The post Plaza Premium Group offers authentic Taiwanese culture at its fifth lounge in Taiwan appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Airport hospitality service provider Plaza Premium Group (PPG) formally unveiled its fifth Plaza Premium Lounge in Taiwan at Taipei Songshan Airport. 

This vibrant new space invites travelers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture, featuring an exquisite blend of signature culinary delights and award-winning art. 

At Plaza Premium Lounge Taipei Songshan, every journey becomes a celebration of authentic Taiwanese heritage.

Since its debut in Taiwan in 2016, Plaza Premium Group has expanded its footprint with four additional lounges at Taipei Taoyuan Airport, consistently delivering exceptional service and comfort to globetrotters.

A welcoming space for weary travellers

As the only independent lounge at Taipei Songshan Airport, it offers a welcoming oasis for all travelers, accessible through a nominal fee or complimentary entry with designated credit cards.

The new Plaza Premium Lounge at Taipei Songshan Airport boasts a spacious and stylish interior designed for relaxation, as well as ample comfortable seating and a free internet zone guests can easily stay connected while traveling. 

For added privacy, VIP rooms are available for pre-booking, ensuring bespoke services for banking clients and those seeking a quieter space.

Where art and elegance meet

Travelers will be captivated by the lounge’s Art Gallery, featuring stunning works by acclaimed Taiwanese artist Yi Shuan Wu. 

Her award-winning pieces not only reflect Taiwan’s artistic spirit but also enhance the lounge’s ambiance. 

Wu has created exclusive artworks inspired by local Taiwanese elements for this collaboration, enriching the lounge’s cultural atmosphere.

Authentic flavours for a true sense of place

The culinary experience at the Plaza Premium Lounge is nothing short of extraordinary as guests can indulge in a diverse array of made-to-order Taiwanese dishes.

The dining options in the lounge are also impressive, with a buffet area offering a variety of made-to-order Taiwanese culinary delights, including the highly acclaimed Taiwanese shacha beef noodles.

This flavorful fusion dish combines tender beef, chewy noodles, and the umami-rich shacha sauce, a Taiwanese culinary staple with roots in Chaoshan (Teochew) cuisine and has evolved into a beloved staple of Taiwanese culinary culture. 

A quintessential comfort dish that travellers must try is the Taiwanese braised pork rice. 

This much-loved rice bowl features succulent pieces of pork belly, braised to tender perfection in a rich, savory sauce that melds the flavors of soy sauce, star anise, and garlic served with pickled mustard greens. 

Another local speciality is the Taiwanese hotdog, a popular snack that features a charcoal-grilled pork sausage nestled inside a glutinous rice sausage.

A staple to locals is the traditional bamboo rice which is indigenous to Taiwan, featuring glutinous rice, meticulously prepared and cooked within the hollow sections of fresh bamboo, imparting a unique fragrance and flavour. 

The Taiwanese rice noodle soup is also a classic dish to experience. 

Additionally, vegetarians can enjoy a diverse selection of delicious dishes, allowing every traveler to experience Taiwan’s unique culinary culture.

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The post Air Astana Group strengthens regulations on transport of lithium batteries appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As of Thursday, 13th March, the Air Astana Group has amped up its regulations regarding the safe transport of lithium batteries and battery-powered devices in flight.

The Group’s existing policy requires that spare batteries, including power banks and electronic smoking devices, are only permitted in carry-on baggage. 

If a passenger’s carry-on baggage needs to be checked-in, all spare batteries held within need to be removed in advance. 

Also, in accordance with existing rules, the maximum allowable battery capacity is 100Wh. 

Batteries with a capacity between 100Wh and 160Wh may only be transported with prior airline approval, with a limit of two per passenger. 

The transport of batteries exceeding 160Wh is prohibited, and each battery’s capacity will be verified beforehand.

The transportation of batteries without capacity markings or proper certification is prohibited. 

For flight safety reasons, lithium batteries, external batteries, and electronic smoking devices must be kept in hand luggage and placed on the luggage racks in the cabin. 

The use of batteries to charge other devices, as well as charging the batteries themselves on board is strictly prohibited.

The Group advises those flying aboard Air Astana and FlyArystan to review the battery transport regulations posted on the official airline websites  prior to their flights.

