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& GROUP. COACH. TRAVEL

coastwiththemost.com WELCOME TO Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole the Coast with the Most! Three towns have come together as a world class seafront destination! Explore and experience adventures on the South Coast! Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole offer year-round city-style, countryside and coastal experiences like no other. A gateway to the World Heritage Coast and the majestic New Forest, visit a world-class resort by the sea with award winning beaches, coastal nature reserves, vibrant towns, inspiring festivals and quaysides packed with history Bournemouth and culture. of picture-perfect beaches, vast stunning natural harbours and acres of internationally protected heathland and open spaces offer a fabulous backdrop for groups to explore on land and sea. With its shimmering bays, this unique part of the UK’s coastline is packed with more water sports than any other UK resort. This guide contains a selection of group friendly accommodation (see pg18-20), places to visit and things to do (see pg22-25), plus itinerary ideas and coach driver information for the resort. Group & Coach Travel Trade Department BCP Tourism can support you with further itinerary and tour ideas as well as images and copy for your brochures and websites and subscription to our trade newsletters. 01202 451741 [email protected] Christchurch coastwiththemost.com

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Disclaimer. Details correct at time of print. Please note details are subject to change and we advise you to check all details when finalising any arrangements. BCP Tourism cannot accept responsibility for any errors, omissions or changes. , Poole

2 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 3 LOVE Bournemouth Come and stay with your group all year Nature at its best: Home to scenic round in Bournemouth, where you can nature reserves and historic award-winning discover and explore beautiful beaches, gardens, you will find a unique temperate stunning parks, gardens and nature reserves. microclimate with natural habitats. For Experience great dining, shopping, coastal wildlife lovers head to villages and a host of attractions, activities Nature Reserve, a dramatic headland in and entertainment. Bournemouth situated to the south of . For a beautiful river Discover our coastline: Hop on board walk visit Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre at a seafront land train and soak in the the Stour Nature Reserve a few miles stunning views of and north of . the Needles on the . The land trains run along the promenade eastwards Dining with a view: Along the coastline towards and westwards towards enjoy one of the inviting cafés or restaurants Branksome in Poole. Enjoy a bird’s offering heart-warming breakfasts, great eye view from our cliff lifts (April to October) lunch stops, cream teas and delicious situated alongside the zig-zag pathways evening dining options. at West Cliff and Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne. Festivals & Events: Enjoy our year- round programme of festivals and events, Historic Piers: Come rain or shine, enjoy providing entertainment and activities for the indoor climbing and high wire centre, all. Highlights include the Bournemouth the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire and Air Festival, Arts By the Sea Festival and the family amusements at Bournemouth Pier magical Christmas Tree Wonderland. or discover the free musical play trail and magnificent views at Boscombe Pier. For a warm welcome: Head to Pier Approach on the seafront and say ‘hello’ to Hire a beach hut: The perfect way to the Tourist Information Centre Team. Open spend the day on the beach. Choose from seven days a week, the TIC is stocked with Russell-Cotes Museum & Arts Gallery traditional beach huts and funky beach maps, leaflets and beautiful souvenirs. The pods. Available year-round. To book, go to: team will be happy to help you plan your Did you know? Bournemouth has welcomed a new attraction down on the bournemouth.co.uk/beachhuthire perfect break whether you are visiting for the Seafront at Pier Approach, ‘Smugglers Adventure Golf ’ (see pg 22). day, weekend or a longer break. Discover Bournemouth’s past as you smuggle your ball around 18 holes of Fantastic leisure attractions and pure adventure mini golf. Nearby the historic seaside villa, the Russell-Cotes activities: From a beautiful historic For more ideas and inspiration visit: Museum & Arts Gallery (see pg 22) welcomes many changing exhibitions, museum house to plenty of indoor and bournemouth.co.uk/lovegroups events, talks and tours. outdoor activities all year round, our coastline offers lots of exciting experiences for everyone in your group.

4 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 5 LOVE Christchurch The historic town of Christchurch lies Known for the Priory and castle ruins just a few miles east of Bournemouth, dating back to the 11th Century, inland from Southbourne and Christchurch has a rich vein of Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve. history that is marked by heritage sites Situated on the bank ofthe river Stour, throughout the town. The Priory is the bustling quay and natural harbour is one of the few monastery churches to a central part of Christchurch life. In the have survived Henry Vlll’s rule and summer the rivers and harbour are awash is reputed to be the longest Parish with boat owners, kayakers and stand-up church in . The Red House paddle boarders. Throughout the year Museum, once a Georgian workhouse the quay is host to a variety of cultural is a great place to start and is packed events such as the annual Christchurch with information covering Christchurch’s Food Festival, Stompin’ on the Quomps importance from the Ice Age to the music festival and many more. present day.

