Dorset Ramblings

For most of our week away we clung to the coastline, discovering new beaches and enjoying old favourites. But we did venture inland too and had a good old nosey around some of the villages I stayed in as a child and into the county town to the dinosaur museum when the rain poured all day (what a life saver!)

At Charmouth we dug in volcanic dirt and sand for fossil treasures and did battle with the sea.

West Bay was an especially brilliant discovery with its jolly harbour and soaring cliffs, fulmars and racing waves that take your breath away.

Oh and did I mention the Vintage Market... a solo trip there as I'm sure you can imagine! Gosh it was quite fantastic and if I wasn't quite so skint I'd have hauled all sorts of treasures home in our van. A new/old chair, tray and a couple of lovely old kitchen utensils bits were the sum of my haul. It was a smashing event, lovely atmosphere and very reasonable on the whole I thought. When I am flush (if ever) I will definitely return and explore some more of the delightful Bridport on a busier day.

Ahhhh, Winterbourne Steepleton. We stayed in a mill cottage next door to this church the year my dad was 40. We couldn't understand why he didn't want to celebrate with a massive bash and was happy pootling with us in Dorset. I'll be 40 in a few short years and now I can see exactly why he was so content.

This is my another of my dad's favourite places- Lulworth Cove. There's everything here that a boy could need; sand, sea and a shovel.

Inland Dorset is like a time capsule in places. The bin, car and satellite dish aside, I was half expecting Miss Marple or DCI Foyle (admittedly a bit out of his patch) emerge at any moment.

Such a blissful week that will stay with us for a very long time. Thank you Dorset, be back soon.

Xxx