Romance, fun and games, sun, sand and spirit are cliches used time and again to describe the indescribable feelings one has when at the beach. The same applies for the Bournemouth Beach. Known for it's golden sandy long pathways, crystal clear water and a place where one can relax. Whether it's just to lounge around or to ride the surf one thing's for sure, you will never be bored at the Bournemouth Beach.
Opened in 1908, West Cliff Funicular Railway is an electrically operated railway car ride that connects the beach to the cliff top. Take the funicular ride and save yourself from the steep walk up the hill, while enjoying the panoramic view of the beach below. This ride is open to visitors from the month of April to October.
Oceanarium is Bournemouth's state of the art aquarium. Here you will see a large collection of marine life from around the world. Fishes from the Mediterranean, Africa, the Ganges and other parts of the world are on display here. North Pacific Giant Octopus, Japanese Spider Crab, Tiger Shovel Catfish, Flashlight Fish and many more are on display. It also boasts of a Marine Research Lab where you can see exotic creatures such as Lion fish, sharks and many rare species as well. If you prefer to be a little more closer to the fishes then go into the interactive Dive Cage. While you get a 270 degree view of various marine animals, you also gain significant knowledge about marine life through the interactive system in the cage. Want to take back a memento, then head to the Cove Shop. Here you will find local souvenirs and also Oceanarium's trademark stuff. There is also the alfresco Offshore Cafe where you can stop for coffee or snacks. A great combination of fun and education. Hours of operation vary as per season.
The Sherborne Castle is a beautifully maintained castle that showcases rich interiors of the Bishop's family. Tour its symbolic halls and rooms to view varied antique collections of art, furnishings, porcelain amongst many others. Built in 1594 and constructed by Roger Bishop, it showcases beautifully landscaped gardens. Being a picture-perfect venue, it also makes as an excellent event space. The Castle boasts of unique features in beautiful environs that tickles the fancy of locals and tourists alike. Check website for more details.
Enjoy a panoramic view of the Jurassic Coast at the Jurassic Skyline. Soaring 174 feet (53 meters) high, this observational tower was built as a tourist attraction in 2012. Take a seat in the gondola where you'll have the perfect view as it slowly rise while rotating. You may even see the English Channel on a clear day! This attraction is perfect for the whole family!
Upton Country Park is an old English parkland comprising a large garden, woodland, shoreline and the Upton House which is ideal for romantic wedding ceremonies. Upton County Park is a perfect place for relaxing and wandering about but it also offers beautiful surroundings for many interesting events during the summertime.
The Gillingham Methodist Church is located on the High Street of the largest town in Dorset and apart from being a place of worship is also a venue for various classical concerts and musical events. The main feature of the church is its organ which is a two-manual tracker instrument made by William Sweetland in 1890.
Located behind the Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage, The Downs beautiful patch of grassland that is maintained by the town council, perfect to get in touch with nature.
Located in a civil parish village of Milborne Port in Somerset this Norman Style Church has been the civil parish since the 1860. The church is built like a cruciform and has been well preserved with not much restoration work done to the structure. This Anglo Saxon Church is a place of heritage for the village and is Grade I listed building.
The beautiful and enchanting All Saints Church is a well preserved place of worship for over 800 years in the Martok, Somerset. The church is known to have been obtained 1227 by the treasurer of the Wells Cathedral. In 1645 the consequence of the battle at Bridgwater resulted in the church being damaged and was later restored by the famous architect Benjamin Ferrey. The structure is a Grade I listed building and contains an original organ from the Wells Cathedral. Visit their website for details of services held everyday.
White Nothe gets its name from the nose like structure that juts out from the white chalk cliff face, The cliff is accessible via a path which cuts a zigzag route up to the top. If you make the walk up to the top, you will be treated to a stunning view of the English Channel, the Isle of Portland and the coast. The base of the cliff is accessible only at low tide, so if you do decide to make the trip, take careful note of the tide timings and ensure you have enough time to get back before the path is blocked. The area is known for its geology and visitors may indulge in a hunt for fossils.
As it comes out of a cloud of white smoke, you know that the Gartell Light Railway is all set! A privately run narrow gauge edutainment railway, the Gartell Light Railway, is located at Yenston, south of Templecombe in Somerset. What makes this railway so interesting is the functioning of it. The railway has 4 stations- Common Lane followed by Pinesway Junction to Park Lane and finally to Tower View. Two signal boxes placed and operated from Common Lane and Pinesway Junction, control a combination of coloured and semaphore light signals, together with mechanically operated points. Open to public on select dates all year through, this is a ride that you should hop on to, if you are in the area.