The Isle of Portland & Dorset

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 Departing from your local pick-up points we travel south towards Dorset with a stop in Salisbury on the way. We then continue to Portland and our hotel arriving in time to settle in before dinner.

Day 2 We visit Forde Abbey, one of Britain's great hidden gems for a private guided tour. More then 900 years of history and romance are encapsulated in this elegant former Cistercian monastery and its 30 acres of award-winning gardens. The simple monastic rooms contrast with the grand state rooms of the mansion.

Day 3 Start the day with a visit to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - a mixture of formal and informal flowers, world-famous for its camellia groves and magnolias. It is also noted in Dorset for its rhododendron and hydrangea collections and the charming Victorian Garden. Later, we visit West Bay, 'Broadchurch' in the TV drama. With delightful beaches and a wonderful selection of places to eat around the Harbour, West Bay is a favourite destination for visitors.

Day 4 We take in the famous Jurassic Coast with a visit to West Lulworth, where the scenery is stunning, boasting some of the most dramatic geological features including Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Later, we enjoy an unforgettable visit at the world's most historically significant collection of armoured vehicles. The museum houses 300 military machines, representing the key battles of every major conflict since the First World War. The awe-inspiring exhibitions tell the story of this British invention; from the mud of the Somme to the beaches of Normandy and the deserts of Iraq - featuring powerful stories from the people that fought in them.

Day 5 We depart Portland after breakfast and make our way to Shaftsbury before the return drive to Chelmsford.