With the Priory visible from afar, you With interesting tales embedded into its can really appreciate the town’s rich streets at every turn, head down a narrow history as you get closer to the ancient alleyway next to the 600-year-old Ye Olde streets and buildings, none of which are George Inn to see the famous ducking quainter than Church Street at the top stool and picture the smuggler tunnels end of the town. Christchurch High rumoured to be buried underground. Street features cafés, shops, the popular Regent Centre with its Visitor Just a short trip up the coast you will find Centre and Saxon Square, a pedestrian Castle. The Grade I listed shopping area. The high street is often mansion house is highly regarded for its taken over by fetes or parades especially architecture and has been described as during the Summer and Christmas arguably the most important surviving period and visitors can really soak up the house of the Romantic and Picturesque town’s atmosphere at the regular Monday style. outdoor market. Christchurch beaches offer a beautiful natural coastline for all to enjoy. With picturesque cliff and beach walks there are plenty of activities and adventures to be had. Or simply just sit back, relax and watch the world go by.

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LOVE Poole Poole is home to Europe’s largest natural Harbour Highlights harbour, with must visit highlights A simply stunning backdrop to the town including a bustling quayside, a quaint of Poole and the gateway to incredible historic old town, glorious parks and wildlife, countryside, woodland and gardens and out of this world beaches watersports. The largest of the eight including the world famous, Sandbanks harbour islands is Brownsea. Owned by beach. the , it is just a 20 minute journey from Poole Quay offering Quayside Delights island adventures and wildlife, including Poole’s historic quayside is filled with the the famous red squirrels. If you wish to daily hustle and bustle of a working quay. venture further afield, regular boat trips Enjoy some alfresco refreshments and run from Poole Quay, along the Wareham explore unique shops River and to . dotted along the waterfront and lower high street. Set sail on a harbour cruise to take Park Life Sandbanks in some stunning scenery and all the action From Poole Quay, follow the level footpath on the water as you mingle with fishing along the quayside, passing through boats, sailing boats and superyachts. The Harbourside Park and into the oasis quay also hosts a packed programme of of . Here the central lake is events throughout the year. surrounded by a host of facilities and Visit: pooletourism.com/whats-on activities to enjoy.

Fascinating History For more ideas and inspiration visit the Rich in history, there’s many a maritime Tourist Information Centre, located at tale to tell! Poole Museum is the perfect Poole Museum or visit: pooletourism. starting point with four floors of galleries com/grouptravel and a fantastic schedule of exhibitions to enjoy. There is also an impressive collection of Poole Pottery. Take the self-guided Cockle Trail walk to bring the town’s rich pirate and merchant history to life.

Poole Quay

8 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 9 A Date with Nature Itinerary IDEAS

Wildlife & Bird Watching… Afternoon Activity Options Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are Bournemouth has over 100 parks and home to a vast array of natural habitats from public spaces, including 10 nature reserves expansive nature reserves, natural harbours, and four SSSIs. From our cliff tops look to miles of coastline and sandy beaches. out for Dartford Warbler, Stonechats, Come and explore this beautiful area. Martins, Kestrels, Sandwich Terns and Cormorants. The cliffs are particularly Morning Activity Options important for preserving the rare sand lizard. Jump on board and enjoy a boat If you walk through Bournemouth’s Lower Sandbanks and trip from Poole Quay around Europe’s Gardens to the Central Gardens, you can largest natural harbour. Poole Harbour follow our ‘tree trail’. See trees from all over is designated a Ramsar site and hosts the world, including Persian Ironwood, nationally and internationally important River Birch, Redwood and Monterey Pine. species of birds. Enjoy a tour of the harbour Hengistbury Head is a popular spot for and its islands and discover the stunning nature enthusiasts. Situated at the most variety of bird life throughout the seasons. easterly point of Bournemouth, the nature Brownsea Island is home to a whole host reserve is a great place to walk and take in of thriving habitats and a unique haven for the dramatic scenery. A favourite for wildlife wildlife including the rare , Sika enthusiasts, you’ll find a whole host of Deer and a wide variety of birds to watch birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles and Red Squirrel on Brownsea Island from their hides including the Dunlin, Little amphibians on this historic headland. There Spit Egrets, Advocets, Common and Sandwich is also a programme of guided walks and Terns and Oystercatchers. outdoor events throughout the year. Visit ‘Birds of Poole Harbour’ on Poole Christchurch: Quay, who can guide you around some of With beaches, rivers and excellent nature the well-known and not so well known sites reserves, Christchurch contains a wide of the harbour, watch their live webcams variety of natural beauty. The wildlife and speak to their knowledgeable and havens of Marsh and Steamer friendly team. Point are great places for bird watching and walking trails.

