The stunning Dorset town of Poole is the gem of the South coast. Nestled between Bournemouth and the Natural World Heritage Jurassic Coast, Poole and the surrounding area are perfect for a seaside getaway with miles of Blue Flag beaches, a bustling quayside and a packed summer events calendar. As Europe's largest natural harbour, Poole is definitely best experienced from the water.

This summer, City Cruises has a wide range of cruises departing from Poole Quay, with tours allowing visitors to soak up attractions which are best enjoyed from the water such as the world famous Sandbanks, Brownsea Island, Purbeck Coast, the old Harry Rocks and of course the local puffins! City Cruises will also run special cruises during the Bournemouth Air Show (20 & 21st August) for an incredible afloat viewpoint of the famous Red Arrows as well as one-off Firework Cruises (4th, 11th 18th, 25th August)

Poole Harbour & Island Cruise

For visitors with limited time in the area, a cruise is a great way to take in Poole's islands, the beautiful beaches and bays of the magnificent Poole Harbour - the biggest in Europe. The Poole Harbour & Island Cruise also provides great views of the National Trust's Brownsea Island and its castle as well as the word famous Sandbanks peninsular- playground for the rich and famous.

Sailing Times*
25th March 2016 - 31st October 2016: 11.00 12.45, 14.30 & **16.15
(4.15pm sailing only on school holidays, 23rd July - 4th September)

Tickets priced from £8.55 for adults and £4.28 for children

Poole Jurassic Coastal Cruise & Return Cruise to Swanage

The Jurassic Coast is England's first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks among the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as one of the wonders of the natural world. From the comfort of a City Cruise, visitors can delight in the views of cliffs, geological fault line and the Old Harry Rocks whilst sailing along towards Swanage Bay.

The return cruise to Swanage is ideal for those with some time to explore the charming Victorian resort. The boat lands on the Victorian Pier at Swanage and allows City Cruise passengers up to five hours ashore to explore the local attractions including the beautiful Durlston Country Park, home to a Victorian castle and national nature reserve.

Sailing Times
25th March 2016 - 31st October 2016: 10.30, 13.00 & 15.45

Tickets priced from £10.35 for adults and £5.18 for children

Poole Sea Train Adventure

The Sea Train Adventure combines a return cruise from Swanage to Poole with a ride on the award-winning Swanage Steam Railway. The cruise allows enough time to explore the beautiful resort of Swanage before hopping on the steam train for a journey through six miles of the magnificent Purbeck countryside to Corfe Castle. All aboard!

Sailing Times
From Poole Quay: 25th March 2016 - 30th October 2016: 10.30 & 13.00

Tickets priced from £19.35 for adults and £9.23 for children

Sundowner Evening Cruise & Jurassic Evening Cruise

An evening cruise provides the perfect setting for capturing stunning pictures of the coast. These cruises head out in the late evening allowing passengers to catch the spectacular sunset over the Jurassic Coast The Jurassic Evening Cruise is led by the Coast Trust and sails to Peveril Ledge, passing Durlston Castle and the famous Globe, the huge cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, the lighthouse an Anvil Point, before proceeding on to Dancing Ledge.

Sailing Dates & Times
Sundowner Evening Cruise - Wednesdays and Saturdays during school holidays: 23rd July - 3rd September
Cruise departs 19.30 and returns 21.00

Jurassic Evening Cruise – Fridays 6pm from Poole and 7pm from Swanage Pier- 1st, 8th, 15th July.

Tickets priced from £8.55 for adults and £4.28 for children

Firework Cruises

On select dates in July and August City Cruises is hosting special Firework Cruises around Poole Harbour. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely cruise and enjoy a drink or two from the floating bar before viewing a fantastic fireworks display.

Sailing dates & Times
August: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th - departs 20.30 (boarding 20.15) and returns 22.30

Tickets priced from £9.00 for adults and £4.50 for children

Bournemouth Air Show 2016 - 20th & 21st August

On the 20th and 21st August, City Cruises will set sail for a special Bournemouth Air Show cruise. Passengers can expect an incredible day afloat viewing air displays (The Red Arrows, Blackcat helicopters, Breitling Wingwalkers, The Devils and many more).

Sailing Dates & Times
Saturday, 20th August: 10.30, boat returns 17.00
Sunday, 21st August: 10.30, boat returns 17.00

Tickets priced from £21.60 for adults and £10.80 for children

ENDS

For more information please contact Sophie Kelk or Rebecca Peters at citycruises@brightergroup.com or call 0207 326 9880.

About City Cruises:

City Cruises plc is the leading operator of passenger services on the River Thames, carrying in excess of three million passengers annually on our extensive sightseeing, entertainment and charter services.

2014 saw customer satisfaction levels at an all-time high with over 90% customers very likely or rather likely to sail with City Cruises again. The company's Net Promoter Score sits at 9.4 out of 10.

City Cruises has been in operation since 1985. It has a fleet of 20 river vessels, operating on the Thames as sightseeing boats and in Poole as a coastal cruise operation. Visit: www.citycruises.com, www.thamesjet.com and www.citycruisespoole.com.