Highlights of the Jurassic Coast

5 September 2022

The hugely diverse landscape of the Jurassic Coast is a feast for the senses, and what better way to explore it than on a journey by rail?

Experience the Swanage Railway on a return trip to Corfe
Boat ride from Poole to Swanage
Entrance to the beautiful Exbury Gardens
Free time at the fascinating Beaulieu Motor Museum, including entrance
Unlimited full day rover pass on the breathtaking Watercress Line

Description
Itinerary
What's Included
Travel Options
Dates & Prices

On this short break, combine charming heritage rail travel with some of the most spectacular coastal scenery the UK has to offer. We’ll also enjoy a relaxing coastal cruise on the Sea Train experience from Poole to Corfe – a unique combination of boat and rail, followed by plenty of time for exploring, with visits included to Exbury Gardens and the fascinating Beaulieu Motor Museum.

Day 1: Bournemouth
Make your own way to our hotel in Bournemouth, where you meet our Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner.
Day 2: Sea Train Adventure & Swanage Railway
After breakfast at the hotel our coach transfers us to Poole quay where we’ll join the spectacular Sea Train adventure. We’ll begin with a boat ride from Poole to Swanage and then join the Swanage Railway for a fantastic round trip along the eastern tip of the enchanting Jurassic coastline. We’ll pass the famous Old Harry Rocks chalk formations, the quaint village of Harman’s Cross and the ruins of Corfe Castle in the stunning village of Corfe before continuing along the line until we reach Norden, from here we’ll retrace our route back to Poole quay. We’ll return to our hotel by coach for dinner.
Day 3: Watercress Line
After breakfast we join our coach and head to Arlesford Station. From here we have included unlimited access on the Mid-Hants Railway; affectionately known as the Watercress Line. Between the 1890s and 1960s the Mid-Hants Railway was involved in transporting watercress from the beds in Arlesford up to London and the Midlands, before being closed by the British Railways in 1973. However thanks to many eager volunteers the line has gradually been restored and re-laid, re-opening completely in 1985. After a day of leisurely exploring, our coach will take us back to our hotel where we will enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Exbury Gardens & Beaulieu National Motor Museum
This morning we journey by coach to Exbury Gardens, famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs. Here you have free time to explore the garden and its woodland walks, art and sculpture exhibitions. You can also enjoy an included ride on the narrow-gauge steam railway that follows a scenic route through parts of the gardens previously inaccessible to the public. This afternoon our coach takes us to Beaulieu National Motor Museum for an afternoon at leisure. There’s so much to see and experience at Beaulieu, why not take a tour on the mono-rail or open-top bus, explore the extensive motor museum and its fascinating collection of cars and transport or visit the palace house and gardens. Dinner is served in the hotel this evening.
Day 5: Return Home
After breakfast you are free to check out and depart at your leisure.

Please note: We cannot guarantee that all our rail journeys will be steam hauled and the running order of the itinerary may change depending on availability. The final itinerary will be confirmed in your final Travel Documents.

Overview

A former summer home of the Duke of Norfolk, Norfolk Royale, BW Signature Collection is a four star Edwardian hotel right in the centre of Bournemouth, just a short stroll from the resort's major attractions. The elegant hotel has a heated indoor pool with sauna, art-deco inspired restaurant serving locally sourced, seasonal British cuisine and a cosy lounge bar. Car parking is available at the hotel at additional cost.