The Local Area

Dorset is an area of outstanding natural beauty, with miles of unspoilt countryside, towering cliffs and sandy beaches. Surrounding the resort is a wealth of natural and historical heritage to explore - gardens, castles, historic houses, and the Jurassic Coast, a mind blowing 185 million years of the earth's history in 95 miles of spectacular coastline.

The enchanting New Forest is the ideal place to explore on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by car. There are many circular footpaths and miles of traffic free cycle tracks. Ponies and cattle are free to wander and graze the land and help to keep the patchwork of different habitats intact. Deeper in the forest wild deer can be seen beneath canopies of oak and beech. There are dozens of events throughout the year including Dawn Chorus Walks, Deer Watches and Bat Walks and many guided walks where local experts will tell you about the history, geology, wildlife and folklore of the forest.

Nearby Christchurch to the east sits on the shores of its own harbour and is renowned for its fascinating heritage, intriguing history and in particular its magnificent 11th century Priory Church. It has a wealth of accessible, attractive and safe nature reserves and other wildlife areas, with open heathland, ancient wildflower and wet meadows and cliff-top woods. There are 10 Sites of Special Scientific Interest and four local nature reserves. The waters around Christchurch are renowned for providing some of the best all round fishing in the country.

To the west of Bournemouth lies the small Sandbanks peninsula, which contains some of the most expensive houses and land in the country. The Sandbanks Chain Ferry shuttles cars and foot passengers between Sandbanks and Studland and the Purbecks beyond.

Brownsea Island in Poole's stunning natural harbour is the home of one of the few remaining colonies of red squirrels in England and was host to the BBC's 2008 Autumnwatch programme. The island is also famous for being the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding and was the inspiration for 'Whispering Island' in Enid Blyton's Five Have a Mystery to Solve.

With half of its area designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty and over 60 places to visit, the Isle of Wight has much to keep visitors of all ages busy. As well as the network of footpaths that stretch over 500 miles, there are fun parks with thrilling rides, animal and bird sanctuaries, dinosaur and maritime museums, Roman villas, medieval castles and historic houses, including Queen Victoria's favourite seaside home, Osborne House. The Isle of Wight is easily reached by ferry crossing from nearby Lymington or on an organised trip from Bournemouth.

Things to do...