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The post Indonesian Ministry of Tourism promotes cleanliness at tourist destinations appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism is encouraging both locals and tourists to help boost cleanliness at tourist destinations throughout the country.

In keeping with the Ministry’s Clean Tourism Movement (GWB) the initiative will be instrumental in raising Indonesia’s tourism ranking as a global destination.

Vinsensius Jemadu, tourism deputy for the development of event organisers, pointed out that Indonesian tourist destinations continue to score poorly in terms of cleanliness, health, and overall safety.

Indeed, Indonesia is currently ranked 89th out of 114 countries with regard to the cleanliness and health protocols implemented at its tourist destinations.

Jemadu added that the government hopes to move the country into the top 60 clean global destinations at the very least.

How the GWB helps

Indonesia’s GWB was created to encourage the improvement of cleanliness and health at tourist destinations.

Initiatives spearheaded by the movement include educating and assisting micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners on hygienic procedures for preparing, processing, packaging, serving, and selling food products at tourist destinations.

According to Jemadu, many food products sold in tourist areas still fail to pass muster in terms of hygienic preparation and packaging.

He said: “This indicates that the cleanliness and hygiene are still sorely lacking, and we will make it a point to make improvements.”

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The post Raffles Sentosa Singapore officially opens appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts officially opens the much-anticipated Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the country’s first all-villa resort. 

Nestled within 100,000 square metres of lush tropical greenery on Sentosa Island, this exceptional resort, created in collaboration with the Royal Group, thoughtfully blends natural beauty with impeccable hospitality, building on the rich legacy of the storied Raffles brand, which was founded in Singapore in 1887.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts chief executive Omer Acar said: “Through the debut of this resort, we are introducing an elegant all-villa offering on Sentosa Island, where guests can immerse themselves in nature while embracing tranquility and wellbeing. We look forward to creating magical moments in an exquisite setting, highlighting the beauty of this unique island destination while delivering exceptional hospitality.”

Royal Group co-chair Bobby Hiranandani added: “We are honoured to have been entrusted with continuing the distinguished Raffles legacy, particularly here in Singapore where this iconic brand was born and still has such a special place in everyone’s hearts.”     

Raffles Sentosa Singapore marks the brand’s second property in Singapore. 

The hospitality firm was founded in the city-state in 1887 with the debut of Raffles Singapore, which remains a flagship of the storied brand, one of the world’s top hotels, and an icon of the destination.   

In the heart of paradise  

Just a 15-minute drive from the city’s Central Business District, the resort is perched on a hilltop surrounded by the lush greenery of Sentosa Island, Asia’s first Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-certified island destination. 

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, Raffles Sentosa Singapore features 62 villas, each with a private pool and outdoor terrace, ranging from a one-bedroom 211 square metre villa to the four-bedroom 650 square metre Royal Villa. 

Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the verdant landscaping, while a harmonious blend of natural materials and intricate textures creates a seamless tie between indoor and outdoor spaces. 

The immersive experience serves to connect guests to the resort’s tranquil landscape, which is home to distinct flora and fauna, such as two majestic heritage Ficus trees, and a magnificent muster of resident peacocks. 

Guests of the resort will also enjoy the legendary Raffles Butler service, ensuring that their every need is met with impeccable care. 

For a grand arrival, guests can arrange to be chauffeured up a meandering driveway in one of the resort’s Rolls-Royce limousines.    

Nourishment for body and soul        

Holistic wellbeing is at the forefront of the resort experience where every detail is designed to inspire a sense of calm. 

The Raffles Sentosa Spa, housed in a transformed heritage landmark building, features 13 treatment rooms and offers a contemporary wellbeing journey. 

Perfect for spa retreats or a relaxing escape, treatments are designed to optimise rejuvenation through mindfulness, massage, fitness, and hydrotherapy. In addition to an expansive fitness centre, resort guests will enjoy preferential green fees at the Sentosa Golf Club, located across from the resort, as well as direct access to Tanjong Beach.        

Set to be a new dining destination in the city, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is home to five exceptional restaurants and lounges, showcasing a diverse array of global cuisines and culinary talent. 

At the signature Empire Grill, under the leadership of Chef Bjoern Alexander, guests can savour modern Italian cuisine, while Royal China offers refined Cantonese delicacies prepared by Executive Chinese Chef Ling Heng Yao. 

