Our destination for the day of our anniversary was Forde Abbey, a place that we had not visited before. Our journey there was quirky – there were many sudden junctions and eroded markings and, for some reason, the SatNav has changed the way it navigates saying bear left/right when the junction is a left/right turn and when it states turn left/right it should say bear left/right. I upgraded to the latest map a couple of days before we travelled, before this the bear/turn directions seemed more accurate.
The gardens are wonderful and the architecture of the house and former Abbey interesting. A lovely herd of Ruby Red Devon cows were in a field just outside the boundary fence. The spectacular Centenary Fountain is the tallest powered fountain in England. We enjoyed lunch in the walled garden, sitting outside the undercroft. I chose cherry cake; it just had to be done. The staff were so happy to have recently opened and enjoying the visitors’ return.
On our way back to the hotel we detoured to Cerne Abbas to see the newly chalked giant on the hillside. We then visited the village to find the Holy Well and the Preaching Cross that are located within the burial grounds. The Holy Well was lovely and peaceful, although another couple followed us into the space so we left them to it. I had hoped to return after they had gone but that was not to be because, as we retraced our steps past the Holy Well on our way to find the Preaching Cross, the couple were still there and, to my dismay, clambering over the well. We visited the garden of St. Mary’s church but sadly did not have chance to visit the church as time was getting on.
When we arrived back at our hotel room we found that the pre-ordered champagne and box of chocolates had not arrived. Mr C had to chase it up and when our order arrived it wasn’t exactly presented in an elegant way. The box of chocolates turned out to be four chocolates served on a bed of small pebbles. Not exactly what we had in mind.
We dined in the hotel, choosing the tasting menu option. The speed of delivery was much better than our previous occasion when we were rushed through the meal before we had chance to savour the wine that accompanied the dishes. However the final dessert course failed to be delivered until the wine waiter came back to check if we had enjoyed our experience and noticed our untouched wine glass, spare cutlery and the absence of a dessert plate.
You would certainly have expected better service than this, Cherie. And imagine that being called a box of chocolates
For the type of hotel that it is, the attention to detail was disappointing.
Nice to see the Cerne Giant again
He is much easier to see now that he has been recently rechalked.
I don’t know how big the giant is, but he is still impressive after all these centuries. People always say he is a sign of fertility, but two big tools usually suggests he is a sign of domination. It must have worked… the area looks very peaceful
It has been said that one of those tools has been enhanced since it was first chalked onto the hillside.
What a naughty giant!
Maybe it isn’t the giant that is naughty but the people who changed the original artwork.
>This post so makes me pine for long awaited travelling outside the UK.
You still can go to Malta, it’s on the green list.
But do it quick before the government changes their mind (again?!).
I can’t be bothered with all the palaver. I will stick to this country for now
Have to admit I am a little envious of your travels. Looks beautiful.
Recently I have been envious of you fabulous restaurant food opportunities. We have non locally.
But now you mention it, freedom to travel is perhaps more important than exquisite dining experiences. Sometimes on our travels we find special fine dining experiences