The Beach Retreat Guidebook

Nicola
The Beach Retreat Guidebook

Canford Cliffs Food Scene

The apartment is uniquely positioned in the heart of Canford Cliffs village, moments from a wide range of fabulous local restaurants, pubs, cafes and speciality shops. The following restaurants are all located within a minutes walk of the apartment.
One of the best places in town to get your morning coffee fix, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The toasted banana bread is definitely worth a try!
18 locals recommend
Coffee Saloon
9 Haven Rd
18 locals recommend
One of the best places in town to get your morning coffee fix, ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. The toasted banana bread is definitely worth a try!
Delicious authentic Neopolitan style wood fired pizzas to eat in or takeaway. 150 meters from the apartment
21 locals recommend
Baffi
44 Haven Rd
21 locals recommend
Delicious authentic Neopolitan style wood fired pizzas to eat in or takeaway. 150 meters from the apartment
Popular local bakery & deli selling fresh cakes, pastries and artisan bread. Gourmet picnics can also be ordered to enjoy on the beach or whilst exploring the area.
7 locals recommend
Oxford's Bakery
23 Haven Rd
7 locals recommend
Popular local bakery & deli selling fresh cakes, pastries and artisan bread. Gourmet picnics can also be ordered to enjoy on the beach or whilst exploring the area.
Moments from the apartment, The Cliff gastropub has been recently renovated, offering stylish and family friendly dining options with an attractive and spacious outdoor beer garden.
37 locals recommend
The Cliff
6 Ravine Rd
37 locals recommend
Moments from the apartment, The Cliff gastropub has been recently renovated, offering stylish and family friendly dining options with an attractive and spacious outdoor beer garden.
British pub serving seasonal dishes, using locally sourced ingredients where possible and posh burgers served from the outdoor Burger Shack. The large beer garden has plenty of covered outdoor seating so you can enjoy your drinks whatever the weather and the bookable garden tiki huts are fun for a group.
The Canford Pub
53 Cliff Drive
British pub serving seasonal dishes, using locally sourced ingredients where possible and posh burgers served from the outdoor Burger Shack. The large beer garden has plenty of covered outdoor seating so you can enjoy your drinks whatever the weather and the bookable garden tiki huts are fun for a group.
If you fancy cooking a delicious restaurant quality meal at home, award winning Dorset Shellfish set up a stall outside Canford Cliffs Village Hall (Ravine Road) every Thursday morning from 08.30 - 1pm. @dorsetshellfish
Canford Cliffs Village Hall
17 Ravine Road
If you fancy cooking a delicious restaurant quality meal at home, award winning Dorset Shellfish set up a stall outside Canford Cliffs Village Hall (Ravine Road) every Thursday morning from 08.30 - 1pm. @dorsetshellfish
Rockwater Branksome is fabulous glass fronted recently renovated venue on Branksome Beach seafront with panoramic sea views and Soho House style interiors. On the ground floor, the bar & kitchen serves an all day menu. Upstairs in the roof terrace the high end menu features a selection of small plates plus larger sharing platters.
Rockwater Branksome
Rockwater Branksome is fabulous glass fronted recently renovated venue on Branksome Beach seafront with panoramic sea views and Soho House style interiors. On the ground floor, the bar & kitchen serves an all day menu. Upstairs in the roof terrace the high end menu features a selection of small plates plus larger sharing platters.
If you fancy a healthy breakfast or lunch to take to the beach, the Sustudio kitchen serves up freshly prepared salads, poke bowls, juices & coffee to eat in or take away.
SuStudio
If you fancy a healthy breakfast or lunch to take to the beach, the Sustudio kitchen serves up freshly prepared salads, poke bowls, juices & coffee to eat in or take away.