A distinctive Japanese omakase journey awaits diners at Iyasaka by Hashida where Chef Kenjiro Hashida brings the same level of skill and craftsmanship found at his father’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. 

The elegant Raffles Room hosts the brand’s signature afternoon tea, and in a nod to the speakeasies of the past, the Chairman’s Room offers a refined selection of whiskies, cognac, and fine wines. 

Guests may also opt to dine al fresco by their villa pool, in the resort’s lush gardens, or on a secluded stretch of Tanjong Beach. 

For those in search of refreshment, there’s the Sentosa Sling, the resort’s unique twist on the legendary Singapore Sling, which was created at the original Raffles Singapore in 1915. 

Made with upcycled watermelon skin from the resort’s kitchens and lemon leaves grown in the gardens, the Sentosa Sling highlights the hotel’s focus on sustainability.    

A venue for celebration

Raffles Sentosa Singapore will also be a magnificent new venue for weddings and events, with its state-of-the-art ballrooms, the larger of which can seat up to 400 guests for banquets, as well as the magical backdrop of nature, setting the stage for milestone celebrations and special occasions.

Cavaliere Giovanni Viterale, cluster general manager of Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, said: “We look forward to welcoming guests and local visitors to enjoy Raffles Sentosa Singapore, a distinct retreat in one of the world’s most exciting cities. While just a short distance from Central Singapore, this private sanctuary offers a serene escape where guests can connect with nature while indulging in the world-class hospitality for which Raffles is renowned.” 

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The post AirAsia X launches direct route to Karachi appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia X announced a new route to Pakistan’s largest city Karachi from 30th May.

The four-times-weekly flights mark another milestone in the airline’s international expansion. 

With 22 routes in total, the airline strengthens its commitment to affordable medium-haul travel.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said of this new offering: “We are thrilled to launch AAX’s next adventure in Karachi, further strengthening our presence in the South Asian market. Karachi is a dynamic city with a rich history and a thriving modern economy, and we are proud to be the sole low-cost carrier connecting this vibrant metropolis to our extensive network beyond Malaysia. This route will also open up hundreds of seamless connectivity options for travellers to key markets such as Australia, China, Thailand, and more via our Fly-Thru services.”

Enhancing connectivity

As the only low-cost carrier in Malaysia to provide direct service to Karachi, this new route enhances affordable connectivity between the two nations, allowing Malaysian travellers and the thriving Pakistani community in Malaysia to fly home affordably. 

It also plays a pivotal role in linking travellers from Pakistan to Malaysia and the rest of ASEAN, connecting them to the region’s vibrant trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.

Ismail added: “With plenty to explore and experience, be it for business, leisure or pilgrimage, both nations are set to benefit from immense tourism and travel potential with this new flight service. AAX anticipates carrying more than 100,000 guests annually on this route, further reiterating our commitment to support the Malaysian government’s initiative to welcome 30 million tourists in line with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. We look forward to mutually benefitting the growth and prosperity of both countries.”

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The post Philippines launches travel permit system for minors travelling abroad appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

The Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched an automated travel permit system for minors travelling abroad (MTAs).

The new system was developed to expedite transactions, thus doing away with the intervention of middlemen when it comes to obtaining official government permits.

According to assistant secretary Ada Colico, head of the DSWD Protective Programmes Office, only parents or legal guardians of minors may use the system to apply for a child’s travel clearance. 

At a press forum held on Thursday, 13th March, Colico stated outright: “The only people authorised to create accounts for MTAs are their parents and legal guardians. Anyone else, such as fixers, will not be allowed to create accounts as the system requires the identity of a parent or a guardian through relevant documents such as their National ID.”

Why the system is necessary

The MTA travel permit system is part of the Philippine government’s preventive measures against child-trafficking.

Without a government-issued clearance, individuals under 18 years of age may not be allowed to travel outside the country.

Colico explained that the old system was time-consuming on the part of parents and guardians, prompting them to seek the services of travel agents or fixers to expedite the process.

Under the streamlined process of securing travel clearance, parents or guardians no longer need to visit a DSWD national or regional office in person, and may submit their applications directly online.

Applicants can receive their requested document between one to three working days upon their compliance to complete and verified documents.

This new online system is also a sustainable way to address red tape whilst ensuring that minors travelling outside the country have received the full consent of their parents or legal guardians.

