This Cornish fishing village is a charming place that feels a lot more local than other spots on the coastline, with cob and slate cottages that hark back to its historic pilchard trade and rich maritime history.

It still has an active fishing industry, and you’ll notice this as you walk around.

There are lots of places where you can appreciate its heritage throughout the town, as well as opportunities to see its beautiful coastline.

Its location on the banks of the rivers Stour and Allen as well as history dating back to pre-Roman times, makes it an interesting and picturesque town to visit.

A regular winner in the regional and national ‘In Bloom’ awards, Wimborne’s pretty streets and courtyards are filled with the scent and colour of flowers in summer.

Whatever the season, you are assured of a warm welcome in this friendly town.

Poole Harbour is a large natural harbour, the largest in Europe and second largest in the world.

There is lots to see and do in and around Poole Harbour, from water sports to fine dining, countryside walks to fishing.

You can get great views over the Harbour to Brownsea Island from Poole Quay. There are a number of islands within Poole Harbour, most are privately owned. The biggest is Brownsea Island which is owned by the National Trust and can be visited most of the year.

Sir Edward Phelps was the visionary force and money behind the creation of this masterpiece, which was completed in 1601. Built by skilled craftsman using local ham stone under the instruction of William Arnold, master mason, the house was a statement of wealth, ambition and showmanship. The ground floor of the house is open; however, the upper floors are currently closed.

A beautiful garden surrounds Montacute House, constantly changing, filling the house with scent in summer and providing an atmospheric backdrop for a winter walk.

Whether you just want to let the children run and explore or be inspired by the collections housed within the walls of Montacute, you will leave with lasting memories and a desire to soon return.

Once an important Tudor palace, this atmospheric mansion has some illustrious connections, from Henry VIII to Jane Austen. Outside, acres of wildlife-rich gardens, meadows and woods create a wonderful space for relaxation and exploration, while the natural play space gives children freedom to let their imaginations take them on fantasy adventures. Sweeping lawns offer lakeside picnicking, and a short stroll reveals a cosy bird hide overlooking the water meadows.

It was home to the Fox Talbot family. In the early 19th century, polymath William Henry Fox Talbot invented the photographic negative, a cornerstone in the rise of photography as both an art and a popular hobby.
His achievements are celebrated in the Abbey itself and in a museum of photography, which also hosts a rolling programme of photography exhibitions.