The weather was hot and sunny so instead of our planned visit to Dorchester, and after stopping to photograph the Cerne Abbas Giant, we headed to Lulworth Cove. We climbed to see the view of the cove and the Stair Hole rock formation from above.
After elevenses, we drove to Durdle Door where we walked down to see the view of the rock formations. We regretted not taking a picnic with us which would have been enjoyable on the beach if we had carried on down the steps to the cove. The wind was quite wild, blowing the chalk everywhere, and at one stage setting me off sneezing.
Following the bracing walk we set off in the direction of Dorchester looking for a suitable place for lunch. We stopped Craigs Farm, Osmington which has delightful farm shop with a tea room that serves sandwiches and cakes. I opted for coconut and lime cake which was delicious. At this point we decided that perhaps there was not enough time to get the best out of a visit to Dorchester and flexed the plan again. We thought that a stately home would fit in nicely with our morning’s activities.
We looked to see what was nearby and settled on Athelhampton House and Gardens. It is a delightful property which we both thoroughly enjoyed. The gardens were relaxing after Mr C had needed to take a phone call regarding arrangements for my aunt’s funeral.
Returning to our hotel room, I was surprised to find champagne and chocolates waiting. Mr C had organised them because it was our anniversary. We sat and enjoyed a glass of bubbly and one or two chocolates before it was time for me to wash the chalk dust out of my hair.
We dined in the hotel opting for the Tasting Menu accompanied by a flight of different wines to compliment each of the dishes. The food was delicious and so was the wine. Our only complaint was that we were rushed through the courses. As we had finished one course and were savouring the last of the accompanying wine, a new glass of wine arrived followed by the next course. We did point out that we would like to slow down a little but still the courses kept coming meaning that we did not have enough time to savour the wine and fully appreciate the splendour of the dishes.
The sunshine, rocks, blue water and clean sand would have been perfect for a picnic. And it would have been the perfect site for an unrushed glass of wine with each picnic course
I like it
Only one difficulty… driving back to the hotel afterwards!
Lovely photos. I do like Dorset
Such a shame about being rushed through the courses and wine but I hope you had a lovely anniversary.
Thank you, we enjoyed the day
You’re so lucky! Look at those fluffy clouds.
The clouds were spectacular whilst we were on our holiday. Fluffy white clouds everywhere, very photogenic.
Chocolate waiting now that does sound yummy.
Coffee is on
It was yummy
We actually have our very own version of Durdle Door in Malaysia.
Alas, it’s less well know. I guess it doesn’t look as refined as Durdle Door.
Look it up on Google, it’s called Tusan Cliff Beach. Tell me what you think
I rather like the trees on top of the arch
congratulations to both of you on your milestone, CP. i share your sentiment of wanting to have a picnic there. i love everything about these photos – especially the shade of the water and the sunny skies interspersed with big, fluffy clouds.
Thanks Ayush
I need to get Mr C to slow down and enjoy his surroundings rather than rushing from one thing to another…
you sure have some great photos from Sherborne – day 5 Cherie…
reading your description of the day was most interesting… it was nice that Mr. C arranged for the champagne and chocolates for your anniversary… the dinner sounds delightful… Penny and me went to a taster diner on one of our cruises and it was splendid… with one exception… Penny will only drink white or rosé whine… so when the tasters were red wine i found it necessary to drink her share as well…
the trip back to our cabin afterword was interesting to say the least ha ha!!\
….peter:)
HaHa I love your story about the wines. My preference is white or rose too but I don’t mind the odd glass of red, especially when it is paired with a special prepared dish.
It was lovely of Mr C, it gave me a warm glow and he loved my reaction to his surprise sharing gift
That’s a beautiful coastline. Have my eye on your bubbly.
It was very nice