Posts Tagged ‘Bournemouth’

• 7 day sale on a wide range of UK & European holidays in November and December

  Date: 2010.11.04 | Category: Special offers - time limited | Response: 0

  October is out of the way and Christmas is fast approaching. But now is the time to put things on pause and treat yourself to a relaxing break away. Shearings Holidays has just launched their amazing 7 day sale and have a wide range of UK & European holidays in November and December with up to 30% off the asking price.
  However, this sale must end midnight 10th November. Find out more about the sale>

  Check out a coupleof the great offers available:

  Christmas in Bournemouth

  • Staying at the Savoy Hotel for 5 nights from the 23rd December
  • Was £524 • Now £389 • Save £135
  Find out more>

  All Inclusive Lynton staying at the Valley of Rocks Hotel

  • From the 8th November 2010
  • Was £239 • Now £139 • Save £100
  Find out more>

• Compton Acres, Bournemouth, Dorset, South West England

  Date: 2010.08.23 | Category: Been there, Latest News, Places to go, Review 4 star | Response: 0

  As a family that has spent so much time holidaying in the Bournemouth area of Dorset it is amazing that it has taken us so long to do one of its largest attractions. Our hesitancy has always been along the familiar lines of… “it will be a nice garden but will we enjoy it while tugging the kids along behind us!”

  This August we finally bit the bullet, bought the £17 family ticket and headed in.

  Compton Acres is one of the finest privately owned gardens in the South of England with a unique series of stunning gardens and a spectacular view of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Iasland and the Purbeck Hills beyond.

  Once inside you follow a circular path route that takes you through the various gardens, from the splendid formal Italian  Gardens, through the sub Tropical link to the wooded pine valley, rock and water gardens and much more.  As you would imagine the gardens are all pretty, well maintained and very peaceful.

  Our favourite was the Japanses garden, which is recognised as one of the best in Britain, with its Tea House draped in Japanese wisteria and the thatched summer house.

  As for the children, well their highlights were the activity area which allowed them to climb and run around a bit – without disturbing other visitors – and the Bog Garden which was a great place to spot wildlife including butterflies, toads and many many dragonflies.  Compton Acres during the summer holidays had also put on a clue trail for the children to follow, which kept them occupied, if only for the promised sweet reward at the end.

  Compton Acres is pathed all the way around and so is accessible for pushchairs and the disabled.

  Most surprising moment was the fantastic view across the harbour from the cafe – up to that point you feel in an enclosed garden and then you suddenly look up and see across the Harbour to Brownsea Island and beyond.  The cafe had a good selection of sandwiches and cakes to accompany tea, but we just sat and appreciated the view.

  We visited Compton Acres in the summer holidays but it is open all year round with colour and scent throughout and regular events held so check the website for more information.

  There is also a Model Railway Exhibition that includes 1000 foot of scenic track attached to Compton Acres, although this does require extra admission (£1.50 for adults, £1 for children).

  Location and accommodation

  Compton Acres is close to Sandbanks, set between Bournemouth and Poole in Dorset.

  • B&B and Guest House accommodation close by
  • Self catering and cottage accommodation close by
  • Holiday parks close by
  • Holiday lodges close by

  Summary

  • Family fun: 4 stars
  • Lenth of visit: Allow 2 hours

  Find out more

  Visit the Compton Acres website to find out more.