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Boon’s Calibre Travel 2025 Dorset Delights & Snowdrops Galore Departs Monday 10th February 2025 for 4 days half board
Join us for a lovely 4-day break based in the South Coast's premier resort, Bournemouth “Queen of the South Coast”. Our two included excursions take us to Shaftesbury, the UK’s first “Snowdrop Town”, medieval Sherborne and Venetian Kingston Lacy (NT). In addition, we visit historic Winchester and the Welford Park Estate, famous as the location for TV’s “Bake Off” and for their fabulous Snowdrop displays, on our outward & return journeys. We also have time at leisure in our resort of Bournemouth.
Located on the prestigious East Cliff, overlooking the bay, Bournemouth’s 4* Cumberland is just a short stroll from the beach and the vibrant town centre. This iconic Art Deco hotel boasts well-appointed public areas, stylish en-suite bedrooms, some with stunning sea views, and a restaurant serving delicious meals made from locally sourced produce. There is a lift and some rooms have a walk-in shower. Guests may use the indoor swimming pool in the neighbouring sister hotel. Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth, Dorset Tel: 01202-290 722
Day 1: We depart from our local boarding points, and make our way southward, stopping en-route in the historic city of Winchester, with its fine shopping centre, magnificent Cathedral, and Great Hall, which for over 700 years has housed the mysterious King Arthur's Round Table. Our journey continues through the beautiful New Forest and on to our hotel, where we enjoy welcome refreshments, while porters take care of our luggage.
Day 2: This morning we head for Kingston Lacy (NT), a family home rebuilt to resemble a Venetian palace. This historical treasure offers plenty to see, from a collection of paintings and ancient Egyptian artefacts to beautiful gardens and landscapes. At this time of year, the grounds are awash with snowdrops; the Victorian fernery is home to over 35 different varieties, and more of these diamond-white flowers can be spotted along the Lime Avenue and on Lady’s Walk. The Japanese garden is also a great place for snowdrops as they carpet the banks either side of the path. After a pleasurable morning, we return to Bournemouth for the remainder of the day at leisure. Admission to Kingstone Lacy extra (National Trust members free)
Day 3: After breakfast today, we travel along pretty tree-lined country roads to historic Shaftesbury, one of the oldest and highest towns in England, boasting breathtaking views, and Gold Hill (Hovis advert), with its steep cobbles and picturesque cottages. Shaftesbury became the UK’s first “Snowdrop Town” in 2012, when snowdrops were planted throughout the town to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Planting has continued each year to create a prolific display of these delicate blooms. This afternoon, we visit nearby Sherborne, without doubt, one of the most beautiful towns in England, boasting an abundance of medieval buildings, a superb abbey, two castles and a delightful shopping area.
Day 4: On leaving our hotel we make our way home, with an included visit to award-winning Welford Park, a privately owned estate that only opens its gates to the public during the Snowdrop season. The estate’s other “claim to fame” is that it is the home to TV’s popular Great British Bake Off. Ample time to take lunch and to enjoy the spectacular swathes of snowdrops, hellebores, aconites and winter flowering shrubs before we return home to Essex
Includes: 3 nights half-board in en-suite bedrooms, lift, porterage, walk-in showers, 2 excursions & visits to places of interest en-route. Entry to Welford Park
Cost per person: £419
Single Supplement: £Nil (5 rooms only)
Supplement for single occupancy of a double/twin room: £66 (3 rooms only)
Guaranteed Sea View: £40 per room per night (doubles & twins only)
Deposit: £65 per person, balance due 8 weeks prior to travel |