For further details and inspiration visit:

coastwiththemost.com

Bournemouth

Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve Upper Gardens

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Poole Old Town A Resort steeped in History and Culture Itinerary IDEAS

Morning Activity Options Afternoon Activity Options Poole Museum & Scaplen’s Court Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, (see pg 22) Bournemouth (see pg 22) Situated in the Old Town just off Poole A hidden treasure, full of Victorian charm, Quay the free entry museum tells the story it houses some of the most famous Pre- of the historic maritime town. The museum Raphaelite works as well as collections from is also home to over 150 pieces of world around the world, gloriously displayed in famous Poole Pottery. Its galleries host a its spectacular seaside setting with stunning varied programme of changing exhibitions views of the bay. Groups can enjoy a private from local interest to world class exhibitions. viewing and tour of the house and grounds An upcoming exhibition, opening 2021 is with the opportunity for an afternoon . – his story retold. Take a fresh New exhibition: 21 Feb – 21 June 2020 look at the life and literature of the Victorian -The Pre-Raphaelite Legacy: Beyond the novelist and poet who found his inspiration in Brotherhood. the Wesex . Enjoy a beautiful walk round Explore Poole’s Historic Old Town Christchurch’s historic past. A picturesque, bustling area featuring cobbled Visit the Priory and discover the story streets, historic buildings and independent behind the Miraculous Beam and if you shops. Pick up a Cockle Trail leaflet at Poole fancy a challenge, take a Tower Tour* and Tourist Information Centre located at Poole climb the 176 steps up to panoramic views Museum. Follow the brass plaques in the of the harbour and town. In the grounds of pavement to retrace Poole’s rich historical the Priory is the 12th Century Castle and heritage. Constable’s House which survives as ruins. Just a short drive away visit the Grade 1 listed Poole’s RNLI Discovery Tours & Poole Museum Highcliffe Castle (see pg 24) which has College The RNLI have a fascinating 150- received famous visitors in the past including year history in Poole. Find out how their crews Harry Gordon Selfridge and William and lifeguards are trained with a behind the Gladstone. Guided tours available. scenes 90-minute tour of the RNLI’s world class Training Centre. For further details and inspiration visit: coastwiththemost.com

Russell-Cotes Museum & Arts Gallery * Call for details – prior booking is essential 12 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 13 Wellbeing & the Great Outdoors Itinerary IDEAS

Take a moment to indulge in the stunning kayaking, take your group on a real that surrounds our resort. Listen adventure! Private charters on luxury to the waves, feel the golden sand between powerboats are also available if you want your toes or get close to nature at a stunning to take in the surroundings in true style. nature reserve. There is also a chance to enjoy a spot of Park Yoga in the summer Afternoon Activity Options available at locations around the resort. • Garden Delights. In Poole, Upton Country Park has over Morning Activity Options 100 acres of parkland, shoreline and • Take to the water. formal estate gardens, with an onsite art Take a boat trip from Poole Quay to gallery and a packed programme of Poole Quay discover our beautiful coastline. Why not events year-round. Compton Acres combine a boat cruise and steam train (see pg 23) is acknowledged as one of the Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve ride on a Sea Train Adventure? finest privately-owned gardens in the • Explore Christchurch River on a country. self-drive motor boat from Tea • Anyone for a round of golf? Gardens and Christchurch Quay. The resort and surrounding area • Bournemouth’s Zip Challenge. have some great courses, so you can (see pg 25) The world’s first pier to shore certainly find your swing here on the zip wire. Climb the 60ft zip tower above south coast. With ‘pay to play’ and season the sea and zip-surf over the waves to the ticket options available, your group can shore. enjoy a game of golf any time of year. Bournemouth Pier Zip Challenge • Feeling competitive? • Walk the Coast Discover Bournemouth’s past by At any time of the year, the coast and its smuggling a ball around 18 holes of neighbouring countryside provide some adventure golf. Smugglers Cove (pg 22) wonderful routes for walkers. Try the 10 - is located next to Bournemouth’s coastal walk from Sandbanks in award-winning sandy beach and offers Poole to Hengistbury Head Nature group discounts. Reserve, with plenty of “pit stop” locations en route. • Expand your horizons and try something new. For more details and inspiration visit: From surfing, kite surfing and stand up coastwiththemost.com paddle boarding to jet skiing and sea

