Sea views
Soak up beautiful sea views
Swanage
Explore the quaint Victorian town of Swanage
Harry Rocks
Admire famous Old Harry Rocks
Join us and explore England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover a coastline of spectacular, jaw dropping scenery and views. Stretching 95 beautiful miles, this South Coast national treasure, with 185 million years of geological history, makes the stunning and diverse Jurassic Coast perfect for a weekend of walking.
Grade – Easy to Medium
Extras
Check into hotel, meet our tour leader and fellow Solos guests for the welcome drink and enjoy our first evening meal together
After breakfast, we set off by coach from our hotel to Sandbanks (home to the most expensive real estate in Europe). We take the short trip on the Sandbanks Ferry across the largest natural harbour in Europe, over to Studland village. From here we start our main walk for the day. Our route takes us to Fort Henry, a Grade II listed observation bunker where the final D-Day meeting of the US and UK senior figures took place along with the final D-Day exercises prior to the D-Day landings. From here we can enjoy panoramic views over Studland Bay. We then continue along the South West coastal path along the cliffs above South Beach onto Old Harry Rocks.
This morning we walk to the Bournemouth Bus Terminal and catch the No. 50 bus to the Sandbanks ferry. The route takes in lovely views over the Sandbanks peninsular and often the route is served by an open top bus.(not guaranteed). We stay on the bus while we take the ferry and alight at Swanage Bus and Railway station and meet our Walking Guide. This is where the famous Swanage Steam Railway is located, rebuilt by enthusiasts since 1972. From here the route takes us up to Durlston Country Park, a nature reserve where a major housing estate was originally planned for one of Swanage’s main developers in the late 1800s, George Burt.
This popular award-winning family-run seaside hotel with stunning sea views over Bournemouth Bay offers comfortable accommodation and well renowned service making this lovely hotel a perfect accompaniment to our walking weekend
Enjoy the many facilities on offer including bar, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool (heated May-Sept, weather permitting), gardens/sun terraces with stunning sea views and free Wi-Fi throughout. Free car parking for Solos guests (first come first serve basis)
Standard rooms for sole use are equipped with en-suite facilities, direct dial telephone, Freeview TV, hairdryer, free Wi-Fi, laptop safe, clock radio, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary toiletries
Our hotel is located in the East Cliff area of Bournemouth the perfect launching point for exploring the spectacular Dorset Coast of England. The hotel is minutes from all the towns facilities including Bournemouth Pier. Bournemouth coach and train stations are located only 10 minutes away from the Marsham Court.
For those driving SATNAV directions use BH1 3AU
Two guided walks are included in the programme.
First Full Day walking programme
Total Walking Time 5 hours (approx)
Distance – 8.5 miles (approx)
Ascent – 1450ft
Return Private transfer via ferry
Grade – Easy to Medium
Half Day walking programme
Total Walking Time – 2 hours (approx.)
Distance – 3.5 miles (approx.)
Ascent – 500ft
Return transfers by public bus service
Grade Easy to Medium
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
The dress code for during the evening is casual.
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £5. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January - February | 6 °C | 1 °C |
| March | 9 °C | 2 °C |
| April | 11 °C | 3 °C |
| May | 15 °C | 6 °C |
| June | 18 °C | 9 °C |
| July - August | 20 °C | 11 °C |
| September | 17 °C | 9 °C |
| October | 14 °C | 7 °C |
| November | 9 °C | 3 °C |
| December | 7 °C | 2 °C |
I was so nervous about embarking on my first Solos Holiday, but I shouldn’t have been – it was the best thing I have ever done!
Wow! Got to see the famous shipwreck beach in Zakynthos with Solos. Can’t wait to discover more of their destinations!
Our tour leader Monica was exceptional! Had such a good time and will be rebooking with Solos. Thanks for a great holiday!
Had the best time with Solos! Discovered beautiful destinations and met some lifelong friends.
