If you were bobbing into the Attic to see me last summer, then these photos will probably look remarkably familiar to you today. I've been reading through last summers travelogue, and the pictures are freakily similar to this years. I am often amazed at the striking repetitiveness that occurs in my life year after year, it is quite comforting and reassuring somehow. As with any family with young children, we experience constant change and growth, and yet at the same time so much about us also remains the same.
Pretty much every single holiday we take in Dorset begins the same way :: a 300 mile, 5 hour journey, arriving just before midnight. A quick chat with my Dad before ushering us all straight upstairs and into bed, so that we'll be ready to hit the ground running the next day. And of course, on that very first morning we always run straight to the nearest bit of sea, which thankfully happens to be a mere 10 minute car drive from our holiday home my Dad's house.
:: DAY 1 ::
This is the harbour at West Bay where I spent the first ten years of my childhood holidaying with Grandparents (we lived in London then) and the second ten years of my childhood living and growing up. Followed by another twenty four years returning for visits from wherever I happened to be living at the time. It is so completely familiar to me, so very much a part of me, that I find I have very strong emotions when I arrive back in this patch of England. My heart kind of does a big swell, and then settles back into a warm fuzzy state of fluffiness. I am home. Warm fuzzy fluffy feelings and a deep contentment.
We were here on a Saturday morning, pottering around the harbour, making sure it was still pretty much the same as last time (it was). It was a busy Bank Holiday Weekend with crowds to match, but it was ok, it still felt good to be there.
It was mid morning, and the plan was to head straight for the Watchhouse Café on the beach for a spot of brunch. J and the Little People all had meat-filled breakfast rolls, but I opted for the Happy Campers breakfast which consisted of two perfectly poached eggs on granary toast. Add a very good frothy coffee to the above, along with a sea view and you can picture me in a state of bliss can't you?
Coming out of the café in full holiday mode, it was declared to be ice cream time, much to the delight of the Little People. Around the harbour we went, to call at one of the Snack Shacks for the Very Good Stuff made with real Cornish cream.....
The weather on this day was warm, bright and breezy, with sunshine and fast scudding clouds. It was just right for sitting on the beach listening to the waves crashing in on the shore.
I never tire of this beach.
I love love love these sort of pebbles. I love to look at them (so many variations), love to pick them up and feel their smooth weight in my hand. And I love the word "pebble" too, it makes me want to laugh out loud when I say it for some weird reason. Pebble. Ha!!!!!
Whilst playing with the pebbles, I had a very vivid memory of collecting these perfectly smooth and delightful little objects and painting patterns on them when I was a child. I had a sudden urge to do it all over again, so I trawled through my bag and managed to unearth a coloured pencil stick. Not quite the same as a little set of watercolour paints, but we enjoyed ourselves anyway, Little B and I.
I'm not sure how long we stayed on the beach, maybe an hour or so? But eventually the Little Peeps began to get restless and we decided to walk back around the harbour to visit West Bay's rather fabulous play area.....
.....as you can see, it was pretty busy, but it is beautifully designed and there is plenty here to keep kids of all ages happy and entertained.
This was the view to the right of the play area, and it was lovely to be able to sit a while on a sun warmed wooden bench and gaze out at the summer hills while the Little People played.
Oh look, we're in Mum's kitchen now, we've arrived for afternoon tea and biscuits. I love my Mum's place, the cottage has an incredibly warm, cosy, friendly vibe. It's a tiny little two-up-two-down dwelling, but there is also this really handy lean-to addition to one side of the kitchen...
....I think this might be one of my favourite bits of the cottage, kind of a cross between a porch, greenhouse and utility room. It even has a thriving olive tree growing in it, how cool is that? I have always had a fascination with utility rooms (oh how I would love one of my own!), yet I have no idea why they appeal to me so much. I fear I am rather odd.
This is the view from the porch door, looking out to the small area of garden at the back of the cottage beside the little river. I love it very much, it's a truly beautiful and peaceful place to be.
:: DAY 2 ::
Sometimes holidays can feel very go-go-go and that was true for us some of the time last week. In the morning we went to spend time with my Mum, as unexpectedly my brother and his family had landed in town. They had made a spontaneous decision to take a detour at the end of their camping holiday to come and spend a few days with us, which was lovely news. It's not often that my Mum gets to see us all together, it was maybe a tad overwhelming?! Our two families crowded into her small cottage, filling the space with five lively children, one boisterous dog, and four chattering adults all catching up on news. There was lots of noise, but it was all good. Eventually we left her in peace and headed back down to West Bay where my brother and his family were staying at the holiday park there. A quick picnic lunch, then off out again for an afternoon of concentrated activity......
.....crabbing! Yeah, we were at it again, doing that weird thing that people like to do beside the sea. I find the whole business of crabbing rather odd (it was never a part of my childhood), but the Little People absolutely love it. As does my sister in law and nephews, gosh, they really, really get into the whole crabbing thing. I don't have a competitive bone in my body (in fact, I actually have anti-competitive bones) so the idea of Competitive Crabbing just makes me want to snort with disbelief. But it really does happen I can tell you, it all of a sudden becomes quite a contest.
But anyhoooo, competetiveness aside, a number of crabs were indeed caught, scrutinised, then released back into the sea unharmed. There was the trauma of a net being dropped into the harbour (my brother climbed down the ladder to rescue it, good man), and a broken bait-spring (my brother was sent off to purchase a replacement net, he sure earned that pint) and a good time was had by all.
I took a break from the crabbing at one point, and went off for a little wander along the pier.
Along the pier and down onto the sand for a short pootle along the shore line. Lovely. I hoped that the crabbing would be nearly over when I returned, and thankfully by the time I wandered back, I was told that Little Tummies were rumbling and it was time to go in search of food. Which could only mean one thing......
