Join your comfortable coach at your convenient local pick up point this morning, and head to the south coast and your lovely resort of Bournemouth. On arrival at your hotel on the scenic sea facing East Cliff there will be time to settle in and relax or take a stroll for a breath of fresh air and views across Bournemouth Bay. Perhaps enjoy a drink at the bar to meet your fellow travellers before enjoying your first festive evening meal.

Enjoy tasty full English breakfasts each day, along with festive dinners each evening. You can also enjoy an afternoon tea dance on one day plus entertainment some nights. You can spend all of your time in Bournemouth or join our two INCLUDED excursions.

We drive through the scenic New Forest to the lovely harbour town of Poole where you can spend time at leisure plus we include a fabulous festive harbour cruise. We also have a day visiting Dorchester and Weymouth.

After a final hearty breakfast it is time to say farewell to Bournemouth today. Board your comfortable coach for a relaxing journey home full of lovely memories.

Get acquainted with the seaside splendour of Poole during a festive cruise around Europe’s largest natural harbour. Take in the fantastic views as you pass picturesque Brownsea Island, homes of the rich and famous at the exclusive Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and much more.  Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie and with live commentary from the Captain you're guaranteed to not miss a thing. Hear how Poole Harbour was formed in the last ice-age and absorb the beauty of the ocean, before returning to Poole Quay where a browse round the shops and boutiques for the perfect Christmas gift awaits!

With beautiful golden sands sprinkled with deckchairs, safe shallow waters, an action packed events programme and pretty harbourside, you certainly won’t be lost for things to do in wonderful Weymouth! The world was introduced to the Georgian grandeur of Weymouth during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when its fine seafront provided an impressive backdrop to the sailing events and captured the hearts of many! Sit back and relax with a glass of fizz or a Dorset Cream Tea from one of the harbourside bars or bistros...a great way to spend an afternoon or evening! In the main season, a visit to the Nothe Fort is a must. Built by the Victorians to protect Portland Harbour, this unique attraction is a network of underground passages and is steeped in history, and it provides stunning views out towards Portland and over Weymouth Bay. From sand sculptures to a magical underwater world of dazzling sea creatures, Weymouth has attractions to delight visitors of all ages!

Dorchester is a vibrant town for sightseeing and shopping. You will find a town with one foot in the past and another firmly in the future, with some of this country's best preserved Roman ruins moments away from a thriving high street. Dorchester is very fortunate in having no less than 8 museums, leafy riverside walks near the centre, dialect trails through the town's shops and cafes and the largest Iron Age hillfort in Europe. The Dorset Museum will give you an insight into the county's Jurassic past through to the life and work of Dorset's famous novelist and poet Thomas Hardy. For more specialist interests you could visit the many themed museums from Teddies to Terracotta Warriors and Tutankhamun, all in this bustling town where there are plenty of individual shops and cafes to browse and watch the world go by for a more sedate visit.

Bournemouth is the largest resort in Dorset and along with seven miles of sandy beaches also has beautiful parks and gardens. You’re sure to find plenty of things to do while exploring this coastal town, with lots of attractions, activities, entertainment and adventure to keep all ages entertained. With great shopping and dining experiences there really is something for all ages and budgets.

Beneath the magnificent cliffs you’ll find Bournemouth’s award winning beaches and world-class seafront. From family attractions and a historic house museum to picturesque walks and outdoor activities – as well as restaurants and bars – Bournemouth’s coastline is the jewel in its crown.  Beach huts are a very British tradition that actually originated in Bournemouth in 1908 - you can even rent the world’s oldest beach hut! The beach huts and funky beach pods are available for hire and are ideal for taking in the stunning views and watching the world go by.

For more information on what to see and do in Bournemouth, please click here (opens in a new window)

With its multitude of festive-themed illuminations the centre piece of this year’s Bournemouth Christmas Tree Trail will once again be the 60ft walk-through Bournemouth Wonderland Tree situated in the centre of the Lower Gardens. The traditional Christmas market, Alpine bar and Ice Rink are all making a welcome return for 2024 and, as well as themed replica trees from around the world, the Gardens and the wider town will play host to a variety of lighting features and installations stretching all the way from the Seafront through the Square up to the Triangle, Beale Place, Horseshoe Common and the Lansdowne roundabout. What fun!

NB - Final 2024 programme subject to confirmation