Dorset is beautiful ...

Dorset is beautiful wherever you go - this is the first line of a song made famous by the Dorset folk group 'The Yetties' and it is certainly true. My DH's birthday was on Wednesday but as I was working we decided to celebrate by having a day out in Dorset yesterday instead.


The Isle of Purbeck is one of our all-time favourite places and one which we have visited many times, it is less than a couple of hours drive from home so ideal for a day trip.


We headed for Norden where there is a park and ride for the Swanage Steam Railway (a lot cheaper than parking in Swanage and DH plus eldest son that accompanied us had to have their steam fix). I was quite happy with this plan as it is a very scenic ride down to Swanage and the banks are covered in wild flowers at this time of the year. As we were waiting for the train I spotted a fallow deer in the field, such a beautiful animal.

On arrival in Swanage we walked along the seafront ...

past the Stone Quay ...

and on past the piers (the modern one and the remains of the old one)

and then climbed up the steep slope towards Peveril Point. At this point I was concerned about my DH as he has had a bad back and could hardly move out of bed this time last week but he was determined and didn't have too much trouble so far. The views from the Point are wonderful and we were so lucky with the weather a perfect day. 

After sitting and enjoying the scenery and watching the terns diving into the water by the rocks we walked on following the cliff path to the top of the downs, a steep climb but so worth it, spectacular views and a well placed seat when you reach the top!

The only problem was we had to walk back down into Swanage from the top of the downs and this is where DH really struggled, climbing up had been no problem but he found walking down really painful. However we finally made it back down onto level ground at the seafront and made our way to a cafe for a lovely lunch. 


We split up temporarily after this - DH and No. 1 son headed for the station shop while I headed for the wool shop. I have visited this shop many times over the years and never fail to walk out of there without buying something and yesterday was no exception. Oh dear, more yarn stash, but just couldn't resist.


We then met up again to catch the train. We decided to stop off at Corfe Castle for a quick look around this lovely village and DH and No. 1 son persuaded me that we needed to have a drink in the Greyhound - who was I to say no!


You can read about the history of Corfe Castle here

A quick journey back on the train to return to the park and ride at Norden before motoring to a favourite view point overlooking Poole Harbour for a quick stop off to take some photos ...

before driving down through Studland to the chain ferry which takes you across the mouth of Poole Harbour to Sandbanks.

It is no hardship having to wait in this stunning location for the ferry as there are beautiful views across the water to Bournemouth and across to Brownsea Island, the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour and famous as the place where Lord Baden Powell began the Scouting movement.

I love this next photo of the sun sparkling on the water at the end of the day.

We finished off our day out by stopping off at The Bear and Ragged Staff at Michelmarsh (near Romsey) for our evening meal which rounded off a perfect day.