2 Day Best of the South West Tour

2 Day Best of the South West Tour

Departing from Bournemouth, join us as we tour the very best the west has to offer! 2 full days sightseeing the south coast. Firstly we head to the Jurassic Coast visiting Durlston Park, Corfe Castle, Lulworth Castle, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Weymouth, Abbotsbury, Broadchurch & Westbay! A truly unique Jurassic Experience! Accommodation is not included in this tour.

We then head to your booked accommodation in Exeter. After you have been dropped off at your preferred booked accommodation, you have free time to explore the ancient city of Exeter. Accommodation is not included in this tour.

Day 2 we travel north to Glastonbury, home of the world renowned Glastonbury Festival, climb the renowned Glastonbury Tor, long associated with King Arthur. Stonehenge is next, marvel at the 5000 year old stones and how did they get there? It's then a stop at Salisbury Cathedral and the Magna Carta before heading back to Bournemouth. This really is the best of the South West!

Itinerary

Day 1: DAY 1 - The Jurassic Coast

Stop At: Jurassic Coast, DT11 0JG England
We Head West into Purbeck. The gateway to the Jurassic Coast.

The Jurassic Coast is 95 miles of coastline on the south of England, stretching from Old Harry Rocks to Exmouth in Devon. Formed over 185 million years Mainly known for its rock formations, stunning coastline and fossils.

Durlston Park

First stop is Durlston Park. Known for its wildlife, again the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. You will see the castle built in the Victorian period and the Great Globe, which is one of the largest globed in the world. The globe was situated in 1891. And the start of the Jurassic Coast Old Harry Rocks.

Corfe Castle / Village of Corfe

Then it's off to Corfe Castle. The castle was built by William the Conqueror, during the 11th century, for defensive purposes. It was one of the first stone castles in England; most earlier castles were built with wood and earth. During Medieval times, Corfe became a Royal castle and King John kept his crown jewels there.

Abandoned Tyneham Village *Tyneham Village is still owned by the MOD and has scattered opening times

Then from Corfe it's off to Tynham Village. Tyneham Village where time stopped in 1943. In November 1943 notice was given to the villagers that they would be required to leave within 28 days as the area was needed for forces’ training. On 17 December 1943 the last villagers left believing that one day they would be able to return. Sadly this was never to happen.

Lulworth Castle (Closed Saturdays)

Lulworth Castle, built in the early 17th Century as a hunting lodge, became a country house at the heart of a large estate. Thomas Howard, 3rd Lord Bindon, built the Castle in order to entertain hunting parties for the King and Court. The Howards owned it until 1641 when it was purchased by Humphrey Weld, the direct ancestor of the present owners. Gutted by fire in 1929.

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a natural arch cut into the Portland Stone (Limestone) found on the south coast of England in the county of Dorset. The rocks that the arch is made up of is thought to be approximately 140 million years old. Originally the arch would have been a series of caves along the coast, made from cracks in the layers of rock that have been hollowed out. It first appeared on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey map, dated 1811, spelt Dirdale Door.

Lulworth Cove

Head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole. Lulworth Cove formed over 1000's of years to form a perfect horse shoe shape into the hill side. Perfect for the photographer in you!

Weymouth & Portland

On to the 'isle' of Portland, located on the World Heritage Coast, is an explorer's Island with curiosities of history and folklore just waiting to be discovered. We look west over the 18miles of Chesil beach and the southernmost tip of the Jurassic Coast. With its 3 castles and 3 lighthouses, this little island packs a punch!

Abbotsbury

The picturesque village of Abbotsbury steeped in history, yet a village where the present is very much alive and the future perpetually evolving. There’s much more than first meets the eye when you visit Abbotsbury, it was once home to a richly endowed abbey, founded in 1044. The remains are still visible and date from the 13th and 14th centuries.

St Catherine’s Mount

High on Abbotsbury hilltop sits St Catherine’s Chapel, a barrel-vaulted 14th century chapel built by the monks of Abbotsbury Abbey as a place of pilgrimage and retreat. We take in the fantastic views of the abbey ruins and the 22 mile look back over Chesil Beach and the Fleet.

Broadchurch & Westbay

Then we visit the famous town where Broadchurch was filmed! On our way to Westbay in the Market town of Bridport. The golden strata of nearby East Cliff are one of the most distinctive features of the Jurassic Coast, and the area is very popular with walkers. East Beach has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and forms one end of Chesil Beach, which extends 18 miles south east to the Isle of Portland. The cliffs here are very unstable, so it’s important to keep well clear of the cliff edges and bases.

Drop off at your booked accommodation.

FREE TIME IN EXETER

After you have been dropped off at your preferred booked accommodation, you have free time to explore the ancient city of Exeter on the River Exe. Dating back to the Roman era, the Exeter City Walls surround its centre and Gothic Exeter Cathedral. Exeter Castle, a Norman landmark, overlooks leafy Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens. To their west, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) displays fine art and costumes. The vaulted, medieval Underground Passages snake beneath the city.

Duration: 9 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2: DAY 2 - Glastonbury Tor, Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

Stop At: Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury BA6 8BG, UK
Heading North to Glastonbury through the civil parish of Somerset

Think of Somerset and what comes to mind - stunning views across open countryside, sandy beaches, superb strawberries, Cheddar cheese and cider? World-wide, this county is famous for its Glastonbury Festival, illuminated carnivals, Mulberry handbags and Arthurian Legends. Enjoy!

PICK UP FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION 8:30AM - 9AM

Glastonbury

This morning you head for Glastonbury, home of the world renowned Glastonbury Festival, a pilgrimage undertaken by music and art lovers from every corner of the globe annually. You climb the renowned Glastonbury Tor, long associated with the legendary ruler of the Britons, King Arthur. Offering a spectacular view from its summit of three different counties, this is truly a regal experience.

Stonehenge

Then it's off to visit the magical ancient site of Stonehenge, World Heritage Site. Learn about the millennia of use that created Stonehenge as we see it today. Fortress, calendar, temple or hospital? You decide.

Salisbury & Salisbury Cathedral

We then visit Salisbury, the historic city and market town that grew up around the cathedral. Explore Salisbury Cathedral, built in 1220, the tallest and most beautiful church building in Britain. (Suggested donation £3). Within the Cathedral view the best preserved copy of the Magna Carta, the medieval document written in 1215, that forms the foundation of the rule of law and many countries' constitutions.

HEAD BACK TO BOURNEMOUTH

We end our tour heading back to Bournemouth through the lush rolling country side hills of Salisbury Plain back into Dorset.

This really is the best of the South West!

Drop off at your preferred location.
Duration: 10 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.