WEST OF BOURNEMOUTH

1. Find fossils along the beautiful Dorset coastline – classed as a World heritage site and fondly known as the Jurassic Coastline. Also contained within this coast are a number of outstanding fossil localities and stunning features such as landslides, Chesil beach and impressive cliffs. This unique combination of features forms the basis for its World Heritage Status.

2. Visit the ghost of ‘Hermann the German’ who wanders the exhibits at the Bovington Tank Museum in search of his lost comrades.

3. Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle – one of Britain’s most majestic ruins, the castle controlled the gateway through the Purbeck Hills and had been an important stronghold since the time of William the Conqueror. And why not hop on the Swanage Railway steam train for a gentle ride through this picturesque area?

4. Visit a stunning manor house which used to be frequented by Thomas Hardy. Athelhampton House and Gardens is an outstanding 15th Century manor house containing fine furniture, set in extensive architectural gardens and famous for its stunning topiary pyramids.

IN AND AROUND BOURNEMOUTH

5. Take a trip to the wonderful world of Adventure Wonderland, near Bournemouth International Airport, and discover the magical rides.

6. St. Peters Church in Bournemouth is where Shelley enthusiasts come to see the grave where the poet’s heart is buried along with his wife. She is remembered for penning “Frankenstein”. Also in the Shelley tomb lie her distinguished parents, William Goodwin, author of “Political Justice” and Mary Wollstonecraft, one of the original liberated women.

7. The area of Westbourne glorifies in the fact the author Robert Louis Stevenson set up home on the chinetop in Westcliff Road in 1885. Here is wrote “Kidnapped” and “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde”. The house was called “Skerryvore” and was destroyed in an air raid during the war, but the foundations have been preserved and the garden remains as a memorial to the author.

NORTH AND EAST OF BOURNEMOUTH

8. Discover Beaulieu Palace House and Gardens, the fascinating Abbey and, for the motoring enthusiast, the National Motor Museum. Here you will find one of the finest collections of vehicles and memorabilia in the world from the early vintage models to Damon Hill’s winning Formula 1 car.

9. Close to Beaulieu is the picturesque Buckler’s Hard, and 18th Century ship-building village where wooden ships for Nelson’s fleet were built. Three miles from Beaulieu, discover Exbury Gardens – the world famous displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias and enjoy travelling on the new Steam Railway.

10. See the world’s best-preserved Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral – Britain’s finest 13th century Gothic cathedral – and marvel at Britain’s tallest spire.

11. Spend a naval day in Portsmouth and wander around three of the world’s greatest historic war ships – the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior.