10 places to Explore near Bournemouth

There are plenty of things to do and sea in and around Bournemouth....... check out the '100 Great Things to do & Sea' Guide 2010/11 here or order your FREE copy by emailing info@bournemouth.gov.uk or call 0845 051 1700.

Bournemouth lies in the heart of Dorset on the South Coast with an expanse of heritage and countryside to explore. Stay in Bournemouth and discover the surrounding area.Here are ten places waiting for you to discover:

1. Poole - Bournemouth's neighbour, is famous for boasting the world's second largest natural harbour and for the area of Sandbanks as one of the most expensive places to live.

2.Corfe Castle - one of Britain's most majestic ruins. The castle controlled the gateway through the Purbeck Hills in the time of William the Conqueror.

3. Swanage - this small town surrounds a beautiful curved bay. It has many attractions including the Purbeck coast path, heritage centre, gardens and beautiful Purbeck stone buildings.

4.The New Forest National Park - a royal playground for William the Conqueror. It remains largely unchanged with miles and miles of unspoilt ancient landscapes, wild ponies and deer, disused railways and leafy lanes.

5.Jurassic Coastline World Heritage Site - outstanding fossil localities and stunning rock and cliff formations including the famous arched Durdle Door.

6. Cerne Abbas - A charming village with abbey ruins and Tudor cottages and a very famous giant carved into the chalk hillside.

7.Take a mini bus tour - Discover all the famous places around Dorset with a personal guide in the comfort of a mini bus. Call our Activity Booking Centre to find out more: 0845 051 1700 or book online.

8. Portsmouth - spend a naval day in the city and see famous war ships at the historic Dockyard or shop 'til you drop.

9.Shaftesbury - Quaint, cobbled and very steep, Gold Hill is the star of the old Hovis advert and can be found in this beautiful town. Wander around the traditional shops or enjoy a cream tea in one of the many cafes and restaurants.

10. Christchurch - a small Saxon town with castle ruins, a quaint Quay, boutiques, celebrity restaurants and an infamous food festival which takes place each year.

Historic fact: Many famous authors have frequented Bournemouth over the years. Thomas Hardy described Bournemouth as a ‘Mediterranean lounging place on the English Channel’ and Betjeman said ‘Bournemouth is a stately Victorian duchess with her head touching Christchurch and her feet turned towards Poole.’