FAQs

The tour operates on selected dates and times from Thursday 4th December until Wednesday 31st December 2025. See the dates and times in the calendar below for our 2025 operational dates.

The tour starts at Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth (outside Boots). This is the only pick up stop for the tour, and the tour will end here as well. The tour doesn't pick up or drop off at any other locations.

The nearest postcode is BH2 5NL. The what3words is: ///swan.soon.clocks​

The tour leaves promptly at the time advertised, and if you arrive late, the service will be missed and no refunds will be provided.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the advertised time, to make sure you have plenty of time to get on-board and enjoy the full experience.

We have simplified tickets for 2025 and the tickets are:

• Any Person - £10

• Group of any 5 - £45

Under 4s are free, but must be on laps at all times and not take up a seat onboard the tour.

Discounts available for AUB and BU students, Blue Light Card holders and also armed forces. Email us at hello@familyfestdorset.co.uk to receive the discount.

Tickets are available via our website, or from onboard the tour (subject to availability).

The tour takes 75-90 minutes depending on the departure time advertised with a short break in Christchurch which is half way around the tour.

Yes - the tour will operate in rain, and as we operate on a closed-top single-decker bus, you will not be in the elements.

During adverse weather conditions (high winds, snow or ice), due to safety, the service may be postponed and your tickets will be transferred to a new date. We will email within 60 minutes of the advertised departure time if this occurs.

There are no toilets onboard the tour. The nearest public toilets for the start of the tour is Bournemouth Gardens, a short minute walk from the tour stop. There are no toilets once the tour begins.

We highly recommend buying tickets in advance via our website to avoid disappointment with the option to pay via car, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

If we have any seats available on the tour, we do accept card (contactless, google pay, apple pay) or exact cash. We will not have change available onboard, for the safety of all.

Yes - we welcome all furry friends onboard but please note they must be on a lead at all times, and they must not be on seats at any times. Paws on the floor only please.

We intend to make the tour accessible for all visitors, and make it a safe and pleasurable tour. We have one wheelchair/mobility scooter space available on board the bus, available for use, but please note that some of the displays can be restricted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at hello@familyfestdorset.co.uk.