7 Days

Check into your accommodation - choose from an elegant Victorian hotel in Bournemouth town centre or a stylish seafront hotel on Sandbanks, Poole. Or opt for a cosy seaside B&B or one of the many camping and caravanning parks.

Stretch out on Bournemouth's award-winning beach - hire a beach hut for the week, gorge on locally-produced Dorset ice-cream.

Tuck into lunch at one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants that line the promenade, then walk it off with a pier-to-pier walk from Bournemouth to Boscombe.

Feast at one of the many great town-centre restaurants and then enjoy a concert or show at Bournemouth International Centre, which attracts all the top showbiz names.

Head to Bournemouth's colourful Lower Gardens to the Bournemouth Eye, a tethered hot-air balloon ride with fantastic views for miles around.

Cross the road to the main shopping district, crammed with high street names, and boutique stores. Pick up some Dorset biscuits and delicious Blue Vinney cheese.

Hire a bike and cycle through the Central and Upper Gardens to Coy Pond on the Poole Boundary, bluebells and narcissus line the route, look out for the giant Redwood tree just before the pond.

Enjoy an evening of jazz or blues at a local pub or order a cocktail at one of the new bars.

Head over to Sandbanks, Poole, and try your hand at a new watersport in the shallow waters of Poole Harbour.

Enjoy a gourmet meal on the Sandbanks peninsula looking out over one of the most stunning views in Britain.

Spend the afternoon on Poole Quay, nip into Poole Pottery and some of the gift shops located in the Old Town. There's free entry to Poole Museum, so discover the town's interesting smuggling history.

Enjoy a romantic evening meal at one of the many gourmet restaurants along the cobbled streets.

Visit the free Russell-Cotes Art Gallery, a magnificent collection of art from around the globe. The wonderful building offers superb views across the bay.

‘Hang ten' near Boscombe's new artificial surf reef or just enjoy the surfing spectacle, learners can book a lesson at one of the nearby surf schools.

Eat out at one of the trendy new restaurants beside Boscombe Pier then stroll back along the prom as the lights sparkle across the coast to Sandbanks and Swanage.

Pack up a picnic and take a boat trip to explore Poole Harbour, dotted with islands.

Visit Brownsea Island, the birthplace of the boy scouts which offers some lovely walking trails and superb picnic spots. Rich in wildlife, you can spot endangered red squirrels, rare birds and dozens of peacocks. There's a lovely café, an ideal day out for the entire family.

Explore the rich history of Poole Old Town, Visit the statue of Baden Powell on Poole Quay and take the kids crabbing.

Check out Poole Pottery - an extensive collection of Poole's international renowned pottery, watch the pottery being designed and created, plus have a go at creating your own masterpiece.

Discover the Poole Cockle Trail, tracing the town's rich historical heritage.

After all that you'll probably need a drink - choose from many new bars and traditional pubs.

Explore the wonders of the deep in an unforgettable underwater adventure at the Oceanarium.

Stroll through peaceful open air surroundings and discover works by emerging and established artists at The Pine Walk Art Exhibition.

Visit Upton House, an early 19th century mansion which is a Grade II listed building set in over 100 acres of woodland, parkland and shoreline. This is also the starting point of the Poole Heritage Cycle Route, which finishes in the centre of Poole.