Favourite restaurants in the Poole and Bournemouth Area

Sophisticated fine dining restaurant on Sandbanks peninsular overlooking Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. Recommended for romantic dinners and special occasions, the waterfront setting has spectacular sunset views in the evening. If you prefer not to drive, check the Rick Stein website for details of the complimentary customer pick up/drop off service.
120 locals recommend
Rick Stein, Sandbanks
10-14 Banks Rd
120 locals recommend
Sophisticated fine dining restaurant on Sandbanks peninsular overlooking Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. Recommended for romantic dinners and special occasions, the waterfront setting has spectacular sunset views in the evening. If you prefer not to drive, check the Rick Stein website for details of the complimentary customer pick up/drop off service.
My top restaurant recommendation is Shell Bay. A long walk along Studland beach followed by a swim and lunch at Shell Bay is a favourite day out for our family. Take the scenic Sandbanks chain ferry to Studland and enjoy a top quality seafood meal in an unrivalled location next to the sea. Very relaxed and family friendly, children can hunt for shells on the small beach in front of the restaurant. A magical spot for dinner, particularly if you are lucky enough to catch a spectacular sunset across the harbour!
92 locals recommend
Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant
Ferry Road
92 locals recommend
My top restaurant recommendation is Shell Bay. A long walk along Studland beach followed by a swim and lunch at Shell Bay is a favourite day out for our family. Take the scenic Sandbanks chain ferry to Studland and enjoy a top quality seafood meal in an unrivalled location next to the sea. Very relaxed and family friendly, children can hunt for shells on the small beach in front of the restaurant. A magical spot for dinner, particularly if you are lucky enough to catch a spectacular sunset across the harbour!
Modern high end Chinese restaurant serving delicious and beautifully presented dishes.
1805 Restaurant
Beacon Road
Modern high end Chinese restaurant serving delicious and beautifully presented dishes.
Voted 5th best vegan restaurant in the world! Don't miss Twelve Eatery in Bournemouth if you are vegan or just want to sample delicious plant based food. It boasts the UK's first organic bar, serving up fresh cold pressed juices and cocktails.
18 locals recommend
TWELVE EATERY
12 The Triangle
18 locals recommend
Voted 5th best vegan restaurant in the world! Don't miss Twelve Eatery in Bournemouth if you are vegan or just want to sample delicious plant based food. It boasts the UK's first organic bar, serving up fresh cold pressed juices and cocktails.
Set within a large, plant-filled conservatory in a delightful country house; a rustic, shabby-chic restaurant where the wonderful kitchen garden informs the menu and additional produce comes from within 25 miles. Cooking is light and fresh and is accompanied by superb views over the lawns to Old Harry Rocks.
165 locals recommend
The Pig on the Beach
Manor Road
165 locals recommend
Set within a large, plant-filled conservatory in a delightful country house; a rustic, shabby-chic restaurant where the wonderful kitchen garden informs the menu and additional produce comes from within 25 miles. Cooking is light and fresh and is accompanied by superb views over the lawns to Old Harry Rocks.
Locals favourite and a great spot for sundowners or alfresco waterside dining. Tucked away in a small marina off Sandbanks Road, South Deep has a waterfront garden with views across Parkstone Bay. Booking is recommended particularly during the busy summer months.
46 locals recommend
South Deep
Turks Lane
46 locals recommend
Locals favourite and a great spot for sundowners or alfresco waterside dining. Tucked away in a small marina off Sandbanks Road, South Deep has a waterfront garden with views across Parkstone Bay. Booking is recommended particularly during the busy summer months.
A hidden gem tucked away in a quiet side street. Vegan cafe serving healthy breakfast smoothie bowls, kombucha, smoothies and treats. Small gift shop and pretty outdoor seating area.
15 locals recommend
Miiko Everyday Nourishment
33 Salterns Rd
15 locals recommend
A hidden gem tucked away in a quiet side street. Vegan cafe serving healthy breakfast smoothie bowls, kombucha, smoothies and treats. Small gift shop and pretty outdoor seating area.
A lively coffee and lifestyle destination, offering products from some of the best surf, skate and bike brands from around the world. Cafe serves great coffee, brunch and wood fired pizzas to eat in or take away.
22 locals recommend
COAST SURF/RIDE/SKATE
91 Salterns Rd
22 locals recommend
A lively coffee and lifestyle destination, offering products from some of the best surf, skate and bike brands from around the world. Cafe serves great coffee, brunch and wood fired pizzas to eat in or take away.
Rockfish is an award winning fish restaurant serving fresh, sustainably caught fish of the day. Wonderful place to eat if you are exploring the Poole Quay area. Unpretentious and very child friendly.
17 locals recommend
Rockfish Seafood Restaurant
9 The Quay
17 locals recommend
Rockfish is an award winning fish restaurant serving fresh, sustainably caught fish of the day. Wonderful place to eat if you are exploring the Poole Quay area. Unpretentious and very child friendly.
Highly recommended, refined but relaxed Japanese / pan-asian restaurant in the Ashley Cross area. Excellent food, cocktails and stylish decor.
35 locals recommend
Drgnfly
1 Bournemouth Rd
35 locals recommend
Highly recommended, refined but relaxed Japanese / pan-asian restaurant in the Ashley Cross area. Excellent food, cocktails and stylish decor.
The Four serve the best breakfast/brunch in town - try the Avocado on toast or Shakshuka! Located in Penn Hill a 5 minute drive from the apartment,
The Four
The Four serve the best breakfast/brunch in town - try the Avocado on toast or Shakshuka! Located in Penn Hill a 5 minute drive from the apartment,
Local French Brasserie located in Penn Hill. Friendly, cosy atmosphere and fine dining.
Isabel's Brasserie
Local French Brasserie located in Penn Hill. Friendly, cosy atmosphere and fine dining.