Colico said: “We have simplified and streamlined the processing of applications, making it more client-centric to ensure the protection of children from the perils of abuse, trafficking and other forms of exploitation.”

The digitisation of the DSWD’s MTA travel permit system complies with the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) or Republic Act (RA) No. 11032, legislation that recognises technology as an essential tool in enhancing transparency and accountability in government transactions with minimal human intervention.

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The post Agoda reveals Asia’s most sustainability-conscious travellers for 2025 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Online travel platform Agoda released the results of its 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey which ranks Asia’s most sustainability-conscious travellers.

Travelers from the Philippines took the top spot, with 86 percent responding that sustainability is important in their travel choices for 2025. 

Tourists from India followed with 82 percent, Taiwan and Malaysia tied for third with 80 percent, and Vietnam rounded out the top five with 77 percent.
The survey engaged over 6,000 respondents across 11 Asian markets, casting the spotlight on the evolving landscape of sustainable travel in Asia, where authentic and purposeful tourism, and off-peak travel are becoming more prominent.

Taking sustainability into serious consideration

Survey results revealed that 68 percent of Asian travellers consider sustainability when making their travel plans for 2025. 

A mere eight percent of travelers, on the other hand, overlook sustainability in their travel decisions, although less optimistically.

In Hong Kong and Japan, for example, 21 percent and 17 percent of travelers respectively reported that sustainability was not particularly important in their travel choices.

A search for authenticity

Meanwhile, Asians on the go find themselves increasingly motivated by the allure of authentic experiences and the opportunity to contribute positively to local communities.

Based on this, nearly one in every four respondents prioritises authentic tourism, while 22 percent are keen on supporting local economies when they travel. 

Indian travelers, in particular, are guided by personal values and beliefs, with 24 percent citing these as their primary motivation for more sustainable travel. 

This trend underscores a broader movement towards travel that is not only enjoyable but also meaningful and impactful.

The allure of off-peak travel

Many travelers in Asia likewise seek to mitigate their impact on the environment by traveling during off-peak seasons to alleviate overcrowding, a choice made by nearly a quarter of respondents. 

Based on the survey, around 20 percent of travelers opt for accommodations with sustainability certifications while 18 percent choose to tote along reusable items to reduce waste. 

Japanese travelers stand out for being the most committed out of all Asian travelers to reducing waste, with 25 percent of them packing reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags on a trip.

Empowering travellers with Eco Deals

According to Agoda senior vice-president for supply Andrew Smith: “Asian travelers are increasingly seeking ways to make a positive impact on the destinations they visit. Agoda’s Eco Deals Program is one way we’re empowering them to do just that. By offering great value deals on partnering properties and donating one US dollar to local conservation projects for every program booking, we are not only helping travelers save but also enabling them to contribute to the preservation of the places they love.”

Since the recent launch of the 2025 edition, Agoda’s Eco Deals program has provided travelers with discounts of up to 15 percent on partner hotels across ten Asian markets. 

2025 also marks the first year of Japan and South Korea joining the Eco Deals Campaign, providing more Asia-bound travelers the opportunity to support their favorite destinations. 

For every Eco Deals booking, a dollar is donated to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF)’s conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife and conserving critical habitats across Asia

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The post English Riviera to hold ‘Bay of Lights 2025’ from 28 November to 02 January appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Following the resounding success of Bay of Lights 2024, the English Riviera BID Company working in partnership with Torbay Council has released dates for the 2025 event. Running from 28 November – 02 January, Bay of Lights 2025 promises to be even bigger and brighter this year, featuring dazzling new attractions and breathtaking illuminations that will transform the region into a festive wonderland.

Bay of Lights 2024 saw an impressive 37% increase in footfall, marking a significant boost of 1.2 million visitors and solidifying the event’s status as a must-visit Christmas spectacle in the Southwest – with overwhelming positive feedback from attendees and local businesses alike.

Spanning the picturesque seafronts of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, the Bay of Lights features an array of enchanting events designed to delight visitors of all ages. Highlights from last year’s festival, many of which will return in 2025, include the magical Train of Lights, an illuminated journey aboard Dartmouth Steam Railway’s vintage steam train. This unique experience transports passengers through a twinkling tunnel and an enchanted forest before arriving at the sparkling riverside town of Kingswear.

