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Tour Summary

Trip Advisor LogoWe offer a choice selection of award-winning day trips, concentrating on the beautiful county of Dorset but venturing further afield where the journey is worth-while. For Cruise Ship passengers stopping at Portland, we offer an exclusive tour visiting the best sights of Dorset and the Jurassic Coast.

With picture-postcard scenery and a commentary telling you all about the local history, customs & people, every tour has plenty of stops for guests to get out, look around, hear some local tales & sometimes have a longer walk.

Some days the British weather will have its way and there may be some rain, but don’t worry as the sights & scenery are still fantastic & we always have umbrellas onboard! We can potentially run any trip on any day – please contact us):

We can also run private tours, if you’d like even more exclusivity or something more individual like visiting somewhere we don’t usually go – please get in touch to discuss!

Please read the important trip information and things to bring below.

Select a Trip for more details

Cruise Ship Excursions

This is the most exclusive, unique and friendly shore excursion tour available from the Isle of Portland, visiting the best of Dorset and its stunning Jurassic Coast.

More info and book…

The Purbecks & Jurassic Coast Day Out

See Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and hear stories of smuggling, pirates, local characters and heroes on the castle-filled Isle of Purbeck!

More info and book…

Hardy’s Dorset Day Out

Discover the rolling countryside, towns and villages that inspired novelist Thomas Hardy, with ancient monuments & stunning scenery along the way!

More info and book…

The Jurassic Ale Trail (or “Spritzer Special!”)

This fantastic tour visits the best sights of the Purbecks & Jurassic Coast day out, plus a few amazing country pubs along the way!

The New Forest Day Out

Visit William the Conqueror’s old hunting ground of ancient woods & heathland, National Park home of the famous New Forest pony!

More info and book…

Broadchurch & Jurassic Coast Day Out

See West Bay & its famous golden East Cliff, plus explore other sights on the stunning Jurassic Coast!

Please read this important stuff:

Trip Content:

Please note that circumstances might force the order or content of a trip to change, but we’ll still make sure you have a great day out!

Pick up and drop-off:

We’ll pick you up in central Bournemouth or Poole (other places can be arranged but may require an additional charge) – just let us know where on booking and we’ll advise you of the pick-up time. Portland cruise ship visitors will be picked up at the cruise terminal (details will be agreed by email). Please be ready at the pick-up point at least 5 minutes before this time, in case we arrive early. At the end of the day we’ll drop you off wherever the pick-up was, unless we have agreed an alternative by prior arrangement. If you aren’t in the Poole/Bournemouth area but are near the route of the trip you like, do get in contact as we might still be able to pick you up (en route.)

Childrekidinfon:

Kids are welcome on all our trips as long as they are accompanied (by an adult), and we can provide booster seats for up to 4 children over the age of 3 – PLEASE NOTE however that we cannot accommodate any pushchairs on the Dorset Day Trips vehicle – there just isn’t room and the terrain at many of our stops is not pushchair-friendly. Unfortunately we cannot usually provide for under-3s and the nature of the tours means they’re better suited to older children over 6 years. Please also note that our vehicle has lap belts on the seats that kids will use, not 3-point belts.

Dogs and pets:

Unfortunately, we’re afraid we can’t take dogs or any other pets on the trips, unless they are registered assistance animals.

Entrance Fees:

Some of our trips visit places where, if sufficient time is available, guests may be able to enter properties owned by the National Trust (eg Corfe Castle, Hardy’s Cottage and Max Gate). The entrance fee to these properties is not included in the booking fee for these trips, though members of the Trust may enter for free.

Other:

Please note that the consumption of alcohol and hot drinks on board the Dorset Day Trips vehicle is not allowed.

Things to bring:

  • Sensible footwear as some walking will be involved, and sometimes pathways could be rocky, loose or slippery. So some good trainers or sturdy shoes
    will be ideal, but flip-flops (that’s thongs if you’re Australian) or high heels won’t be!
  • Sunscreen, just in case! Maybe even a hat if strong sunshine is forecast
  • Only one small bag (eg a backpack) please as space in the camper is limited
  • A camera for all the fantastic sights you’ll see!

And please don’t forget to bring any medication you may need (prescriptions or allergy reliefs, etc).

Please see Terms and Conditions for more detail.