Explore beyond Bournemouth and discover beautiful countryside and picturesque villages steeped in history, just waiting to be discovered. Whether you venture north, east, or west of Bournemouth, you’ll be sure to find fascinating places to explore.
Head inland from Bournemouth and you'll uncover the beauty of rural Dorset. Home to rolling hills, lush forests, and heathlands. Famously known as the heart of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex, the outstanding beauty of Dorset’s countryside has charged the imagination of many great writers, musicians, artists, and movie makers. You may recognise some of the beautiful scenery in the multi-award-winning ITV drama Broadchurch!
On our doorstep are the neighbouring counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset. Home to ancient forests, enchanting cathedral cities, bustling towns, and picturesque villages, with a variety of attractions, activities, and adventures, you can really make the most of your time in the countryside.
Discover the natural beauty and history of the New Forest with many activities and places to visit on foot, by bike, as part of a guided tour, by bus, car, or even on horseback!
With its quaint villages and historic towns, there are so many places to explore throughout the New Forest - from hamlets hidden deep in the forest to seaside towns and villages dotted along the coast. The forest is also full of roaming wildlife, including the New Forest ponies.
As well as the enchanting New Forest, the county of Hampshire is home to many towns and villages along its breathtaking coastline and throughout the beautiful countryside.
The county of Wiltshire offers many places to explore, from its pretty market towns and quaint villages to areas of outstanding natural beauty and rolling countryside. Known as the “city in the countryside”, Salisbury is famous for its timber-framed buildings and iconic early-English Gothic Cathedral, which is home to the best preserved copy of the Magna Carta.
Visit nearby Somerset with its vast expanse of open countryside, villages, and bustling market towns, alongside a rich heritage of history and legend, as well as popular attractions and activities.
