Culture, nature and mindful escapes await on the south coast

With 15 miles of stunning sandy beaches these three resorts are perfect for discovering a new water sport, but try beach yoga or Nordic bathing for holistic restoration. 

Swerve the summer crowds and plan a break in the cooler months or early spring as nature wakes up.  Today’s premium wetsuits will keep you warm and dry whatever the weather. 

With November providing the warmest sea temperatures, spend an energy-boosting weekend out on the water.  In addition to wakeboarding, power-boating, jet-skiing or kite-surfing, there’s a slew of other water-based activities, try foil boarding, wind foiling, kite-foiling or e-foiling, pop into any one of the water sports schools at Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, they’ll be happy to get you set up. 

For kids, the shallow waters of Poole Harbour are ideal for beginners. Wetsuits, boards and all equipment are easily hired for a first taste of stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing or sailing.  While they’re honing their skills, you can kick back and enjoy stunning views to the Purbeck Hills, the Sandbanks peninsula, Brownsea Island and beyond. 

If you’re after speed, zip up the Jurassic Coastline in a Rigid Inflatable Boat, whizz along this astonishing, 185-million-year-old coastline taking in iconic landmarks like Durdle Door or the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks.   

There’s plenty to nourish the soul year-round too. Try a spot of Nordic Bathing, immerse yourself in air, sea and fire, cocoon yourself in a wood-fired sauna right on beautiful Sandbanks beach, cool off with a sea dip or bracing beach-side shower, then repeat to emerge refreshed and revitalised right on the shoreline.   

Or head to Bournemouth’s Alum Chine Beach for a 60-minute beach yoga class.  Loving Life Lillie promises to harmonise body, mind and soul whether you’re a total beginner or yogi expert, no need for a mat, simply bring a towel and dive in. 

From Argentine Tango to belly dancing and Northern Soul, ballet beginner or searching for a Zumba class, Pavilion Dance South West has one of the widest choices of dance classes in the UK.  Its modern, air-conditioned studios are situated in the heart of Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens making it easy to pop in for a class after a stroll along the sands. Catering for all ages and styles, it’s the perfect all-weather activity. 

Book a beach hut for the day, wander a new nature trail, active or mindful, a break here is a tonic for all the senses. 

More than 1,000 hectares of green spaces, 15 miles of seafront, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and historic old towns make this destination an unbeatable mix of nature and culture 

There are more than 1,000 hectares of gardens and parks and nature reserves in this three-in-one destination, a haven for nature-lovers. 

Add together the likes of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Highcliffe Castle, and this 15-mile stretch of the south coast offers a huge choice of nature, arts and culture. 

Few resorts feature a more stunning entrance to the seafront than Bournemouth, stroll past immaculate floral displays, Victorian bandstand and the trickling River Bourne through the Lower Gardens, just minutes from the shopping centre and steps from the sands and pier. 

The Middle and Upper Gardens cut right through the town, leading all the way to Poole. For a beautiful, flat walk, download The Bournemouth Tree Trail which identifies the species. 

Award-winning Alum Chine Garden boasts exotic tropical plants and dry-stone walls, Boscombe Chine Gardens features a children’s water play area, mini golf and café with Italianate Gardens nearby overlooking cliffs, grazed by a small herd of feral goats! 

For outstanding views, make your way towards Christchurch for Hengistbury Head, a Site of Scientific Interest, this beautiful nature reserve overlooks Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth Bay and the Isle of Wight. Originally an Iron Age trading port, it dates back to at least 100BC, it’s now home to more than 500 plan species, 300 bird breeds and a huge variety of insects and reptiles. Unmissable!  

Poole Park, Compton Acres, Christchurch Botanic Garden and Kingston Lacey are just a few not-to-be-missed amazing green spaces. 

Digging for history? Delve into Poole’s Old Town which features medieval houses; follow its cobbled lanes past historic buildings like The Mansion House, the Guildhall on Market Street and 15th century Scalpen’s Court.  

In Bournemouth, don’t miss the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, a clifftop villa with fabulous coastal views, making it popular for weddings. It’s crammed with objets d’art collected by Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife on their global travels.  Aside from the main collection, there are constantly changing exhibitions and events. 

Reputedly the longest church in the country, Christchurch Priory is a must, dating back to 1094 and recorded in the Domesday Book. Marvel at the nave, central aisle, tower and pendant vaulting, thought to be the first in England, then wander the Monastic lawns, a 15-minute circular walk takes in the old town, including the ruins of what was once a vast Norman castle, and along the river. 

Just beyond Christchurch, opulent Highcliffe Castle is well worth visiting, restored after two fires, this romantic Grade 1 listed building has a fascinating history, at one time home to the wild-living Harry Selfridge, owner of the department store. 

When it comes to night-time entertainment you’re spoilt for choice - Poole’s Lighthouse Centre for the Arts is the largest arts centre outside London, you’ll find film, comedy and theatre productions while the world-renowned Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra often features. 

Some of the biggest names in pop, stand-up and dance appear at the Bournemouth International Centre and at the Bournemouth Pavilion, there’s comedy, drama, live bands, tea dances, even an evening with local Sandbanks resident Harry Redknapp! 

Come for its natural beauty, wide open spaces and impressive cultural history, a visit out of season is deeply rewarding.