Upton Country Park Moore ©Jake Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf

14 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 15 Entertainment, Events and Dining Out

A vibrant, bustling entertainment The Resort has a busy calendar of destination. From international concert events and festivals throughout the year. venues and theatres to live music nights, Highlights, perfect for visiting groups comedy and a packed events and festivals include the award-winning Air Festival and programme, groups will be spoilt for choice. Christmas Tree Wonderland (see back page) Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth. The Poole Harbour Boat (BIC) and the vintage Art Deco Pavilion Show and Poole Goes Vintage in Poole Theatre (see pg 24) both offer outstanding and a very popular annual food festival in year-round performances and events – a Christchurch. For full event listings visit: stage for pantomimes, live music, comedians bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on and and touring West End shows. For those pooletourism.com/whats-on with a passion for performance, a visit to Pavilion Dance South West is a must. Our location on the South Coast attracts independent restaurateurs and specialist Located in the heart of Poole, chefs as well as larger chain restaurants is the largest regional arts centre in the giving groups great choice. Local farms and UK and home to the Bournemouth fisheries provide locally sourced, sustainable Symphony Orchestra. Lighthouse food direct from our coastline so it’s no boasts a year-round programme of national surprise the seafood here is among the best and international events. in the country.

Bournemouth is proud to have been The Regent Centre is located in the centre awarded Purple Flag status, showing that of Christchurch and is a resorted 1930’s the town meets or surpasses standards of art deco cinema offering an impressive excellence in managing the evening and programme of film, theatre and concerts. night-time economy, so you are sure of a They also host regular art exhibitions at the fantastic time as day turns to night. centre. For further information visit: All performance venues will offer discounts coastwiththemost.com to groups so please contact direct for further information.

16 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 17 Stay in Resort

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Our Tourist Information Centres would welcome groups to stay for a coastal also be happy to help. Contact the teams break. There are many hotels that can on the details below: cater for large group bookings, offering BOURNEMOUTH’S on-site coach parking and specialist Bournemouth Tourist Information breaks and packages. Centre Top Location T: 01202 451781 Just a few minutes from: We also have a fantastic range of other E: [email protected] accommodation choices for smaller W: bournemouth.co.uk/lovegroups groups including fabulous sea-facing TOWN BEACHES B.I.C. GARDENS • Group packages and rates • Live entertainment hotels, national chains, boutique Poole Tourist Information Centre available • Imaginative and varied daily independent hotels and family-run guest T: 01202 262600 • Well presented 81 en-suite dinner menus bedrooms accessible via two lifts • Coach drivers accommodated free houses. We also list self-catering and E: [email protected] • Complimentary indoor leisure of charge depending on group size camping and caravan options on our W: pooletourism.com/grouptravel facility • Complimentary on-site reserved websites, which are great for the group coach space market. Christchurch Tourist Information Centre T: 01202 499199 The accommodation listed on pages 19 – W: visit-.com/explore/towns/ 20 welcome groups and would be happy christchurch Book The to assist with your enquiry. Please do Now TROUVILLE Hotel 01202 552262• [email protected] mention the Bournemouth, Christchurch Call us to check group www.trouvillehotel.com and Poole group guide if you speak to availability and rates A HHH Hotel. Located in The Heart of Bournemouth them.

