📞 020 4568 3377
Bournemouth
5 day holiday - Sunday 9th March 2024
Highlights...
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Athelhampton House and Gardens
‘Anton Du Beke at the Musicals’
The area, now known as Bournemouth, was once described as ‘barren and uncultivated’ but all that changed when Lewis Tregonwell intentionally founded Bournemouth as a health resort. Over the next 60 years, along with the arrival of the railway and a mention in a book called ‘The Spas of England’, this new town became an attraction to tourists. Today, Bournemouth Beach is considered to be one of the best in the UK and this is not surprising with its seven miles of sandy beaches and clear seas, high standards of cleanliness, local attractions and the notably pleasant climate.

Our hotel location gives us easy access to many treasures in the area of Bournemouth. The local must-see is Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. The museum, gifted to Bournemouth by a couple a hundred years ago. is filled with art and objects from their world travels and they wanted it to educate and enlighten others. Situated nearby in Christchurch, is The Red House, a building dating back to 1764 and was the parish workhouse for Christchurch and Bournemouth. In 1886 the building was bought by Reverend Bus, who named the building ‘The Red House’ after the colour of the bricks. The building later became the private museum of Herbert Druitt, an enthusiastic local collector, whose passion for a variety of collectables created the Red House Museum collections. It was in 1951 that it became a charitable trust and was opened to the public and continues to be so, offering an opportunity to explore the story of Christchurch from Ice Age to modern times.
During our break, we will visit the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre for an opportunity to enjoy the King of Ballroom in a performance of ‘Anton Du Beke at the Musicals’. The Strictly Come Dancing legend and judge is touring during 2025, and will take to the stage to entertain us with his live band, guest singer and dancers – we can expect a FAB-U-LOUS evening of song, dance and laughter! As well as songs and dances from his favourite musicals Du Beke will keep us amused and laughing as he shares some behind the scenes stories from his time on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Connaught Hotel & Spa 4*
We will be staying at one of Bournemouth’s finest, boutique 4-star hotels, The Connaught Hotel and Spa. The hotel occupies a great location for our excursions and close to the sandy beaches the area is known for. The indulgent spa is free for all guests and includes an 18m indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna, as well as four spa treatment rooms, a gym and relaxation lounge. The bedrooms have stylish decoration and en-suite facilities with complimentary toiletries. All rooms have flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer, desk and lamp, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. There is a lift to the bedrooms. Dinner will be in the Brasserie and offers a blend of traditional and contemporary meals. The three-course dinner each night includes two glasses of wine or soft drinks.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Sunday 9th March
Arriving by door-to-door car at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, you will be greeted by your tour manager who will be with you throughout the holiday. Coffee or tea with pastries will be served before we board the coach. On our journey to Bournemouth we will stop at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens; a house, museum and gardens that will take you on a journey into the Natural World. Our guided tour of the house will give us a special insight into the naturalist and explorers who are commemorated. Lunch will be on site in White’s Café. Following lunch there is an opportunity to explore the gardens before we continue our journey to the Best Western Connaught Hotel and Spa. Your Tour Manager will assist with check-in. There will be time to unpack and relax, before enjoying our evening meal. o
Day 2 – Monday 10th March
After enjoying breakfast in the hotel, we will board the coach for the drive to Kingston Lacy Estate. The National Trust property holds many treasures inside, including one of the UK’s finest, private collection of paintings. Alongside the paintings our free-flow visit will enable us to take in the stunning statues, fabulous bespoke furniture and Egyptian artefacts. We will enjoy a light lunch in The Stable Café before departing to return to the hotel. The afternoon sees some free time to enjoy the hotel facilities or in fact just unwind prior to our pre-theatre dinner. We will have a short distance to travel to Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, where we get to sit back and enjoy an evening of entertainment by Anton Du Beke. o
Day 3 – Tuesday 11th March
Today we start with the drive to Athelhampton House and Gardens, both Grade I listed sites, where we will have a welcome talk with tea and coffee. Thought of as one of England's finest Tudor Manors, Athelhampton is steeped in history, has a wealth of literary connections, and survives today mainly due to its complex ownership. We will learn about some of its history and the connection Thomas Hardy had with the property during our tour of the House with a knowledgeable guide. Following our morning tour, we will enjoy a relaxed lunch in the dining room before our afternoon Horticulture tour with the Head Gardner.
Day 4 – Wednesday 12th March
This morning we will visit The Red House museum for a 90-minute guided tour where we will learn about the story of Christchurch, from Ice Age to Modern Times, while enjoying the museum and its collections. On departing, we will make our way to the wonderful Art Gallery and Museum, Russell-Cotes. We will have a light lunch on arrival, and follow this with a guided tour that will transport us to another time and place as we learn about ‘The Story of the Victorian Villa’. There will be some free time after the tour to explore any areas of interest before leaving to return to the hotel for time to relax and unwind before dinner.
Day 5 – Thursday 13th March
After a relaxed start to the morning, your Tour Manager will assist with check-out. We will then board the coach and begin our journey home stopping at Chilworth Manor, on the outskirts of Southampton, for our two-course farewell dinner. After enjoying time to relax and reflect on the holiday, we will re-board the coach and continue on to the Crowne Plaza where refreshments will be served before our door to door cars arrive.
Total Price of the Holiday: £1,950 per person
Deposit: £200
National Trust Discount: £18
Balance due:
12th January 2025
Whats Included:
- Door to door cars from your home to the meeting point and back
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- Four nights at the 4-star Best Western Connaught Hotel & Spa
- 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of wine every night
- Full English or continental breakfast every morning
- Lunch with coffee or tea every day
- Morning refreshments on first day
- Afternoon refreshments on last day
- Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
- Gilbert Whites House
- Kingston Lacy
- Athelhampton House
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
- Red House Museum
- Ticket for premium seat at the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre
- Gratuities
- The services of your Tour manager throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
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Cultural Breaks is a trading name of Advantage Travel Centres Limited, registered in England and Wales with registered number 04698963 Vat No. 680 7873 93 Head Office: C/O Regus, Eagle House, 167 City Road, London, EC1V 1AW