Dorset

Photography tours

Discover the impressive Jurassic Coast on a cruise through Dorset. See Round Island, marvel at the iconic chalk formations on the coast, and learn fascinating facts about the area from live commentary onboard. Begin your trip at Poole Harbour and board an open deck boat with seating and comfortable saloons. From here, start your journey through 185 million years of history along the Jurassic Coastline. As you cruise, pass some of Dorset's most famous landmarks. See the golden beaches of Sandbanks, Brownsea Island, and the Old Harry Rocks, named after a notorious pirate. Enjoy expert commentary from your captains as you glide by. Sail by Dorset's small islands, including Furzey, Long, Green, and Round Islands, as you make your way to Swanage. Once reaching Swanage, head back towards Poole and capture the perfect picture of the famous chalk formations from the boat's outer deck.

Take a cruise around Europe's largest natural harbor, home to the town of Poole, the golden beaches of Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. From either open deck seating or comfortable saloon you will see stunning views of the exceptional landscape that surrounds it. Your 70 minute trip will start on charming Poole Quay with its old buildings and buzzing atmosphere.  Next you will go past Brownsea Island, home to wildlife and picturesque Brownsea Castle, built to protect against French invasions. After that comes the Sandbanks Peninsula and the luxurious houses of the ‘Golden Mile’. Then you will tour the great natural expanse of the harbor and the remaining islands: Green, Furzey, Long and Round. Fronting onto beautiful scenery it helped inspire classics like Lord of the Rings and Gulliver's Travel. 

The Upside Down House is a house that is literally upside down! We offer visitors the opportunity to capture many memorable and surreal photos and videos that they can flip upside down which they share on their socials and messaging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp. It is an experience to share in real time with friends and family. Equally enjoyed by kids or grown-ups! Each location is unique, with its own identity. We ensure this is reflected in the houses people visit, by designing and decorating it differently – mixing the old with the new. This allows friends and families to have a fun, enjoyable experience as part of their day out. Children aged 3 and under go free

Explore some of the most scenic areas in southern England on a bus trip from Bournemouth. Travel along the famous Jurassic Coast, via Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, to experience the nation's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. First, visit the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and receive information booklets so you can explore independently. Throughout the tour, benefit from the knowledge and expertise of your guide. Enjoy a light nature walk from Durdle Door over the hill and experience the magnificent views from Hambury Tout. Head to Lulworth Cove if you prefer to give your legs a rest and enjoy a beautiful view of the arch. Consult the map that highlights the main features, or feel free to follow your own path. Find a nice cafe or restaurant in the village of West Lulworth or avail of the small shop in the holiday park at Durdle Door, before heading back to Bournemouth.

Feel the thrill of flying through the air and over waves with this entrance ticket to the PierZip ride in Bournemouth. The PierZip is the world’s first pier to shore zip wire, boasting a 250-meter dual zip wire. Challenge your friends and family on the dual zip, riding alongside them to race to shore. Launch from the Zip Tower platform 25 meters above the sea, and race out and “zip surf” 250 meters over the top of the waves to land on the beach. Embark on a truly unique and unforgettable experience, and a wonderful way to experience the amazing, panoramic view of Bournemouth and its stunning coast line.

Experience the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea surrounded by the period's opulent decor and a curated selection of Jane Austen's most beloved works. The Regency Tea Rooms provide a unique experience, inviting visitors to partake in the refined tradition of afternoon tea within the enchanting backdrop of the Regency era. From historically accurate details to all the period elements that encourage engagement, this is a delightful and educational retreat for all who seek to relish the timeless charm of Jane Austen's world.

Experience the beautiful British coastline with the Bournemouth hop-on hop-off tour. Ride an open-top double-decker tour bus on a 1.5-hour loop through the Dorset coastline to discover the beautiful seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole. Stop at Poole Quay and explore the variety of shops, parks, restaurants, and theatres, as well as buzzing nightlife. The onboard commentary points out the main sights and attractions of each city, all accessible from the 22 conveniently located stops along the bus route. There are plenty of things to do in Bournemouth and Poole. A double-decker bus is a perfect way to explore the picturesque British seaside and the phenomenal beaches, parks, and shops of Bournemouth and Poole are all easily accessible from the tour route's wandering path down the coastline. Bournemouth Tour Stops: A. Bournemouth Station - Stand K A. East Overcliff Drive 1. Bournemouth Pier - Behind Hot Rocks 2. Bournemouth Square - Gervis Place Stand X 3. West Cliff Savoy Hotel 4. Westbourne - Camden Bar 5. Branksome Chine 6. Canford Cliffs - Loch Fyne 7. Sandbanks Beach: Shore Road 8. Sandbanks Beach: Pavilion 9. Sandbanks Peninsular: Ferry Approach 10. Sandbanks Beach: opposite Pavilion 11. Sandbanks Beach: opposite Shore Road 12. Lilliput Village: Lilliput Square 13. Whitecliff Recreation Ground 14. Poole Park: Park Gates East 15. Poole Quay & Old Town: Thistle Hotel 16. Baiter Park 17. Poole Park 18. Ashley Cross: Parkstone Railway Station 19. Penn Hill 20. Westbourne 21. The Triangle 22. Bournemouth Square (Stand LL)

The ocean has so many different sides to it. From the Humboldt current of Peru where the perky penguins thrive to the balmy waters of Key West teeming with fish of every colour. Then there’s the mysterious Amazon, where the fish have teeth, and the dark depths of the Abyss, a place where humans are the aliens. Discover all our fascinating displays and uncover some of the mysteries of the other half of our planet. Explore a variety of sea life as you venture through Shark Reef Tunnel including nine black tip reef sharks, moray eels, a stunning Loggerhead Turtle and more!

Catch the early morning ferry across to the Isle of Purbeck. View Old Harry Rocks, the starting point of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in breath-taking views across Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island. By mid morning you will arrive at Durlston Country Park. Visit the brand new Jurassic Coast visitor center housed in the recently refurbished Durlston Castle. There’s time for a morning coffee stop overlooking the famous Great Globe and a chance to take the cliff top walk along to Tilly Whim Caves and the Anvil Point Lighthouse. For every visitor brought to Durlston Country Park, a contribution towards a bursary that helps to support their volunteer programme is made. Heading west drive through some of the tiny lanes and villages that give Purbeck its unique character. Take lunch in the village of Corfe Castle, dominated by the ruins that give it its name. Entrance to the castle itself not included (Free to NT members). After lunch take a gentle drive along the coast taking in more stunning scenery as you head for an afternoon at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Walk down to Man o’ War Rocks and view the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door, hewn from the Portland limestone beds. Finally, head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole.

Board a full-size steam train and travel along the rebuilt Swanage Railway, which runs for 5.5 miles (8.85 km) from Norden to Corfe Castle. Stop off at Corfe Castle, Harman's Cross, and Herston stations to buy refreshments or have a picnic at the tables. Buy snacks at Norde or Swanage. Shop for souvenirs in the station shop, including DVD, railway books, model railways, clothing, and much more. Visit Purbeck Mining Museum to learn about Purbeck ball clay mining and industrial narrow gauge railways. Check out Corfe Castle Railway Museum as well, and visit the beach.