Our five-day tour gives you a snapshot of the beautiful county of Dorset’s most picturesque towns brimming with history and breath-taking ancient architecture, unique wildlife sites and an opportunity to discover more of the area’s military history. We visit the county town of Dorchester well known for its most famous literary connections to classics author Thomas Hardy, Abbotsbury Swannery as well as the Bovington Tank Museum.
Sherbourne Castle
Abbotsbury Swannery
Aerial view of Dorchester
Bovington Tank Museum
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Abbotsbury Swannery & Dorchester
This morning, we visit Abbotsbury Swannery, the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans. The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks in 1040 and is now one of Dorset’s most popular wildlife sites. We spend the afternoon in Dorchester, the county town of Dorset, discovering its connection to Thomas Hardy and exploring its shops and museums which include the Dorset County Museum.
Day 3 Sherborne and Yeovil
We start our day in Sherborne, one of England’s most picturesque towns. With its honey-hued buildings and rich history, Sherborne captivates visitors with its stunning architecture, including the Abbey at its centre as well as two castles: a romantic ruin and a beautifully preserved castle set in grounds designed by the famed landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. In the afternoon, we head to Yeovil, meaning ‘town on the river.’ This vibrant town, once a key player in the 19th-century leather industry, is famous for glove-making, giving rise to the nickname for its local football club, the “Glovers.
Day 4 Bovington Tank Museum or Monkey World
Today, we visit The Tank Museum, where the history of tanks and their crews come to life through a remarkable collection of over 300 military vehicles. The modern exhibitions transport us through significant battles since the First World War, sharing powerful stories from the soldiers who operated these tanks, from the mud of the Somme to the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of Iraq.
OR
Alternatively, we can explore Monkey World, a sanctuary set in the beautiful woodlands of Dorset. Covering 65 acres, this refuge is home to more than 250 primates. Founded in 1987 by Jim Cronin, Monkey World provides a safe haven for abused chimps and works globally to combat the smuggling of primates. The centre focuses on rehabilitating these animals into natural living groups, allowing them to thrive in a supportive environment.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Crown Hotel
Weymouth, Dorset
This friendly, traditional hotel is centrally located just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, Brewers’ Quay and the harbour area. The 86 simply furnished bedrooms are all accessible by lift. Meals are served in the Vaults Bar and Restaurant and there is a residents’ lounge where nightly entertainment takes place during high season. There is also a relaxing quiet lounge on the first floor.
BarLiftParking Off Site & ChargeableRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions
- Entrance to Abbotsbury Swannery
- Entrance to Bovington Tank Museum or Monkey World
See quote for hotel inclusions
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £359pp
No Single Supplement (max 6 incl driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