Family activities and days out

Water park located at the Tower Park complex in Poole, indoor and outdoor water slides and pools.
63 locals recommend
Splashdown
Tower Park
63 locals recommend
Water park located at the Tower Park complex in Poole, indoor and outdoor water slides and pools.
A perfect stop off on the way to the beach the Pirate Ship playground is surrounded by woodland and located less than a minutes walk from the apartment. From here, its a short woodland walk through the chine leading to the stunning blue flag beach at Canford Cliffs.
Canford Cliffs Pirate Ship Play Park
49 Cliff Dr
A perfect stop off on the way to the beach the Pirate Ship playground is surrounded by woodland and located less than a minutes walk from the apartment. From here, its a short woodland walk through the chine leading to the stunning blue flag beach at Canford Cliffs.
Award winning family attraction, perfect for children 8 years and under with indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides and animal feeding.
117 locals recommend
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Wareham Road
117 locals recommend
Award winning family attraction, perfect for children 8 years and under with indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides and animal feeding.
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65 acre sanctuary and rescue centre near Wareham.
319 locals recommend
Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre
Longthorns
319 locals recommend
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65 acre sanctuary and rescue centre near Wareham.
Located on the beach next to the main Sandbanks car park, just a 5 min drive from the apartment.
Sandbanks Crazy Golf
Banks Road
Located on the beach next to the main Sandbanks car park, just a 5 min drive from the apartment.
Located near to Corfe Castle, set in acres of woodland Dorset Adventure Park boasts a 200m outdoor inflatable course across 2 lakes and 2km long mud trail assault course! Fantastic fun for the whole family!
44 locals recommend
Dorset Adventure Park
44 locals recommend
Located near to Corfe Castle, set in acres of woodland Dorset Adventure Park boasts a 200m outdoor inflatable course across 2 lakes and 2km long mud trail assault course! Fantastic fun for the whole family!
Country park with Play Trail, steam railway, Go Ape tree top adventure park and cafe.
48 locals recommend
Go Ape Moors Valley
Horton Road
48 locals recommend
Country park with Play Trail, steam railway, Go Ape tree top adventure park and cafe.
PierZip is the first pier to shore zip wire, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Fly solo or dual on the parallel zip lines.
11 locals recommend
PierZip
Pier Approach
11 locals recommend
PierZip is the first pier to shore zip wire, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Fly solo or dual on the parallel zip lines.
Located on Bournemouth seafront just the right of the pier, explore marine animals and ecosystems at the Oceanarium.
115 locals recommend
Oceanarium
Pier Approach
115 locals recommend
Located on Bournemouth seafront just the right of the pier, explore marine animals and ecosystems at the Oceanarium.
Whatever the season, Snowtrax is a brilliant day out for kids of all ages - try snowboarding, skiiing, ringos, ski bobs or enjoy the wooden adventure playground. Book online via the website.
49 locals recommend
Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre & Snowsports Shop
Matchams Lane
49 locals recommend
Whatever the season, Snowtrax is a brilliant day out for kids of all ages - try snowboarding, skiiing, ringos, ski bobs or enjoy the wooden adventure playground. Book online via the website.
Paultons is the UKs number 1 family theme park with over 70 rides and attractions. It is also home of Peppa Pig World with 9 Peppa Pig themed rides. A fantastic day out for kids, located on the edge of the New Forest National Park 40 mins drive from the apartment.
360 locals recommend
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
360 locals recommend
Paultons is the UKs number 1 family theme park with over 70 rides and attractions. It is also home of Peppa Pig World with 9 Peppa Pig themed rides. A fantastic day out for kids, located on the edge of the New Forest National Park 40 mins drive from the apartment.

