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. From our base here, 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?
- Return coach travel- 4 nights at the Heathlands Hotel, Bournemouth (JG2 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 - £14pp (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.
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The 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?


Weymouth
Located on the Dorset coast, Weymouth is a traditional seaside resort which has retained its original charm but has plenty to keep all ages and tastes happy.
With a majestic sweep of golden beach, a historic harbour, plenty of family-friendly attractions and a nature reserve right on its doorstep, Weymouth is a delightful coach holiday destination.
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Poole
The bustling coastal town of Poole is situated in Dorset on the south coast of England. Nestled between Bournemouth, the Isle of Purbeck and theJurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this popular tourist resort attracts visitors with its stunning natural harbour (the largest in Europe), award-winning Blue Flag beaches with golden sands, lively quayside and beautiful Old Town.
The harbour is a haven for sailors and water sports enthusiasts while the Old Town offers the chance to immerse yourself in Poole's fascinating history which dates back to medieval times.
Once the thriving centre of Poole's maritime industry, PooleQuayis full of treasures and is lined with a range of gift shops, traditional pubs, café bars and attractions. There are also plenty of eateries including many selling fine sea food, making this area a great place to browse and relax.
Poole also offers several urban parks and gardens including beautiful Poole Park, just a short walk from Poole Quay. Shopaholics are also catered for with an indoor shopping centre and pedestrianised High Street with a mix of well-known brands and small, independent retailers.Hotel Hotel
Heathlands Hotel, Bournemouth (JG2 rating)Set 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.\n\nUpgrade to the Royal Bath HotelThe 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. (JG3 rating)