South West England

Go to Day 1 | 2 | 3

Journey Time:
3 Days
Distance:
246 miles (395.6km)
Airport:
Bournemouth/
Southampton/
Gatwick/Heathrow

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner (visitbritain.transportdirect.info/web2)

Overview

This tour of contrasts takes you on a magical journey through vast and enchanting woodlands, unspoilt countryside, sparkling coastal areas, picturesque villages and some of England’s most important heritage cities.

Day 1: New Forest - Dorchester

New Forest - Dorchester: 48 miles (77.3 km)
Totals for Day: 48 miles (77.3 km)

New Forest

First head for the New Forest, famous for its wild ponies that wander freely among the trees. This unimaginably beautiful woodland spreads over 150 square miles spilling into parts of Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire, and is undoubtedly one of the most important wilderness areas in Western Europe.

Must see and do:

National Motor Museum Beaulieu | Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway | Breamore House | Longdown Activity Farm | Paultons Park | Buckler’s Hard | Rockbourne Roman Villa | New Forest Museum | Totton and Eling Heritage Centre | Eling Tide Mill 

Dorchester

From here a scenic drive takes you to Dorchester, famously depicted in the novels of Thomas Hardy. The mood of the rural life he described so meticulously is recaptured at Hardy's Cottage and the Dorset County Museum. Also, much of the glorious Heritage Coastline remains unchanged.

Must see and do:

Thomas Hardy | The Hardy Monument | The Keep Military Museum | Maiden Castle

Go to Day 1 | 2 | 3