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99999 Trouville Hotel Advetr Nov 2019.indd 1 28/11/2019 17:43 Riv Ad 67x91mm Portrait Nov19:Layout 1 13/11/ Coastal Shopping

Our destination is lucky to have three towns, with unique and colourful shopping experiences waiting to be enjoyed. With canopied Victorian walkways and a pedestrianised high street, Hotel Collingwood is the perfect setting for a group Bournemouth is home to a wide range break, having a central location, just a few minutes’ of independent boutiques, high street call 01202 763653 walk from the beach and town centre, with coach favourites and quality department stores. [email protected] parking available on site. We have beautifully elegant restaurant, bar, tea lounge and function rooms along Town Centre shopping areas feed into Located in a quiet location with views across with a leisure suite and indoor pool to relax in. the historic gardens and glorious beaches the sea. Indoor pool, large dance floor featuring offering a relaxed resort by the sea. regular entertainment, fine food and friendly staff. Contact us for group rates. For unique gifts, Poole Quay and Poole www.rivierabournemouth.co.uk Lower High Street offer fabulous harbourside shopping and dining, with HOTEL I APARTMENTS I RESTAURANT I SPA 01202 557575 I hotelcollingwood.co.uk small independent shops, outlets and restaurants. From the Quay, take a short the main town centre offering boutique walk along the pedestrianised high street shops, quirky style, antique delights and to the main town centre shopping hub. contemporary cafes. Hallmark Hotels Bournemouth Shopping in Christchurch is best on the in Bournemouth high street and in Saxon Square offering Markets-Bag a bargain at local street &Poole an enticing blend of traditional shops, markets including Boscombe Market and independent boutiques and well-known Poole Market which both take place every are proud to have been awarded high street stores. Thursday and Saturday. Christchurch Coach Friendly Status by CPT holds their street market every Monday. (Confederation of Passenger Transport UK) Shopping Centres-Both Bournemouth and Poole are home to large retail centres. Hidden Gems-Don’t forget to visit Castlepoint in Bournemouth and The our resort Tourist Information Centre’s in Poole offer offering unique gift ideas and a range of all the latest high street trends and brands locally sourced products. and often host their own special events • 143 bedrooms, located on the East Cliff and promotions. When in Bournemouth why not pay a • Rates from £35.00 PPPN visit to Pinewalk, one of the longest • Sea views Coastal Villages-There are many • Coach parking onsite coastal villages dotted around the resort running open air art exhibitions in the • Landscaped gardens including Boscombe, Westbourne and country. Open daily in season and located Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth Carlton Southbourne in Bournemouth and in the lower gardens in the heart of the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth East Cliff town, a bargain may be found when 0330 028 3411 and Ashley Cross in Poole. www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk These are locations away from browsing the fabulous art on display.

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HH459_Bournemouth_Coach_Guide_Ad_2019.indd 1 18/11/2019 08:33 SWA2340 -GeneralAdvert-67x91mm-002.pdf 1 14/11/2019 13:58

Bournemouth’s new attraction! groupExclusive discounts at WE HAVE A DIFFERENT VIEW OF DORSET GET STEAMED UP AT

Special discounted rates for groups Convenient coach parking adjacent to Swanage station Coach Parking at Norden ideal for visits to Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum and Helpful and friendly local staff to assist with Discover Bournemouth’s past as you smuggle planning your itinerary your ball around 18 holes of adventure golf! Boats designed for all-weather visibility Play past treacherous rocks and through Running steam every day April - September* Open air viewing areas | Fully stocked licensed bars | Toilets *except Diesel Gala 24th - 26th April 2020 church ruins but mind the water! • Harbour & Islands Cruise • Jurassic Coastal Cruises Open year round, next to Bournemouth’s • Poole & Swanage Cruises • Sea Train Adventure award winning beach, seafront and gardens. • Fireworks Cruise • Birdwatching Cruise & More! For group information and discounts E: [email protected] VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION T: 01202 451667 www.citycruisespoole.com Park at the 350 space Norden Car and Coach Park and enjoy a CALL: +44 (0)20 77 400 437 leisurely steam train ride through the picturesque EMAIL: [email protected] swanagerailway.co.uk @smugglerscovebmth @smugglerscovebmth 01929 425800 @swanrailway

Smugglers Cove - 138 x 91mm Advert (Nov 2019) - Proof 2.indd 1 14/11/2019 14:04

free entry 10 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

‘A must-see, Discover the Story of Poole - even on the Harbour, Town and People... sunniest day’ Poole’s rich history is revealed Guardian Travel in Poole Museum’s four floors of galleries. Displays range from archaeology to art, from pirates to potteries.

