A Date with Nature

A Date with Nature

Morning Activities – Choose from…

Bournemouth’s Gardens by the Sea
The Lower Gardens are renowned for their floral bedding displays throughout the year which are designed to bring together brilliant colours, subtle textures, height variations and scent. Enjoy the beautiful planting at the Ornamental Rockery, walk along the pine tree walkways or visit the aviary behind Lower Gardens Bandstand.  The Upper Gardens are slightly more secluded. Take a walk along the Bourne Stream that runs directly through the gardens, framed by the beautiful Victorian trees and look out for the water tower built in 1885. Why not follow the Bournemouth Gardens Tree Trail, a two hour walk, highlighting some of the trees found in the Upper and Central Gardens.

Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve – A site of Special Scientific Interest and a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. Situated between Bournemouth and Mudeford in Christchurch, the nature reserve is a great place to walk and take in the dramatic scenery. There is also a programme of guided walks and outdoor events throughout the year along with a popular visitors Centre.

Christchurch - With beaches, rivers and excellent nature reserves, Christchurch contains a wide variety of natural beauty. The wildlife havens of Stanpit Marsh and Steamer Point are great places for bird watching and walking trails.  Red House Museum in Christchurch has a charming herb garden and south garden which holds unexpected dinosaur surprises.

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Afternoon Activities – Choose from…

Poole Park - Follow the level harbour footpath along the quayside passing through the Harbourside Park and into the oasis of Poole Park. The central lake is surrounded by facilities such as watersports and boating lake, crazy golf and The Ark offers a soft play facility, a pottery studio and a café.

Upton Country Park, Poole - Three miles out of Poole town centre you will find Upton Country Park with over 100 acres of parkland, shoreline and formal estate gardens. Home to Upton House, tea rooms, art gallery and rustic woodland play trails and a packed programme of events all year round.

hop on board and enjoy a boat trip from Poole Quay around Europe’s largest natural harbour. Poole Harbour is designated a Ramsar site and hosts nationally and internationally important species of birds. Enjoy a tour of the harbour and its islands and discover the stunning variety of bird life throughout the seasons. Whilst on Poole Quay Visit ‘Birds of Poole Harbour’. Watch their live webcams and speak to their knowledgeable and friendly team.

From Poole Quay and Sandbanks you can take a boat to Brownsea Island – National Trust. The Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills. Thriving natural habitats - including woodland, heathland and a lagoon - create a haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds.

Whilst in Poole and visit to Compton Acres Gardens in a must.  10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, recognised as one of the most important ornamental gardens in England.

For more details on all the above and further inspiration visit: or take a look at the Group Friendly Attractions and Activities pages.

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