Poole Tourism

With a unique mixture of fascinating history, a bustling quay and stunning beaches including Britain’s best beach, Sandbanks, a visit to Poole is a must in 2013. Poole’s stunning natural harbour and striking peninsula is the largest in Europe, providing the perfect location for watersports. The superb environment is rivalled only by its spectacular summer events programme, top attractions and a great dining scene.

Poole Quay provides a great base to just sit back and watch the visiting tall ships, luxury sunseekers and fishing vessels. Enjoy the views across Poole Harbour with one of the many harbour cruises available or set sail for the National Trust’s Brownsea Island. You will find a variety of fine dining restaurants and a selection of top quality pubs and cafes both on and surrounding Poole Quay.

Poole is a town rich in history and has a beautiful Old Town to explore. Use the cockle trail leaflet available from Poole Welcome Centre to find out more about this area. To experience the towns unique and colourful past make sure you visit Poole Museum (free entry) close to the quayside.

2013 plays host to Wave 105.2FM Summertime in the South spectacular events programme, visit Poole Tourism for further information.

Exciting events, a bustling quayside, exhilarating watersports and a stunning beach to rival any abroad, Poole is the perfect location for your holiday!

Visit Portsmouth

Portsmouth, the great waterfront city, has miles of sea views and centuries of history.

With more than 800 years of naval history, Portsmouth’s world renowned Historic Dockyard is a must-see. Featuring HMS Victory, The Mary Rose Museum and HMS Warrior 1860, along with the National Museum of the Royal Navy and Action Stations, this attraction offers a full day’s visit.

A brand new Mary Rose Museum will open early 2013, reuniting the Mary Rose hull together with her collection of artefacts, placed in context, in a brand new boat shaped Museum.

Enjoy spectacular views from the iconic Spinnaker Tower, soaring 170 metres above Portsmouth Harbour and the Solent, taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Big Ben!

Visit Gunwharf Quays and shop at over 90 designer outlets then enjoy a meal by the sea at one of 30 cosmopolitan bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Soak up the history with a walk along Portsmouth’s impressive waterfront, join a guided walk or self-guide yourself along the Millennium Promenade, taking in the Camber Dock, Round Tower and Square Tower.

Continue along the seafront to find green spaces, impressive gardens and a range of activities. Attractions include the D-Day Museum – relating the story of the Normandy landings, Southsea Castle – built by Henry VIII, Blue Reef Aquarium and the Royal Marines Museum.

For literary fans, Portsmouth is a surprising destination. The great author Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth and his birthplace is preserved as a fascinating museum. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created his famous character Sherlock Holmes whilst residing in Portsmouth and the city is now home to a large collection of Conan Doyle memorabilia, on display as ‘A Study in Sherlock’ exhibition at the City Museum

Portsmouth also has a lively and diverse cultural scene. All year round there are city wide events and live entertainment – find live music, theatre and comedy in Portsmouth Guildhall, Kings Theatre and New Theatre Royal along with smaller independent venues.

English Holiday Cruises

Here is a holiday in England which is truly different. Cruise through the glorious Cotswolds Severn Vale, visit fascinating destinations, relax in 4-Star comfort on the Edward Elgar Riverboat hotel and get a great value inclusive holiday from ONLY £195.

The cruises take you to a new ‘port’ each day to explore the local sights or join an inclusive guided tour. There are pretty towns such as Frampton, Upton and Stourport; heritage sights such as Gloucester and Worcester Cathedrals, and a wildlife centre at Slimbridge. One cruise also includes an excursion on the Severn Valley Railway.

The Edward Elgar offers comfortable cabin accommodation, delicious traditional English cooking and warm hospitality from the crew. The atmosphere is friendly, there is a well-stocked bar, complimentary tea and coffee and some live entertainment. The restaurant and top deck offer commanding views over the countryside and all inboard areas are climate-controlled. Enjoy England have awarded a 4-star Hotel Boat rating to the Edward Elgar for the past 3 years.

English Holiday Cruises offer some of the best-value holidays in the UK in a package which includes the cruise itself, full-board accommodation, tea and coffee, guided tours, live entertainment, free views…..and great memories!

Why take a river cruise holiday in England?

  • Drive or take the train to the boarding point – no airports, no ferries, no passports, no crowds.
  • Unpack once and take your hotel with you on a tour of the country. No repacking, no car, no fuss.
  • Enjoy close-up views of the surrounding countryside and travel to new places every day.
  • Step off to explore the local sights or join guided tours of pretty towns, heritage, wildlife and more.
  • Get to know your fellow-passengers quickly – we have small complement of only 22 people.
  • Enjoy every moment and relax – our crew will help you with everything.