Watersports, Wellness and Activities

Land & Wave based by Sandbanks car park offer a range of adventures on the water for adults and kids, including coasteering, paddle boarding and bushcraft.
Land & Wave Sandbanks
Banks Road
Land & Wave based by Sandbanks car park offer a range of adventures on the water for adults and kids, including coasteering, paddle boarding and bushcraft.
Friendly local surf school based at Branksome Dene Chine - rent a paddle board, SUP or book a surf lesson. The Shaka team offer private & group surf lessons for adults and kids. If you are visiting at the end of July we recommend booking tickets for the UK Dog Surfing Championships on Branksome Dene Chine beach.
Shaka Surf Branksome
Branksome Towers
Friendly local surf school based at Branksome Dene Chine - rent a paddle board, SUP or book a surf lesson. The Shaka team offer private & group surf lessons for adults and kids. If you are visiting at the end of July we recommend booking tickets for the UK Dog Surfing Championships on Branksome Dene Chine beach.
Outdoor adventure company in Studland offering a range of unique experiences to emerge yourself in nature and the local landscape. Take a Kayak or canoe tour around Old Harry Rocks, go coastal foraging, fishing or learn bushcraft skills.
10 locals recommend
Fore/Adventure
Beach Road
10 locals recommend
Outdoor adventure company in Studland offering a range of unique experiences to emerge yourself in nature and the local landscape. Take a Kayak or canoe tour around Old Harry Rocks, go coastal foraging, fishing or learn bushcraft skills.
Poole Bay is one of the best places in the country to try kitesurfing. The Watersports Academy is a kitesurfing school on the beach, so head here to book tuition and hire equipment. They also offer windsurfing, sailing, winging, paddleboarding and boat charter.
30 locals recommend
The Watersports Academy
15 Banks Rd
30 locals recommend
Poole Bay is one of the best places in the country to try kitesurfing. The Watersports Academy is a kitesurfing school on the beach, so head here to book tuition and hire equipment. They also offer windsurfing, sailing, winging, paddleboarding and boat charter.
For an exhilarating experience you won't forget, hire a jet ski or take an instructor led jet ski safari over to Old Harrys Rocks. If you're lucky you may even see some of the resident dolphins that are regularly spotted in the local waters.
Sandbanks Jetski Company Ltd
30-32 Panorama Road
For an exhilarating experience you won't forget, hire a jet ski or take an instructor led jet ski safari over to Old Harrys Rocks. If you're lucky you may even see some of the resident dolphins that are regularly spotted in the local waters.
Why not try a unique yoga class on the water! Zoe offers group Stand Up Paddle (SUP)/Fitness yoga classes on SUP boards in the harbour. Classes are run from The Watersports Academy on Sandbanks. Booking is essential.
Yoga with Zoe
Chaseside
Why not try a unique yoga class on the water! Zoe offers group Stand Up Paddle (SUP)/Fitness yoga classes on SUP boards in the harbour. Classes are run from The Watersports Academy on Sandbanks. Booking is essential.
Explore Poole Harbours islands, waterways and sandy beaches by hiring a self drive motor boat. Available by the hour with no experience necessary.
Red Boat Hire
4 Banks Road
Explore Poole Harbours islands, waterways and sandy beaches by hiring a self drive motor boat. Available by the hour with no experience necessary.
Su studio is a brand new wellness space in Canford Cliffs, offering drop in yoga & pilates classes, beauty treatments and massages. Pop in for a healthy lunch or browse their boutique for designer swim & beachwear.
SuStudio
Su studio is a brand new wellness space in Canford Cliffs, offering drop in yoga & pilates classes, beauty treatments and massages. Pop in for a healthy lunch or browse their boutique for designer swim & beachwear.

