Dorset Accommodation

  • Ferries to the islands in Poole Harbour are good for a day tripFerries to the islands in Poole Harbour are good for a day trip
  • Regular services to Brownsea Island from Poole QuayRegular services to Brownsea Island from Poole Quay
  • Both Weymouth and Poole have cross-channel ferry terminalsBoth Weymouth and Poole have cross-channel ferry terminals
  • Boat trips along the Jurassic Coast give a seagull's eye view of stunning cliffsBoat trips along the Jurassic Coast give a seagull's eye view of stunning cliffs

Dorset Airports & Ferries

For all its out of the way feel, Dorset has some excellent travel links. Just outside Bournemouth is Bournemouth Airport which is quickly developing a wide range of flight destinations all over the world. It's easy to get to from the main A338 dual carriageway. Alternatively there are easy links from Bournemouth itself with a regular shuttle transfer services from the main transport interchange or designated hotels in the town.

Being on the south coast it's no surprise to find cross-channel ferry services in Dorset. Both Poole and Weymouth have ferry terminals with regular year round services to Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands and St Malo or Cherbourg in France.

Featured Dorset Accommodation

Holiday Inn Express Poole hotel - Poole

Poole hotel with 85 ensuite rooms close to Poole Harbour and town. Quality en-suite rooms, excellent conference facilities, onsite bar, family friendly.

From £61 Per room, per night

Bournemouth International Airport

Bournemouth Airport is a fast growing international airport with an ever increasing choice of both chartered and scheduled flights. Domestic and international flights are available all year round linking you to some of the most popular summer and winter holiday destinations.

Car parking is easy with dedicated on-airport parking near the terminal. Alternatively an hourly shuttle bus runs from a variety of bus stops and hotels in Bournemouth town centre to Bournemouth Airport. The Airport has a small range of shops and cafes and wifi hotspots can be found throughout the terminal.

Poole Harbour Ferries

Poole Harbour is the second largest harbour in the world after Sydney in Australia. It is dotted with eight islands that are only accessible by boat. The most famous of these is Brownsea Island where Baden-Powell first started the Scout movement. You can pick up boat trips to the islands from Poole Quay. The majority of these will take you to Brownsea Island but boat trips also include Poole Harbour and the Studland Peninsula to see sights such as Old Harry Rocks.

Poole has a cross-channel ferry port that links the UK with France. Both Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries run regular services from Poole throughout the year. The Ferry Terminal is easily accessible via the A350 dual carriageway that takes you around Poole. Follow the signposts to the Ferry Terminal which lies south west of the town centre.

Brittany Ferries run daily services to Cherbourg in France. You can take a high speed ferry crossing which takes around two hours or the more leisurely cruise ferry taking between four to six hours. Click the link right for more information and current timetables.

Condor Ferries run "Fast Ferry" services from Poole to St Malo in France and the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey between March and October. They are also the only ferry operator that run services where you can take a car to the Channel Islands. Click the links right for more information and current timetables.

Ferries to the Studland Peninsula

There is a regular ferry service from Sandbanks in Poole to Shell Bay on the Studland Peninsula. It's a quick shortcut avoiding a twenty five mile drive around the coast to Studland, Swanage and the Purbeck Peninsula.

The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company run daily services throughout the year - weather permitting. The ferries can take pedestrians, cyclists, motorbikes, cars, light vans, camper vans, buses and coaches. There is no advance booking system so you just have to turn up and wait. In busy periods this does mean you may have to queue.

Check the weblink right for up-to-date information on prices and timetables.

Ferry Office, Shell Bay, Studland, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3BA. Tel: 01929 450203. Fax: 01929 4504983.

Weymouth Cross-Channel Ferries

Along with Poole on the Dorset Coast, Weymouth has a ferry terminal in the town with services to Jersey and Guernsey in the Channel Islands as well as St Malo in France. The terminal is easily accessible from the A354 and is located at the southern end of The Esplanade. If you're looking for a family holiday on the Dorset Coast with the option to explore further afield Weymouth fits the bill perfectly.

For Channel Island ferries you can either book as a foot passenger or take your car with you. The service is a fast ferry service that operates out of Weymouth all year round. Crossings to Guernsey take just over two hours, crossings to Jersey take just over three and a half hours. You can just about make a trip to the Channel Islands in a day trip but check the timetables carefully (available on the weblink right) to make sure the day you want to go gives you the most time on the islands. It is also worth checking out their Special Offers as you can pick up some cheaper fares for day trips, midweek breaks and other offers during the year.

Condor Ferries also run a cross-channel ferry service to St Malo in France. There are around seven crossings weekly and the journey from Weymouth to St Malo on the Brittany Coast take five and a quarter hours. Condor Ferries offer a range of short break offers or discounts for group travel. Check their website, link right, for the latest offers.

Weymouth is also a good place to pick up a boat trip - whether it's a white knuckle speedboat ride over the waves or a more leisurely cruise around The Fleet you'll find something to suit all tastes from Weymouth. Traditional paddle steamer, The Waverley, also run boat trips to the Isle of Wight from Weymouth.

Featured Dorset Accommodation

Holiday Inn Express Poole hotel - Poole

Poole hotel with 85 ensuite rooms close to Poole Harbour and town. Quality en-suite rooms, excellent conference facilities, onsite bar, family friendly.

From £61 Per room, per night