Wednesday 8 June 2011

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

38 comments:

Justine said...

Wow, glad you had a good holiday. I feel lucky to live in Dorset. I live in Poole. Lovely pics you have there.

Sara said...

Me encanta tu país,qué fotos tán bonitas,me gustan mucho las casas son como las de los cuentos.Saludos desde España.

Anneli said...

Breathtaking scenery! Loved the photos! :)

Louise said...

Another lovely post and gorgeous photos! I especially like the first one and the one of wave rolling in :)

I used to holiday in that area when I was a child but haven't been since, even though I really want to!

I will go if ever I am flush, lol!

June said...

Lovely photos - I do like Lulworth Cove. I remember walking down to Durdle Door with Our Daughter when she was very young - having to carry her back up the steep incline was a nightmare but the views were sublime! The Vintage Market in Bridport does look like one to watch out for.
June

Goosey said...

You make me realise how lucky I am to live in Dorset....and I must go to that Vintage market sometime!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful...
I wish I could visit the vintage market, too!

Rose H (UK) said...

Superb photos :o) Devon is a lovely county. I'd love to visit that vintage market too ;o) I think it's so lovely to pass on childhood memories to your children, they will stay with them forever too.
Have a great week
Rose H

Mag said...

Now there's an idea for a trip - you've done a good promotion!
Lovely photos and words.

Please may I? said...

Stunning photos. Looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing.

X x

charl said...

such beautiful pictures. sounds like the perfect holiday .. glad you had a good time.. theres nothing better than a good break away by the sea to recharge the batteries is there!
charl
x

Sandi said...

Definatly will be on the list to visit, I especially love the thatched cottages.
What a wonderful holiday.
x Sandi

Laura said...

Oh my... I just had a lump in my throat reading this... I used to holiday at Lulworth Cove as a child, before my parents divorced. Happy, happy times. I've just showed the hubby the shots. Now I'm 3000 miles away and hope to get back there with my children one day. Thank you for sharing!
Lx

Vintage Sunday said...

Such glorious photos, and that vintage market looked just wonderful! So glad you had a wonderful time away! Love Brenda

Frances said...

Oh, what a truly beautiful part of the world. How is it possible that I never got to Dorset on any of my visits to the UK.

Hmmm. Must start planning another trip, with Dorset on the itinerary.

xo

Trixie@ the vintage bothy said...

The pictures of your little lad doing exactly what my now 17 year old did, made me really sad to think that our days of holidays digging for England are long gone.
Lovely memories... the last time that we were at Portlnd Bill we were "flying" around the Bill driving a powerboat on my 40th.
Thank you for the lovely pictures.
Tracey x

Madison said...

Looks like you had a fabulous holiday. All your photos are gorgeous.

Madison

my4lilgirls said...

Your phtos are stunning, wonderful scenery & that market OOOH it looks heavenly, enjoy your holiday!
Karen:)

VintageVicki said...

We're off to that area again in August - can't wait :)

bellaboo said...

It all looked great! Would have loved a mooch round the antique market too.
My best memories ever are of family hols just like yours. :0)

Unknown said...

Bliss-out!! xx

Funkymonkey said...

My husband adores Weymouth and Dorset. I think I could be persauded to visit now. Shhh! I'll let him think that he's done the persauding.

Tracey

Country Style Living said...

Looks and sounds idylic.....lovely photo's! Glad you had a lovely time

elena nuez said...

thaks for that amazing trip!!!
I looooved it!!

A big hug from Spain,
elena

Vintage Jane said...

I love living on Dorset's doorstep. I'm hoping to have a stall at Bridport Vintage market soon. Lovely photos. M x

LandGirl1980 said...

Your posts always inspire me to take better pictures!! I LOVE the one of the fossil finding - resplendent with filthy finger nails!

Anonymous said...

Dorset is one of my most fave places in the world to go. I love West Bay (did you have the fish and chips?) and Bridport, although last time I was there it rained so heavily I didn't make it to the market :(
I'm glad you had such a lovely holiday - lovely photos too.
Cathy XX

harmony and rosie said...

Lovely! I've never managed to get to the Bridport market because we've somehow never been around on that day, so annoying it goods fab.
Kate x

Madelief said...

Hi Steph,

Lovely photo's! I have never visited the villages you mentioned, but they look really pretty!

Happy evening!

Lieve groet, Madelief x

bibbitybob said...

Gorgeous photos! Sometimes you just can't beat a bit of Blighty! x

GardenOfDaisies said...

Thank you for taking us along on your trip! Your photos really give us a feel for the area. How I would love to visit there.

Pretty at Heart said...

I have just spent this evening looking at cottages in either Dorset or Devon!! Can't make up my mind - maybe the borders?! Is that vintage market at Bridport a regular thing do you know - because that could sway me!!! lol!
Glad you had a fab time!
-x-

Emily said...

I adore DCI Foyle! But I'm swept away by your beautiful photos even more.

sara said...

Sigh! Thanks for the little armchair holiday!

LinenandRoses said...

Ah, beautiful photos. Beautiful Dorset. We love it there too. Thanks for sharing with us.

Katy Noelle said...

Pleasant adventures! Did you know that I have three little boys, "too"? (Two- three - what's the difference? =]) Mine are just a bit older, though - 9, 11, 13. Your post is making me nostalgic for just a few years ago. They're still up for "jolly holidays", though.

Also, it's been more years than I can remember since I've been to the seashore. You've just reminded me that it is time to make it an absolute MUST go! Thanks for sharing!

Katy

p100 dust mask said...

You captured a wonderful photographs, Lulworth Cove is also favourite place of our all family members. We often visit there.

pussman and co said...

your blog is :)
and it makes to want me visit dorset!