Local Beaches

Considered one of the UK's best beaches and known for some of the most expensive properties in the UK, Sandbanks is naturally beautiful and wide with miles of golden sand and blue flag status. Excellent facilities include a saltwater sauna, crazy golf, childrens play area and Sandbanks Beach cafe.
121 locals recommend
Sandbanks Beach
Banks Road
121 locals recommend
Considered one of the UK's best beaches and known for some of the most expensive properties in the UK, Sandbanks is naturally beautiful and wide with miles of golden sand and blue flag status. Excellent facilities include a saltwater sauna, crazy golf, childrens play area and Sandbanks Beach cafe.
Studland Beach is accessed via the Sandbanks chain ferry which operates every 20 minutes. Owned by the Natural Trust, the stunning 4 mile beach is backed by sand dunes and woodland. It is possible to book kayak tours around Old Harrys Rocks, rent paddleboards or snorkel in search of the endangered Spiny Seahorses.
51 locals recommend
Knoll Beach Studland
51 locals recommend
Studland Beach is accessed via the Sandbanks chain ferry which operates every 20 minutes. Owned by the Natural Trust, the stunning 4 mile beach is backed by sand dunes and woodland. It is possible to book kayak tours around Old Harrys Rocks, rent paddleboards or snorkel in search of the endangered Spiny Seahorses.
It's a 5 min scenic woodland walk from the apartment to the stunning blue flag beach at Canford Cliffs. I also recommend the beautiful clifftop walk between Canford Cliffs library and Branksome Beach, Pinecliff Gardens lookout is a great place to take photos of the spectacular views across Poole Bay.
9 locals recommend
Canford Cliffs Beach
Cliff Drive
9 locals recommend
It's a 5 min scenic woodland walk from the apartment to the stunning blue flag beach at Canford Cliffs. I also recommend the beautiful clifftop walk between Canford Cliffs library and Branksome Beach, Pinecliff Gardens lookout is a great place to take photos of the spectacular views across Poole Bay.
Just 5 minutes walk from the apartment, Branksome Chine Beach is very popular. Benefitting from a RNLI lifeguard presence and great facilities - toilets, restaurant, drinking water and electric beachside BBQs.
Branksome Chine
4-6 Westminster Rd
Just 5 minutes walk from the apartment, Branksome Chine Beach is very popular. Benefitting from a RNLI lifeguard presence and great facilities - toilets, restaurant, drinking water and electric beachside BBQs.

