Top Things to do in Dorset

Grab your bucket and spade, because Bournemouth’s beaches are yours to discover today. The golden sands of Durley Chine (1) are just a ten-minute walk from the hotel – with lifeguards, dog-friendly zones, and frothy coffees at Chineside café (2). You can spy Bournemouth Pier from here, so take a slow mooch towards it: the promenade hugs the seashore, flanked by towering cliffs and pastel-painted beach huts. On the pier you can play the arcades, sunbathe on deck chairs, or tackle the indoor climbing walls and slides at RockReef (3) – great rainy-day fun for all ages. Follow the screams and squeals to PierZip (4), the world’s first pier-to-beach zipline, for a thrilling ride back to terra firma. After seafront pizza and tacos at Aruba (5), it’s time for an afternoon of R&R. Make the most of West Cliff Hotel’s swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and aromatherapy cave and – if you’re a Boundless member – enjoy a 10% discount on spa treatments, such as the soothing Elemis deep-tissue massage. The hotel’s afternoon tea is always a treat, too: a delicious assortment of mini sandwiches, fruit scones, and artisan brews. Served overlooking West Cliff’s glorious gardens, it’s a thoroughly decadent pick-me-up.

Tuck into a hearty breakfast at the hotel this morning, with a choice of tasty continental and freshly-cooked options. At Sandbanks (6) – a brief drive from the hotel – you’ll find a beautiful beach and some of Britain’s priciest residences, home to football managers and celebrities galore. But you’re not here to gawp at millionaires’ mansions: you’re here to catch the ferry to Brownsea Island (7), a National Trust nature reserve where red squirrels and wild deer roam. The pathways will take you deep into the 500-acre tangle of woodland, to secluded beaches and a wildlife lagoon. Look out for the ‘Tree Trail’, too: its lofty oaks and gnarly pines are perfect for climbing. Alternatively, you could spend today exploring the mighty ruins of Corfe Castle (8), which has loomed over the Dorset coast for 1,000 years. This evening, check out Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre (9), which hosts everything from opera to stand-up comedy. There are excellent restaurants within walking distance, too: head to Renoufs (10) for wine and charcuterie platters; Neo (11) for seafood and bubbly; or Lolas (12) for tasty Spanish tapas.

Heading home? Don’t forget that Boundless members get free late check-out (worth £10), so you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and one last dip in the pool before midday. Staying put? There’s still so much to see nearby... You can stroll through the lush landscaped gardens of Compton Acres (13), take the kids for a spin on Adventure Wonderland’s (14) rollercoasters, or hop on board the steam-powered Swanage Railway (15) for a relaxing jaunt through the idyllic Isle of Purbeck. For art lovers, Bournemouth’s Russell-Cotes Art Museum (16) is a must-see. This grand Victorian mansion is stuffed full of paintings, sculptures and curios from all over the world – while Kingston Lacy (17) boasts magnificent gardens and Britain’s largest private collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts. For dinner, one final local treasure awaits: a fish-and-chip supper at Chez Fred (18). This family-run eatery has won awards for its crispy batter and fluffy fries – which taste even better on the beach, beneath one of Bournemouth’s glorious scarlet sunsets.

Give the car a rest and put your legs through their paces instead: Dorset is heaven for hikers. The Bournemouth Coast Path (19) stretches almost 37m from Swanage to Lymington, taking in pretty coves, seaside villages, and some of the south coast’s finest clifftop views. For those with moderate fitness, it’s a rewarding four-day yomp – with handy public transport to whisk you back to Bournemouth at the end of each section. For a lighter stroll (and easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs) try the Bournemouth Tree Trail (20), a two-hour route through Bournemouth’s Lower, Central and Upper Gardens. Or, Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve (21) – whose walkways weave through woodlands and wetlands. It’s rich in wildlife (look out for kestrels and skylarks) and archaeological interest: thousands of Bronze Age artefacts have been unearthed along these shores. After all that walking, you deserve a treat, so hop on board Frieda’s afternoon Teabus (22) – a quirky, colourful double-decker serving tea, cakes and sandwiches. The 90-minute tour stops at Dorset’s most picturesque spots, so you can feast on spectacular coastal views, too. For fuss-free family fun, look to Moors Valley Country Park (23), which features activity trails, falconry displays, a Go Ape high-ropes course and much more. Meanwhile, budding equestrians will love the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre (24) – and Bournemouth Aviation Museum (25) is a must-see for kids (and grown-ups) with a passion for flying. And who says Dorset is your limit? From Poole Harbour, you can catch Condor Ferries’ day trip to Guernsey (26) from just £34pp return – for an action-packed day of island sightseeing, sandy beaches, and duty-free shopping. Now that’s a mini break with maximum adventure.