IF you watched the second episode of the excellent BBC series Coast, you'd have learned that Sandbanks in Dorset has the fourth highest property prices in the world after London, New York and Tokyo.

On a summer's day, it's easy to see why as this premier peninsula, surrounded by Poole Harbour, appears to shimmer in the heat.

Driving past the luxury homes with their whitewashed walls and enormous picture windows, you can't help but dream of what you could buy if you won the lottery.

It'd have to be a big win though - you're unlikely to get much change out of £5m.

Sandbanks is one of many Dorset gems. Just down the road is Bournemouth, with its long, sandy beaches, wooded chines and ever-popular crazy golf course in the Winter Gardens, just behind the seafront.

The Ant Hill and Water Jump holes are looking a bit tatty these days, but a spruce-up is promised for the autumn.

Hop on the Sandbanks Ferry to Studland and the start of the Jurassic Coast, which has become a World Heritage Site due to its outstanding geology, which represents 185 million years of earth history in 95 miles. It displays not only Jurassic, but older Triassic and younger Cretaceous rocks too.

Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Chesil Beach are natural wonders not to be missed and there are plenty of activities throughout the year if you want to walk through time.

Weymouth is well worth a visit too as the beach is perfect for making sandcastles or skimming stones.

Searching for a refreshing afternoon cuppa, we found Edwards, which looks like a traditional chippie on the outside but serves crab fish cakes, paella and delicious chocolate cake.

Our final destinations were the fascinating Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum (admission free), the Dinosaur Museum in nearby Dorchester, which was crammed with exhibits but probably needs a bigger home, and Corfe Castle. Built like all good castles should be atop a steep hill, Corfe is a winner with youngsters, who love to seek out arrow holes and roll down its grassy banks.

Four-year-old Nicholas loved hunting for answers in a prize quiz and was rewarded with a beautiful polished stone.

l We stayed at Rockley Park near Poole, a Haven and British Holidays Park.

There is a choice of accommodation available from the luxurious Gold range through to the more economic Star holiday homes.

Prices include entertainment and use of the facilities on park.

For special offers and online bookings visit the website at www.havenholidays.com, call 0870 242 2222 or phone the park direct on 0870 40 50 129.

If you are interested in owning a holiday home, visit the website or call 0870 165 0151.