Local attractions

Experience the exhilaration and health benefits of an authentic Finnish wood fired sauna, followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. Saltwater sauna is very popular, booking slots open up 3 weeks in advance so be sure to book ahead.
The Saltwater Sauna
Experience the exhilaration and health benefits of an authentic Finnish wood fired sauna, followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. Saltwater sauna is very popular, booking slots open up 3 weeks in advance so be sure to book ahead.
Located just 10 minutes walk from the apartments, Compton Acres is regarded as one of the finest privately owned gardens in Southern England featuring over 10 acres of spectacular themed gardens. After a relaxing walk around the gardens, enjoy lunch or coffee in the cafe or browse the garden centre & gift shop.
61 locals recommend
Compton Acres
164 Canford Cliffs Rd
61 locals recommend
Located just 10 minutes walk from the apartments, Compton Acres is regarded as one of the finest privately owned gardens in Southern England featuring over 10 acres of spectacular themed gardens. After a relaxing walk around the gardens, enjoy lunch or coffee in the cafe or browse the garden centre & gift shop.
Take a scenic walk to Old Harrys Rocks and enjoy the epic clifftop views. Maybe stop for a drink at The Bankes Arms.
152 locals recommend
Old Harry Rocks
152 locals recommend
Take a scenic walk to Old Harrys Rocks and enjoy the epic clifftop views. Maybe stop for a drink at The Bankes Arms.
Home of the boy scouts and owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills. The ferry leaves regularly from Poole Quay, advisable to pre-book if possible. Fantastic for wildlife watching, the island is home to around 200 rare red squirrels! An ideal day out to enjoy picnics, walks and swimming.
204 locals recommend
Brownsea Island
204 locals recommend
Home of the boy scouts and owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island is the largest island in Poole Harbour with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills. The ferry leaves regularly from Poole Quay, advisable to pre-book if possible. Fantastic for wildlife watching, the island is home to around 200 rare red squirrels! An ideal day out to enjoy picnics, walks and swimming.
For an indulgent treat, book a spa day or session at the Herb House Spa in the New Forest, with sauna, hydro pool, mud house, outdoor hot pool, treatment rooms and stunning views.
Herb House Spa
Beaulieu Road
For an indulgent treat, book a spa day or session at the Herb House Spa in the New Forest, with sauna, hydro pool, mud house, outdoor hot pool, treatment rooms and stunning views.
Stroll down Poole quay and enjoy the boats, coffee shops and restaurants. Children will enjoy crabbing from the quayside, nets and supplies are available to buy. Pool quay is also the jumping off point for ferry boats to Brownsea Island and other boat tours operators and fishing trips.
110 locals recommend
Poole Quay
The Quay
110 locals recommend
Stroll down Poole quay and enjoy the boats, coffee shops and restaurants. Children will enjoy crabbing from the quayside, nets and supplies are available to buy. Pool quay is also the jumping off point for ferry boats to Brownsea Island and other boat tours operators and fishing trips.
An iconic landmark on the Dorset coastline, the limestone arch is a spectacular natural wonder. Enjoy scenic coastal walks, panoramic views and swimming from the shingle beach.
403 locals recommend
Durdle Door
403 locals recommend
An iconic landmark on the Dorset coastline, the limestone arch is a spectacular natural wonder. Enjoy scenic coastal walks, panoramic views and swimming from the shingle beach.
Whilst exploring the Purbecks you will spot the ruins of Corfe Castle, soaring high on a natural hill above the village. Explore the ruins and enjoy a cream tea in the castle gardens.
425 locals recommend
Corfe Castle
425 locals recommend
Whilst exploring the Purbecks you will spot the ruins of Corfe Castle, soaring high on a natural hill above the village. Explore the ruins and enjoy a cream tea in the castle gardens.
Lulworth Cove is famous for its beautiful secluded beach and clear blue water surrounded by unique geological landforms. Combine with a trip to Durdle door which is a 10 minute drive away.
383 locals recommend
Lulworth Cove
383 locals recommend
Lulworth Cove is famous for its beautiful secluded beach and clear blue water surrounded by unique geological landforms. Combine with a trip to Durdle door which is a 10 minute drive away.
Hop on board the Purbeck Breezer open top buses to explore the local area and the Purbecks. The nearest bus stops can be found on Haven Road outside The Anchorage pub, just 5 minutes walk from the apartment.
Purbeck Breezer (Morebus)
53A Kings Road West
Hop on board the Purbeck Breezer open top buses to explore the local area and the Purbecks. The nearest bus stops can be found on Haven Road outside The Anchorage pub, just 5 minutes walk from the apartment.
Owned by the National Trust, Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland.
78 locals recommend
Kingston Lacy
78 locals recommend
Owned by the National Trust, Kingston Lacy is an elegant 17th century mansion set in attractive formal gardens and extensive parkland.
Evening Hill offers some of the very best views over the Sandbanks Peninsular, across the bay to Brownsea Island and across to the Purbeck Hills beyond. Offering a number of picnic benches and places to sit, it’s a wonderful place to watch the glorious sunsets over Poole Bay.
12 locals recommend
Evening Hill
1 Shore Rd
12 locals recommend
Evening Hill offers some of the very best views over the Sandbanks Peninsular, across the bay to Brownsea Island and across to the Purbeck Hills beyond. Offering a number of picnic benches and places to sit, it’s a wonderful place to watch the glorious sunsets over Poole Bay.
Calling dinosaur and fossil hunters...located on the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, The Etches houses the finest single collection of late Jurassic fossils all found by one man, Dr Steve Etches MBE. Don't miss 'The Giant Sea Monster' the most complete Pilosaur skull ever discovered and featured in the BBC documentary 'Attenborough and The Giant Sea Monster'. Enjoy the scenic walking trail to Kimmeridge Bay to go in search of your own fossil treasures.
28 locals recommend
The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life
28 locals recommend
Calling dinosaur and fossil hunters...located on the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, The Etches houses the finest single collection of late Jurassic fossils all found by one man, Dr Steve Etches MBE. Don't miss 'The Giant Sea Monster' the most complete Pilosaur skull ever discovered and featured in the BBC documentary 'Attenborough and The Giant Sea Monster'. Enjoy the scenic walking trail to Kimmeridge Bay to go in search of your own fossil treasures.
The New Forest is a paradise for nature lovers. Hike, cycle or horse ride through the scenic countyside. Get up close with the local wild ponies, roughly 5000 roam freely around the area. There are some fantastic walks, including the spectacular Tall Trees Trail - an easy 1.8km walk in Blackwater where you can see trees from all over the world including the Giant Sequoia.
10 locals recommend
Blackwater Arboretum
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
10 locals recommend
The New Forest is a paradise for nature lovers. Hike, cycle or horse ride through the scenic countyside. Get up close with the local wild ponies, roughly 5000 roam freely around the area. There are some fantastic walks, including the spectacular Tall Trees Trail - an easy 1.8km walk in Blackwater where you can see trees from all over the world including the Giant Sequoia.

