Stunning Local Highlights

Discover the Hidden History of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch

Christchurch Harbour

A short morning tour directly from your hotel

• This morning tour will give you a thorough introduction to the adjoining towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.
• Visit the Poole Harbour viewpoint and look across to the Purbeck Hills in the distance before visiting Sandbanks, the home of the rich and famous.
• You will see the small pockets of ancient heathland, last remnants of a time before when 'heath croppers' grazed.
• Dip down into the chines, ravines that were the hiding places for smuggler's booty.

• It was here that Captain Lewis Tregonwell first acquainted himself with the area, before returning to start a new settlement at Bourn Mouth, soon prospering from the newly fashionable passtime of sea bathing.
• Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, is buried in the familly tomb in St Peter's Church.
• Hear the tragic story of The Rattenbury Case, an episode that gripped the nation in the 1930's.
• View the cliffs and beaches where allied troops set off on D-Day, many never to return.
• In 1910 the first Air Pageant was held on Hengistbury Head, an event that was to end in catastrophe for the Rolls family of Rolls Royce fame.
• 10,000 years ago Hengistbury Head had a very different use, evidence of which is still being unearthed today.
• Christchurch Priory and Castle sit between the rivers Avon and Stour on the edge of the harbour that saw trade with the Roman Empire.

* Please note that this tour uses the normal pick up route but drops off only in Christchurch and Bournemouth and not in Poole.

What to Bring

• Sensible outdoor footwear.
• Appropriate clothing - if in doubt bring another top, you can always leave it on the minibus.
• Don't forget your camera and/or binoculars.
• Sunscreen and a hat.

Images courtesy of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch Tourism.

Photo of Poole Harbour taken by Sue Sieger.