Another returning favourite, funded by Torbay Council is the Illumination Trail; a captivating 1.5-mile light trail through Torquay featuring stunning displays such as a seven-foot light-up octopus, a giant glowing snowflake, and the popular Torre Abbey Gardens light tunnel. While there, enjoy the festive Christmas Markets set in Torre Abbey’s historic grounds. This charming market is the perfect place to browse for unique gifts, indulge in delicious local food, and soak up the holiday spirit.

Also at Torre Abbey, don’t miss the chance to experience the spellbinding show, Alive with Light. This winter, Torre Abbey is set to come alive in a breathtaking fusion of light, history, and festive magic. Audiences will be taken on a mesmerizing visual journey through the abbey’s rich past, from its founding by the Premonstratensians in the 12th century to the present day. The immersive experience will showcase the evolution of Christmas celebrations across the centuries, brought to life with stunning imagery and an evocative soundtrack featuring music from the Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian eras.

Visitors can also look forward to Santa in the Caves, a one-of-a-kind Christmas adventure through the prehistoric Kents Cavern, where families can enjoy an interactive pantomime performance before meeting Santa in his festively decorated grotto. A Very Miniature Christmas at Babbacombe Model Village will transform the attraction into a magical miniature Christmas wonderland, filled with twinkling lights and holiday scenes.

For those looking for a historic holiday experience, Christmas at Greenway offers a journey back in time at the National Trust’s Greenway House, where visitors can immerse themselves in an Agatha Christie-era Christmas, featuring a festive wreath trail and historic holiday traditions.

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of English Riviera BID Company, said: “We are delighted to announce the official dates for Bay of Lights 2025. Last year’s event was a phenomenal success, with record-breaking visitor numbers and incredible community engagement.

“Bay of Lights is quickly becoming a national ‘must-see’ event, and we are excited to welcome visitors back for what promises to be our most spectacular celebration yet. Escape your everyday and experience Christmas like never before on the English Riviera.”

Cllr Jacqueline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council said: “We are thrilled to announce that the Bay of Lights is back for a fourth consecutive year. The feedback we’ve received has shown us that last year’s event was the biggest and best yet, and we are eager to top that once again in 2025.

“It was fantastic to see Torbay come alive over Christmas with excitement and illuminations. Bay of Lights showcases everything the English Riviera has to offer and the hard work we are putting in to continually enhance Torbay.”

The Bay of Lights Illumination trail is free to explore, with some Bay of Lights special attractions and events requiring tickets.

 

 

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The post International Tourist Arrivals in Brazil grew 59% in February appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

In the first two months of 2025, Brazil received 2,810,553 international tourists, which represents the best mark in the historical series for the two-month period. In comparison with the same period in 2024, the increase was 57%. The data was released this Monday (10.03) by the Ministry of Tourism, in partnership with Embratur and the Federal Police.

In February alone, there were 1,326,884 entries to Brazilian destinations, establishing a growth of 59.2%, the second consecutive record of the year – in January, the country had already registered a record for the period, when 1,48 million international travellers arrived in Brazil.

For the president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo, the new mark indicates that Brazil is finally living up to its tourism potential. “In the first two months of the year, we reached visitation levels above any projection, even the most optimistic ones. Brazil became fashionable, it went viral. Today, the world wants to know the Brazil of Fernanda Torres, of funk, of the Amazon, the Brazil that is a global reference for its joy, its culture, but also for the values ​​of our people, for exalting our diversity and defending democracy. We are transforming our potential into reality”, said Marcelo Freixo.

The upward trend has been maintained at the beginning of this year, as pointed out by the Minister of Tourism, Celso Sabino. “Brazil is experiencing an exceptional moment in international tourism. We are breaking all records, which had already been surpassed in 2024. We started 2025 on a high note and the expectation is that this scenario will continue”, he highlighted.

The numbers recorded in 2025 are well above the projections indicated for this year by sources such as GlobalData (+7.2%) and the National Tourism Plan itself (+1.8%).

Gateways

Rio Grande do Sul continues to be the main gateway for foreign tourists, recording 347,186 arrivals. Next comes São Paulo (309,977), which is home to one of the country’s main international airports, Guarulhos. Rio de Janeiro also stood out, receiving 262,108 visitors from other countries. In the Northeast, Bahia remains the leader in welcoming international tourists. There were 24,254 travellers who chose the capital of Bahia, Salvador, to enter the country.