Favourite Takeaways

Arriving late or just don't fancy going out, why not relax and order a delicious take away to enjoy at home. Here are some of my personal favourites.
One of Dorsets top rated Pan Asian restaurants, specialising in sushi, donburi, bao buns and pan Asian cusine. Also available as takeaway delivered via Uber Eats.
35 locals recommend
Drgnfly
1 Bournemouth Rd
35 locals recommend
One of Dorsets top rated Pan Asian restaurants, specialising in sushi, donburi, bao buns and pan Asian cusine. Also available as takeaway delivered via Uber Eats.
High quality authentic handmade Neapolitan pizzas. Available for delivery or collection via Uber Eats.
21 locals recommend
Baffi
44 Haven Rd
21 locals recommend
High quality authentic handmade Neapolitan pizzas. Available for delivery or collection via Uber Eats.
Chicken and Blues is a 'posh chicken shop' offering high quality BBQ chicken, wraps and sides. Order via Deliveroo.
9 locals recommend
Chicken and Blues Ashley Cross
73 Commercial Rd
9 locals recommend
Chicken and Blues is a 'posh chicken shop' offering high quality BBQ chicken, wraps and sides. Order via Deliveroo.
Authentic Indian restaurant and takeaway. Delivery or pick up via Uber Eats.
10 locals recommend
Dilli Haat
33 Seamoor Rd
10 locals recommend
Authentic Indian restaurant and takeaway. Delivery or pick up via Uber Eats.
Classic Thai curries, stir fries and noodles. Ko Thai offers a kids menu, click and collect or delivery via Deliveroo.
31 locals recommend
Koh Noi
292 Sandbanks Rd
31 locals recommend
Classic Thai curries, stir fries and noodles. Ko Thai offers a kids menu, click and collect or delivery via Deliveroo.
Top rated Fish and chip shop in the area. Excellent quality fresh fish and the crispiest batter. Click and collect or delivery via Chez Fred website.
48 locals recommend
Chez Fred
10 Seamoor Rd
48 locals recommend
Top rated Fish and chip shop in the area. Excellent quality fresh fish and the crispiest batter. Click and collect or delivery via Chez Fred website.