The Museum and temporary exhibitions are free of charge, and Visit the historic house and garden fully accessible. Discover Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite treasures Enjoy spectacular views across the sea

Open Tuesday to Sunday Discounted rate for Group Bookings [email protected] 01202 451858 russellcotes.com www.poolemuseum.org.uk Compton Acres, 164 Rd, Poole BH13 7ES T: 01202 700778 E: [email protected] 4 High Street, Poole BH15 1BW 01202 262600 www.comptonacres.co.uk

22 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 23 DE Highcliffe Castle a LA S must see historical N PLEASURE

E destination for all

E R BOATS

G Under Boat trips, pleasure cruises 5’s go & ferry services around FREE! Multi beautiful Poole Harbour Award-Winning

Key West Bar & Grill Day Out! Great food & great views!

RockReef Adventure • Wareham River Trips Activity Attraction • Daily ferry service to Indoor climbing and Brownsea Island adrenaline activities History & Heritage in the heart of Dorset • Themed harbour for all ages! BOOK NOW FOR BEST GROUP RATES! cruises with supper Once the home of the rich and prominent, then destroyed www.dorset-heavy-horse-centre.co.uk

• Private charter for by fire. Today, the wonderfully renovated Castle offers Homemade brunches, lunches & afternoon tea parties & events you a unique and fascinating visitor experience. EXCLUSIVE GROUP RATES AVAILABLE seved at Smokey Joe’s Café FREE COACH PARKING For more information please contact us on 01425 278807 or Email [email protected] [email protected] email [email protected] 01202 824040 Bookings & enquiries 01202 669955 BOOK ONLINE for special offers & ‘what’s on this week’ visit www.highcliffecastle.co.uk www.greensladepleasureboats.co.uk WWW.THEBOURNEMOUTHPIER.COM

Add a must-see day trip to Let us show you Bournemouth, GUERNSEY & Sandbanks... to your Bournemouth & Poole tour with huge discounts for groups of 10 or more • Bournemouth Pier to Poole Quay via Sandbanks • 24 and 48 hour tickets available • Up to 50% off retail rates for groups • Circular Tour; individual tickets or travel as group

[email protected] 01202 557 007

from just * Easy booking | Flexible payments £19pp Best available tickets | Perfect for groups 10+ Accessible performances are back for selected shows! To book, call 0345 609 1026 or email [email protected] [email protected] *Terms and conditions apply.

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City Sightseeing Bournemouth Ad.indd 1 06/12/2019 10:41 Bournemouth Coach Driver Information Park

Pavilion Theatre & Pavilion Dance

Pier Approach TOWN CENTRE COACH

DROP OFF POINTS All locations are approximate

Coach Parking in Kings Park Car/Coach Park (BH7 7AF) Town Centre Coach Driver Facilities: Bournemouth Adjacent to AFC Bournemouth Football Coach Drop Off Points (max stay 15min) are offering visiting coaches Ground, Vitality Stadium, Kings Park Drive, Westover Road: Outside the Pavilion facilities to use their vehicle wash and toilet Queens Road Car/Coach Park Boscombe. Approximately 2 miles from the Theatre. Less than five minutes’ walk to drop facility. Please note all visits must be (BH2 6BE) town centre. Please refer to the tariff boards for shops, seafront and pier. Nearest toilet booked in advance. Use of vehicle wash This is a small car/coach park situated just current charges. facilities at Bournemouth Lower Gardens or (if available) £20. Use of toilet drop £35. off the A338 Way, approximately 3/4 Bournemouth Rail and Coach Station Bournemouth Pier. All visits must be phoned in advance, please of a mile from the town centre. Nearest toilet Situated just off the A338 Wessex Way. contact Mike Collins at Yellow Buses on 15 minutes’ walk away. Close to bus routes to Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) 01202 636035 for further details. Off-street loading and unloading bays for up to The bus lay-by situated next to the BIC, Bournemouth town centre. three visiting coaches. Staffed daily, including Road, walk to shops, seafront and pier. For all the latest information visit: weekends & public holidays, 8am – 5pm. Toilet facilities next to the pier. bournemouth.co.uk/lovegroups 26 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 27 Christchurch Coach Driver Information