The demand for Argentines coming to Brazil continued to rise in February as well. Once again, the border between the two countries was busy and Brazil received 662,694 “hermanos” on Brazilian soil. This number represents more than double the number of tourists from the neighbouring country in the same month of the previous year (306,756).

But they are not the only ones interested in getting to know Brazil. The average number of Europeans entering Brazil grew by 56% between January and February. Countries such as France, Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy sent 142,000 tourists in the second month of the year, compared to just over 91,000 who visited the country in January.

Reference year

In addition to the records reached in the entry of international tourists in January and February, Brazil also broke the record for annual arrivals in 2024. In the accumulated total for the 12 months of last year, 6,773,619 visitors from other countries arrived in Brazilian destinations, 14.6% more than in 2023, when the number was 5,908,341 tourists.

 

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The post BCP Council launches a series of walking trails for 2025  appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council announces the launch of a series of six new walking itineraries across its stretch of glorious coastline, along with an accompanying new website explorebcp.co.uk for visitors to discover and plan their walking routes. 

Sitting on the beautiful Dorset coastline, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole boast a plethora of hidden gems spanning fascinating wildlife, breathtaking coastal and country landscapes, intriguing museums, arts and culture attractions, welcoming hotels and self-catering accommodation options and more.

With six new themed, self-guided trails to choose from, amateur and expert walkers of all ages can discover some of the most iconic but also under-the-radar highlights of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The beautifully-designed trail maps, illustrated by local artists, are available to download from explorebcp.co.uk and also available as printed copies alongside family activity sheets from tourism centres across the BCP area.

Discover the beauty and history of the Dorset coast with these six new walking itineraries: 

Dorset Writers’ Trail: Dorset is as rich in literary heritage as it is in rugged natural beauty; follow in the footsteps of some of the UK’s best-loved writers and discover the landscapes that influenced them, including Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, J.R.R. Tolkien, Enid Blyton, John le Carré and Mary Shelley.

Bournemouth Cultural Trail: Discover the architecture and historic landmarks of the coastal town of Bournemouth that tell the story of its journey from small, seaside spa resort in Victorian times to one of the UK’s most popular holiday haunts. The trail’s highlights include the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum housing a treasure-trove of global objets d’art and paintings, the iconic pier and the listed Lower Gardens that lead down to the sea. Approx route distance & time: 90 minutes / 3 km

Christchurch Cultural Trail: Tracing its origins back to a 7th century Saxon settlement, the imposing ruins of the castle date back to medieval times when its weekly market (still a feature on Mondays) and annual fair (visit in May for the Food Festival) made it a focal point for locals and visitors. Ten different chapters tell the town’s compelling history, key

landmarks include the Castle Ruins, Norman House, the 18^th century High Street and bustling Quay. Approx route distance & time: 60 minutes / 1.7 km

 

Poole Discovery Trail: Learn about the notable people and places of Poole on this short trail that’s ideal for families. Discover its medieval quayside architecture, its smuggling past and royal connections. Not to be missed is Scalpen’s Court; in the 1640s it was occupied by the Parliamentarian Roundheads during the English Civil War against King Charles I, or the Antelope Inn, a watering hole fixture at Number 8, High Street since the 1500s. Approx route distance & time: 60 minutes / 1 km

Hengistbury Head Trail: Not only does this tranquil trail offer breath-taking views and stunning beaches but it takes visitors through 10,000 years of archaeology; its history dates back to the Paleolithic period. The landscape transformed through the ages with

hunter-gatherers, the onset of agriculture and Iron Age craft, its history traced in the visitor centre. This unique headline with views to the Isle of Wight and west to the Purbeck Hills, features more than 500 species of plants and 300 types of bird, small mammals and insects, alongside grazing cows and sheep. Approx route distance & time: 90 minutes / 3.6 km

Bournemouth Public Art Trail: Take a stroll around Bournemouth’s largest art gallery – the town centre; walls, pillars, and railings have all become canvases to some incredible public art pieces including sculpture, mosaic and murals, depicting the area through the ages as well as life through a modern lens.

Approx route distance & time: 120 minutes / 4km

The trails are designed for a wide range of abilities and ages. Some trail sections, but not all, are suitable for those with wheelchairs or mobility issues. Full accessibility information is available on the individual trail maps and website as well as at the local visitor information centres where trail maps are available.

 

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