Discover Dorset Coast, Gardens and Heritage

DISCOVER DORSET: COAST, GARDENS & HERITAGE

 

17 – 21 May 2027

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £849

 

Enjoy a relaxing break discovering the beauty and charm of Dorset’s stunning coastline and countryside. Explore elegant historic houses, wander through magnificent gardens and discover picturesque coastal towns full of character. From the Tudor splendour of Athelhampton to the colourful displays at Compton Acres, this holiday offers a wonderful blend of heritage and natural beauty. Cruise across the scenic waters aboard the Dorset Queen and soak up the atmosphere of Poole and historic Dorchester for a truly memorable Dorset escape.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

 

• Explore the magnificent Tudor manor house of Athelhampton

• Visit the historic county town of Dorchester

• Explore the bustling coastal town of Poole with its famous natural harbour

• Discover the beautiful gardens of Compton Acres

• Enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard the Dorset Queen.

 

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Poole, arriving late afternoon.

 

DAY TWO – Athelhampton House & Gardens and Dorchester

This morning, we will visit Athelhampton, explore the 500-year-old house and find out about the history and the Hardy connection with their new short film, 'Hardy at Athelhampton'. The Great Hall built in 1485 remains greatly unchanged with a mainly original hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, stained glass, and other details. Stroll through the beautiful Elizabethan gardens and explore the beautifully restored Kitchen Gardens. We continue to the Roman town of Dorchester with its fascinating Georgian architecture.

 

DAY THREE – Poole

Enjoy the day at leisure, relax at the hotel, wander along the beautiful beach and marvel at the extravagant architecture of Sandbanks famous residents. If you are feeling more adventurous there is a local sightseeing bus that stops outside the hotel and goes to Bournemouth or Swanage.

 

DAY FOUR – Compton Acres and Dorset Queen Yacht Cruise

After a leisurely breakfast we make our way around Poole Harbour to Compton Acres, known as one of the most important ornamental gardens in England. Here you can enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven before we continue for a cruise on the 1938 vintage motor yacht, Dorset Queen!  The Dorset Queen is the only vintage motor yacht operating on the South Coast of England. She is believed to have taken part in the Dunkirk evacuations in 1940 and is now a proud member of The UK Historic Ships Register. Whilst on board you will listen to live commentary as you cruise down the North Channel of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Castle, 'Millionaires Row' at Sandbanks and much more.

 

DAY FIVE – Departure

After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel, and make our journey home, with comfort stops en route.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Athelhampton House & Gardens

Compton Acres

Dorset Queen Yacht Cruise.

 

SANDBANKS HOTEL, POOLE

Perched in one of England’s most enviable seaside locations, the Sandbanks Hotel has direct access to the world-famous Sandbanks Beach with seven miles of prestigious Blue Flag awarded sand to get between your toes! The popular beach-side terrace area is a place to recline with a glass of wine, and all rooms are well-appointed, and designed for comfort and relaxation. Many boasting either sea views or outlooks across Poole Harbour. Please note, this hotel does not have walk in showers. This hotel has a lift to some floors.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Welcome tea/coffee on arrival

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Athelhampton House & Gardens

Compton Acres

Dorset Queen Yacht Cruise.

 

SANDBANKS HOTEL, POOLE

Perched in one of England’s most enviable seaside locations, the Sandbanks Hotel has direct access to the world-famous Sandbanks Beach with seven miles of prestigious Blue Flag awarded sand to get between your toes! The popular beach-side terrace area is a place to recline with a glass of wine, and all rooms are well-appointed, and designed for comfort and relaxation. Many boasting either sea views or outlooks across Poole Harbour. Please note, this hotel does not have walk in showers. This hotel has a lift to some floors.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Lift (selected floors only)
Bar	Television
Restaurant
Lounge
Gym
Swimming pool
Wifi

 

GROUP BOOKINGS

Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.

 

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS	SUPPLEMENT
5	17 – 21 MAY 2027	MONDAY	£849	£46 SINGLE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE			£38

 

 

 

Why Travel with Jones Holidays?

With our warm, friendly hosts, comfortable coaches, and attention to detail, your holiday will be smooth, enjoyable, and filled with good company. Let us take care of everything.

At Jones Holidays, we believe solo travellers deserve fair prices and peace of mind. That's why our Single Supplement Price Promise ensures you only pay what we pay—nothing more. If hotels charge us a single supplement, we’ll pass it on without adding a penny extra; that’s our promise to you.

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).

Sandbanks Hotel Compton Acres Athelhampton