Dorset Delights and the RNLI College New Date and Hotel

We depart the Maresfield area and make our way westward. Having made a suitable stop we arrive at Compton Acres Gardens I time for lunch. Constructed in 1920 by Mr Thomas Simpson, Compton Acres is still acknowledged as one of the finest privately owned gardens in England. There are seven distinct gardens, including a Roman Garden, an English Garden, an Italian Garden, a Palm Court, a semi-tropical Glen and other features. Compton Acres has one of the largest rock gardens in the UK and a stunning Japanese Garden with thatched temple, pond and koi. The gardens look stunning in Spring and Summer with lovely reflections. There are also lovely views out to sea. Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven. Late afternoon we make the short drive to our hotel.

This morning we explore the Isle of Purbeck, including the Georgian market town of Wareham, once a stronghold of King Alfred and then onto the lovely Victorian seaside resort of Swanage which marks the eastern end of The Jurassic Coast. You will also enjoy a short trip through the wonderful Purbeck countryside on The Swanage Railway with stunning views of the ruins of Corfe Castle before we return to our hotel.

This morning is free for you to explore Poole at your leisure. You may like to visit Poole Museum, situated in the Old Town, just off Poole Quay, the Museum tells the story of the historic maritime town.  From a 295 BC log boat discovered in Poole Harbour to the recognition of the town’s importance in the 1248 Longspee Charter and the trading history of 17th and 18th Century merchants, exhibitions chart Poole’s development from pre history to the 21st Century.  The Museum is also home to over 150 pieces of world famous Poole Pottery and a potter’s wheel – a must for collectors and fans.   This afternoon we visit Cranborne Manor Garden which was originally established in the 17th century by John Tradescant and Mounten Jennings. From the end of the 17th century it was virtually abandoned and was only revived when the family moved back to the Manor in the 1920s.  Incorporating some of the original plans, succeeding generations have established the framework of the garden as it is today, combining wild and formal areas with equal success. The Winterborne garden should be at its best in spring when the river is still running and the spring-flowering shrubs and water-loving plants are at their height. Springtime at Cranborne is particularly good with displays of spring bulbs and the crab apple orchard in the wild garden.

This morning we enjoy a fascinating visit to the RNLI College where find out how crews and lifeguards are trained with a behind the scenes 90 minute tour of the RNLI College. Each tour is conducted by a dedicated volunteer tour guide who provide a passionate and insightful look at the work that takes place at the College.  During your 90 minute guided tour, you will be given the chance to explore the RNLI College and its training facilities, including the world-class Sea Survival centre, which hosts the wave tank and Lifeboat simulator (subject to availability) This afternoon we enjoy a boat trip to Brownsea Island NT which is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills.  Thriving habitats including woodland, heathland and a lagoon create a unique haven for wildlife, such as the rare red squirrel and a wide variety of birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers.  The Outdoor Centre invites you to follow in the footsteps of Lord Baden-Powell and the very first Scouts who camped here in 1907. You will have time on the Island to explore.

We leave our hotel this morning and make the short journey to Knoll Gardens near Ferndown where we spend some time before commencing our journey back to Sussex. Knoll Gardens, is a 4-acre garden in naturalistic style, known for its array of ornamental grasses. Enjoy a profusion of flowering perennials in this year-round garden, carefully planted to encourage wildlife and a natural environment where over 6000 named species of plants thrive. Knoll’s Chelsea Gold Medal-winning nursery sells many of the plants found within the garden if you wish to make any purchases. Having made a further suitable stop we expect to arrive back in the Maresfield area by approximately 18.30.