Out & About

The Plantation is perfectly located for exploring all that the stunning, mostly-rural county of Dorset has to offer. We are a stone’s throw from the village of Canford Cliffs, within the Poole conservation area, close to numerous stunning beaches, and just a short drive from Bournemouth.

Just a 30-minute stroll from us is Dorset’s exclusive Sandbanks, a small peninsula that is said to be the fourth most expensive place to buy a property in the world. All the family will love Sandbanks beach, a blue flag beach with miles of fine, golden sand and water so shallow that you can safely walk out into it for around 200 yards.

Many of the most beautiful beaches in England are located in Dorset. Stunning Canford Cliffs is just a three-minute walk away from us. This peaceful blue flag beach is backed by a steep sandy cliff face, which makes for a stunning backdrop and is the perfect home for local wildlife.

The next closest beach to us, Branksome Chine, is a 14-minute walk away. Also a blue flag beach, Branksome Chine is a wide sandy beach, with lovely views of the Isle of Wight and Ballard Downs, which can get quite popular in summer.

Visitors who have had enough of lying on the beach should take a day trip to Brownsea Island, the largest of the islands in Dorset’s Poole Harbour. Owned by the National Trust, Brownsea Island offers beautiful areas of woodland and heath, as well as gorgeous beaches, stunning cliff top views, and a wide variety of wildlife. Access to the island is by public ferry or private boat from Sandbanks, which is a five-minute drive from us.

Or take a stroll through Compton Acres, one of the finest privately owned ornamental gardens in England. Just a few minutes walk away from us, Compton Acres features a stunning Italian garden, rock and water gardens, a wooded valley, a heather garden, and a Japanese garden regarded as one of the finest in the country.

We are also just a short drive from Bournemouth, a popular seaside resort that is home to one of the most intriguing historic houses in England. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum was the exotic home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and his wife Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. Situated on the East Cliff overlooking Bournemouth Pier, the house features a collection of high Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art and a world-famous Japanese collection.