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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

The Jurassic Coast & New Forest

Dorset and Hampshire heritage railways from Bournemouth in five days

Illustration of The Jurassic Coast & New Forest

Great Rail Journeys runs this five-day escorted tour, based in the coastal town of Bournemouth, exploring Dorset and Hampshire by heritage steam railways, boat, and coach. The tour begins with independent arrival at the four-star Hermitage Hotel, where you stay all four nights. On Day 2, you sail from Poole Quay past Old Harry Rocks and Studland Bay to Swanage, then ride the Swanage Railway steam train to Corfe Castle, a 1,000-year-old fortress. Day 3 takes you to Exbury Gardens, where the Rhododendron Line steam railway meanders through the gardens and around Dragonfly Pond, followed by a visit to Beaulieu Motor Museum. Day 4 features a coach journey to Alton, with independent time to explore Georgian architecture, then a ride on the Mid Hants Watercress Line through Hampshire countryside. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, breakfast and dinner are included daily, and all transport is arranged. This suits repeat rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking guided comfort without complicated logistics.

What to know before you look closer

  • The maximum group size is 40 people; confirm final group size when booking.
  • Heritage steam trains may substitute diesel locomotives on some days.
  • Day 5 is checkout and departure; no activities are scheduled.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Bournemouth

    Arriving by the sandy shores of Bournemouth

    Your exploration of the Jurassic Coast and New Forest starts as you arrive independently at our four-star hotel in the coastal town of Bournemouth. With check in available from 2pm, you could spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the seaside resort. Our hotel is within easy access to the beach and city centre, where you'll find the Bournemouth Aquarium and a mix of shops on the high street. Bournemouth was founded in the early 1800s as a health resort and quickly became a popular destination for Victorians. Returning to the hotel, meet the Tour Manager ahead of dinner this evening.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Bournemouth

    The nostalgic Swanage Railway to battle-worn Corfe Castle

    After breakfast, we take a short coach transfer to Poole Quay for a boat trip to Swanage. Sailing the open blue sea, we pass Brownsea Island, Studland Bay and the white chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. Swanage is an atmospheric Victorian seaside town with a long beach, independent shops and delicious food. On arrival, there's time to grab some lunch before joining the Swanage Railway. This heritage rail journey runs through the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside. Reaching Corfe Castle, you can explore its fascinating 1,000-year-old ruins at leisure. After admiring this former royal stronghold, we return to Bournemouth by coach for dinner at our hotel. Note: For departure 9th May, Days 2 and 4 have been swapped. For departure 10th September, Days 2 and 3 have been swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bournemouth

    Exbury Gardens' beautiful steam railway and Beaulieu Motor Museum

    This morning, we travel by coach to the New Forest to explore Exbury Gardens, home to the fantastic Rothschild collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. We enjoy a different view of the gardens by boarding the Exbury steam railway, also known as the Rhododendron Line. Departing from a charming replica Victorian station, the train meanders around the beautiful gardens and circles Dragonfly Pond. This afternoon, we are driven to the National Motor Museum in the expansive grounds of Beaulieu, home of the Montagu family. There's plenty to see here, from Formula 1 vehicles and land-speed record breakers to the famous car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Also on the estate, you can find Palace House or wander the serene gardens. Note: For departure 14th May, Days 3 and 4 have been swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Bournemouth

    Historic Hampshire towns on the heritage Watercress Line

    Heading into Hampshire by coach this morning, we arrive in the traditional market town of Alton. There is time to wander independently, uncover the grand Georgian architecture or seek out St Lawrence Church. Heading to the station, we board the Mid Hants Railway, also known as the Watercress Line. This steam-hauled heritage railway travels through ten miles of idyllic countryside on a picturesque route that originally transported produce to London's markets from Alresford. Historic Christchurch boasts many attractive sights, and its 11th-century priory is one of the few monastery churches to have survived Henry VIII's rule. Later, the coach takes us back to our hotel for our final dinner as a group.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Homeward bound

    Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Once you've checked out of our Bournemouth hotel, you can make your way home or continue to explore more of the fantastic Jurassic Coast and New Forest on your own.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Boat trip from Poole Quay to Swanage, passing Brownsea Island, Studland Bay, and the white chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks.
  • Day 2Journey on the Swanage Railway, a heritage steam train, from Swanage to Corfe Castle.
  • Day 3Ride the Exbury Steam Railway, also called the Rhododendron Line, through Exbury Gardens, circling Dragonfly Pond from a replica Victorian station.
  • Day 4Travel on the Mid Hants Railway (Watercress Line), a steam-hauled heritage railway through ten miles of Hampshire countryside from Alton to New Alresford.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes Standard Class rail travel on three heritage railways: the Swanage Railway, Exbury Steam Railway, and Mid Hants Watercress Line. All rail, coach, and boat travel is included in the price.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager with the group from start to finish. Days include guided tours and excursions, though some destinations have independent exploration time.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes four nights at the four-star Hermitage Hotel in Bournemouth, breakfast and dinner daily, all rail and coach travel, a boat trip to Swanage, entry to Exbury Gardens and the Beaulieu Motor Museum, and a UK Tour Manager. Cancellation and travel insurance are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Most days involve moderate walking. Day 2 and 4 include independent exploration of Swanage and Alton town centres. Day 3 involves walking through Exbury Gardens and the museum at Beaulieu.
When does the tour run?
Great Rail Journeys does not publish specific departure dates in the available information. Contact the operator directly to confirm availability.
How much does it cost?
The tour starts from GBP 479 per person, based on shared accommodation. UK Rail Connections to and from the start point are available as a separate optional extra.

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