Main Christchurch Coach Drop off Points Wick Lane, BH23 1HU Just a short walk to the high street and town centre. Entrance to the Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre East Car Park, BH23 1HW Simons Mark A half mile walk to the high street and town centre. On Your Doorstep Christchurch Coach Parking Bournemouth, Christchurch and deer and cattle that roam free in its ancient Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre, BH23 1HW Poole are lucky enough to have some heaths and woodlands. fantastic neighbours that offer beautiful Highcliffe Cliffop T Car Park, BH23 5JE surroundings and great days out for your Our neighbouring counties of Approx. 10 minute drive to this location from the town centre. group. and offer a wealth of places For more general information on car parks in Christchurch you can visit: to explore, from charming market towns www.christchurch.gov.uk To the west enjoy the Isle of Purbeck, and pretty villages to areas of outstanding a peninsula with beautiful countryside idyllic beauty. and stunning clifftop paths - or visit the traditional Victorian seaside resorts of , known as the “city in the Swanage and Weymouth. Stretching countryside”, is famous for its timber- across more than 95 miles the Jurassic framed buildings and iconic early English Coast is a World Heritage Site with iconic Gothic cathedral, which is home to the beauty spots including , best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta. , and Old Harry Rocks. Explore the picturesque Channel Island of Guernsey which is accessible for a day trip Heading inland, there are many charming by ferry from Poole with Condor towns and villages including Corfe (see pg 24). Castle, , Wareham, , , Dorchester and .

Set out on an adventure on foot or by bike in the New Forest, take a guided tour or even a horse ride! Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife around the New Forest,

including the famous New Forest ponies, District Council New Forest

28 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 29 Poole Coach Driver Information

ROUTES4COACHES: Leave M27 at J1, join A31 westbound towards Bournemouth. Join A338, follow signs to Bournemouth (A35). Pick up signs for Poole (A350) and then follow signs for Poole Quay.

Main Coach Drop off Point Poole Quay, BH15 1HJ (no waiting allowed at this point) Five drop off spaces located just off Poole Quay, COACH PARK BH15 2BP perfect for a selection of activities, attractions, shops Free coach parking. The ARK and restaurants. No charge for overnight parking but drivers park Café & Soft Play at their own risk, as there is no security. Coach Parking Main Coach Park – , BH15 2BP The Kitchen Free coach parking (25 spaces). No charge for overnight parking but drivers park at their own risk, as there is no security. COACH ▼ PARK BH15 1TA

▼ Nine coach bays Seldown Car & Coach Park – BH15 1TA

Sainsbury’s available. Supermarket Free coach parking (nine coach bays available) at this

▼ town centre car park adjacent to Poole Bus Station. Fitness Trail Access back to Poole Quay on Route One circular Twin ▼ Sails Bridge Map Key bus route (no Sunday service). WC Public Toilet Cash Point Coaches For all the latest information visit: Shopping Centre pooletourism.com/grouptravel Historic Old Town

WC Parkland Highlights include: Cash Point Pedestrianised Route ONE Bus • Free meet & greet service by Tourist Information

WC Harbourside footpath Team (on request call 01202 262600) • Free coach parking and two central sites (see above) POOLE QUAY BOAT HAVEN • Driver refreshments available at Harbour MAINCOACH COACH DROP DROP OFF OFF POINTPOINT BH15 1HJ Station Café on Poole Quay. BH15 1HJ Website: www.harbourstationcafe.co.uk • Toilet drop facility at More Bus depot (BH15 1SN) - charges will apply.

PORT OF POOLE MARINA

All locations are approximate

30 coastwiththemost.com coastwiththemost.com 31 3rd Spectacular Year

ions to Crea inat te L m ast Il u in g ng M ti e n m a o h r c i n e s E

Mid November 2020 to 1 January 2021

The perfect seasonal event for the group market • Walk the spectacular Christmas tree trail • Explore the Alpine Market • Skate under the stars on the outdoor rink • Ride the Big Wheel • Enjoy a round of adventure golf at Smugglers Cove, illuminated for Christmas Extend your stay…. Make sure a festive wonderland break is at the top of your itinerary list, with group friendly accommodation available throughout the Resort. Across Bournemouth, the surrounding coastal villages, Christchurch and Poole, discover the festive charms of many events, attractions, activities, theatres, shopping experiences and great eating out options. christmastreewonderland.co.uk

A5 Advert for Group Guide (3.1.20).indd 1 07/01/2020 09:27