The best road cycling routes around Bournemouth

Busy busy busy. Go early or traffic is insufferable.

If you’re looking for a town that feels like a giant, historical treasure chest, Wimborne MinsterClick to open side panel for more information is the place to be. It’s a quirky mix of ancient legends, beautiful architecture, and a slightly obsession with things being very, very small. The Heart of the Town The town is dominated by the Wimborne Minster Parish OfficeClick to open side panel for more information and the stunning church itself, which has been standing for over 1,300 years. It’s famous for its unique "twinned" towers and some seriously cool interior features. The Chained Library: It’s home to one of the few surviving chained libraries in the world, where the books are literally locked to the shelves to stop medieval students from "borrowing" them forever. The Quarter Jack: Keep an eye on the exterior clock; a colorful figure known as the Quarter Jack strikes the bells every fifteen minutes. He’s been on duty since 1612! The Man in the Wall: Look for the tomb of Anthony Ettrick, who was convinced he’d die in a specific year and had his coffin built into the wall of the church so he wouldn't be buried "in" or "outside" the consecrated ground.

If you’re hanging out in Christchurch, you’ve hit the jackpot for a "two-for-one" history fix. The Priory and the Castle Ruins are practically neighbors, separated only by a lovely little stretch of grass and some very photogenic streams. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour wandering through ruins and then step into one of the most massive, peaceful churches in England. This is the "rugged" part of the tour. Built in the late 11th century to keep an eye on the harbor, the castle isn't a massive fortress anymore, but what’s left is pretty evocative. The Constable’s House: This is actually the hidden star of the show. It’s a rare example of a Norman domestic house. Look for the old stone chimney—it’s one of the oldest in the country. It sits right on the edge of the Mill Stream, and it’s a great spot to watch the local ducks while imagining life in the 1100s. The Keep: You can still see the remains of the Great Tower sitting atop its "motte" (the big grassy mound). If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk up the path for a better view of the town, though the tower itself is mostly a "shell" these days. The Vibe: It’s totally free to wander through. On a sunny day, you’ll see people sitting on the grass nearby with ice creams. It’s history without the velvet ropes.

Beautiful view across to West side of Isle of Wight and The Needles.

The "Fordingbridge Bridge," known as the Great Bridge, is a historic seven-arched medieval stone bridge in the town of Fordingbridge, Hampshire, England, over the River Avon. While the current structure dates from various periods, including significant 19th-century widening, the original medieval bridge was built before 1252. It remains a prominent landmark, with views of the bridge best enjoyed from the nearby park or The George pub.  

Iford Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the River Stour, connecting Christchurch and Bournemouth. It is a Grade II listed building by English Heritage. Easternmost section: Dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century and is constructed of red brick with stone coping. Middle section: Built in the mid-17th century, it is made of ashlar stone and features four round-headed arches. This section is particularly old, with some sources indicating it dates back to 1184. Westernmost section: Also from the late 18th century, it complements the middle section's architectural style.

Super fast when dry

Brilliant cut through of the main road