester, where we have time to browse the stalls of its beloved market. With a range of products on offer from 200 traders, it's perfect for bargain hunting!We continue to wander down the memory lane of seaside resorts with a visit to Weymouth, crowned with a lively harbour and fine Georgian seafront. The resort boasts a long sandy beach peppered with candy-stripe kiosks, plus fantastic views across the bay taking in the World Heritage Jurassic coastline.Hovercraft to Ryde, Isle of Wight (full day)We travel by coach to the popular resort of Southsea, where we then take a memorable journey as foot passengers by hovercraft to the Isle of Wight. Easily the fastest Isle of Wight ferry service across the Solent, it takes just ten minutes as we 'fly' on a cushion of air!We disembark in the seaside town of Ryde with its long stretch of sandy beach and pretty esplanade. There is plenty of time to take a relaxing stroll along the famous pier (the oldest in the UK), admire the boats moored in the town's harbour or explore the boutique shops, bars and restaurants before we head back, via hovercraft then coach, to the hotel.Optional ExcursionPoole & Swanage(full day)On our optional excursion we head first to Poole, a bustling resort with a lively quayside, stunning natural harbour, some of the finest beaches in England and a historic Old Town which still shows evidence of its medieval past. Next stop is the resort of Swanage with its seaside attractions, sandy beach, promenade, Victorian pier and colourful beach huts.

Bournemouth
With the only UK beach to be announced as one of the top ten beach destinations in Europe attracting visitors from all over the British Isles, the lively town of Bournemouth is a great destination for a coach tour.
With seven miles of lovely golden sands and inviting shimmering sea, this fantastic resort has much to offer.
See More

Isle of Wight
With a wonderful mild climate, shimmering waters and sixty miles of award-winning sandy beaches, the Isle of Wight has been a favourite coach holiday destination for generations.Discover the incredible range of things to do for all ages and interests, from seaside towns and enchanting villages to fun-packed theme parks and magnificent heritage sites including Queen Victoria's favourite retreat, Osborne House, with spectacular grounds and sumptuous royal apartments. Or how about climbing aboard the Isle of Wight Steam Railway for great views around the island?Hotel
Heathlands Hotel, BournemouthJG2 ratingSet in its own landscaped gardens, the Heathlands Hotel is located in the heart of Bournemouth just a short walk from the sandy beaches. The hotel offers comfortable en-suite rooms, a lounge bar and restaurant. Meals are buffet style.Royal Bath Hotel, BournemouthJG3 ratingThe Royal Bath Hotel is nestled in secluded grounds on Bournemouth's seafront. Opened on Queen Victoria's Coronation Day in 1838, it was the first hotel in Bournemouth. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room and gym (small charge applies). Meals are buffet style.Hotel RatingJG2 ratingHotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.JG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.