Poole Special Interest Excursions

Abbotsbury Swannery and Gardens

Abbotsbury with its world famous Swannery and a grade on listed Sub Tropical Garden with stunning views of the Jurassic Coast offers a unique and exciting expe. More information.

Dorchester

Dorchester is Dorset’s county town and offers varied shopping and a popular weekly market, with Prince Charles's internationally renowned Poundbury which can be found on the western side of the town. The celebrated literary author, Thomas Hardy (1840-1928), spent many years of his life in Dorchester and the surrounding area - his fictional 'Wessex' - and his legacy remains in the region today.

The Life Boat College

Occupying a prime waterfront location in Poole, The Lifeboat College is the place where the Royal National Lifeboat Institution trains its volunteer lifeboat crews, so that they may save more lives at sea. It is the only lifeboat training facility of its kind in the world.

Opened by HM The Queen in 2004, it is a stunning building, which has won a number of awards for its design and construction.

Lyme Regis and the Cobb

One of the locations for the filming of The French Lieutenant's Woman, enjoy Lyme’s dramatic location, congenial climate and timeless charm. From the crest of Timber Hill a magnificent, panoramic view of the bay lies before you with the blue sea above the ragged rooftops of the town, embracing and beckoning. M

Salisbury

The medieval city of Salisbury has it all: historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional English eating houses and characterful shopping streets, not to mention a superb range of attractions, including the UK's finest medieval cathedral - an international symbol of Christianity and a world class heritage attraction. The Cathedral was built in just 38 years (AD1220-1258)

Sherborne

Sherborne is a beautiful, fascinating town nestled in green valleys and wooded hills. There are many fine art and antique shops as well as a variety of individually owned shops and boutiques to browse around. The town has a wealth of history and is renowned for its ancient Abbey Church, famous schools, 15th century almshouse and two castles, one built by Sir Walter Raleigh.

Winchester Cathedral

There has been a Cathedral in Winchester since about 648 AD. The foundations of the current Cathedral were laid out in 1079 by Walkelin, the first Norman Bishop. To this new building (consecrated in 1093) the relics of St. Swithin were solemnly transferred, 15 July, and the `Old Minster´ was torn down. The Norman cathedral measured 535 ft (164m) in length, the longest then in existence.