....chips of course. Hot, fragrant fluffy chips dowsed in loads of salt and vinegar and eaten with fingers with the sound of the waves in your ears. Mmmm mmmm.
We sat on West Beach with our backs leaning against the sea wall and ate greedily, licking our fingers and nom-nomming our way through that deliciously naughty meal. Oh so good.
The early evening light was soft and golden.....
....and very beautiful. What a lovely start to our week.
:: DAY 3 ::
We woke to another warm, sunny day and after a quick family discussion it was decided that we would pack up a picnic lunch and head out for a day on the beach. We chose to go a few miles further along the coast, to the beach at Burton Bradstock. I love it there, well we all do, it suits us very well as a family. You can park the car right next to the beach so there isn't very far to carry all the beaching paraphernalia. There are toilets and there is an ice cream parlour, and there is also my best-most-favourite refreshment stop, The Hive Beach Café. I really, really love that café. The atmosphere is just so relaxed and happy, the coffee is always great, and the whole set-up makes me feel on top of the world. This year they had extended the outdoor seating to create a stunning, partially covered terrace on the edge of the cliff. It is kind of half tent, half marquee, but with open sides to take in the magnificent sea view. The tent is strung with coloured paper lanterns and coloured lights, and the chunky wooden tables are decorated with silver pots of lavender. It really is lovely, and provided a great start to our beach day.
There were already plenty of people on the beach when we arrived mid morning, and the atmosphere was jolly and holidayish.
We had our full beach kit with us and got straight down to the business of Making Camp. I really enjoy putting up our beach tent, it makes me feel like we are all set to stay for hours and hours if we have made camp. I decked it out with plenty of blankets and it set the scene for Lengthy Loafing. Bliss.
As we've had such a terrific "proper" warm summer here in the UK this year, the sea was a tad above it's usual freeeeeezing temperature and lots and lots of people were swimming. Personally, I am not one of life's swimmers. I am strictly a paddler. I did roll my crop trousers right up though, and paddled well over my knees (not actually by choice, but you know, those pesky waves can get you), and much to Little B's delight we held hands and did wave jumping and splashing about for ages and ages. Little B loved it. He laughed and laughed and squealed and shrieked and jumped and splashed and had a ball.
Little Lady too, she was right in there, straight into the sea, no messing. She was very sweet with her Little Brother, and kept his little hand tight in hers to keep him safe whilst I pootled about taking photographs.
We stayed at the beach until the very late afternoon, then rather reluctantly packed up to head back into town, as Lady B was cooking dinner for us.
Oh look, I am standing on Lady B's private beach! No, no, she doesn't live by the sea, but she has created a rather charming alternative to a patio outside her back door, which the Little People love. It gives them a whole lot of pleasure to go beachcombing here, but thank goodness Little B has grown out of scooping up handfuls and sneakily throwing it into the bird bath.
This is Lady B's incredible little walled oasis right in the centre of town, it is a gem of a garden and never fails to make me happy. It has an appealing "natural" feel, being ever so slightly left to it's own devices but with an abundance of clever and careful planting. In Spring, the flower beds are awash with wild bluebells that have self sown over the years, and in summer, a carpet of wild strawberries takes over. It is a very warm and sheltered spot, can you see over on the right hand side, scrambling across the old stone wall? Look..............
.....oooh a beautiful grape vine, dripping with real, gorgeously fruity looking grapes!
We enjoyed a lovely meal with my Dad and Lady B, with chilled white wine and lots of chatter and laughter, then coffee and chocolate sat outside in the last of the evening sun. Another beautiful day.....but what shall we do tomorrow? Shall we maybe re-visit the Subtropical Gardens at Abbotsbury? Sounds good? Ok, see you then.....
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Hi Lucy.. just had to let you know that we were on a short break in Exmouth the last weekend and just had to drive through Lyme Regis and stop off at West Bay on the way home (for a coffee and loo break)... I kept saying to my OH, this is where Lucy comes from...(he knows who you are from my ravings about your creativity in the past oh! and Connievan)and it was nice to see it for myself..what a lovely relaxing place to be.. it is a lovely part of the world but I would love to visit the Dales tho. Sue x
Posted by: sue (sussex) | October 01, 2013 at 01:59 PM
I missed so many of your posts, as even I was away on holidays back to my parents :) I loved your seaside photos.. I felt the fresh breeze from thesea... and wish I could sit on that lovely cozy chair under the umbrella :)
Posted by: Anna | September 18, 2013 at 06:28 AM
Your parents have such an amazing home in Westbay! The kitchen is amazing, so cosy!
Oh, and I don't see the point of crabbing either. It's occasionally interesting when a crab makes a break for freedom and everyone tries to catch it. It's as (un)interesting as fishing!
Posted by: Angela @Little Apple Tree | September 13, 2013 at 05:01 PM
Hello friend, I have a blog about the arts in general, and Knitting Needle by Tita Carré, already visited?
I love your blog always has beautiful things
, hugs
http://www.titacarre.com
Posted by: Roberta Bortoluzzi | September 10, 2013 at 07:38 AM
I totally share your love of utility rooms. I've always wanted on too. One day maybe. I absolutely adore following your annual trips to Dorset. Every year I mean to make sure we visit and we never do. When we do however, all I need to do is come to your blog and plot our itinery. Thank you Lucy. Hope alls going well with LM and big school. My Fred started secondary this week and my baby reception on Monday. All change here. Sarah in Brighon
Posted by: Mumofsix | September 07, 2013 at 06:50 AM
Thank you for sharing your colourful, beautiful life, Lucy. The colours in your posts are so zingy and fresh, and your blog posts always make me smile. I had a holiday a month ago, and am now back at work, but looking at your gorgeous photos, I could almost be back by the sea again!
Looking forward to more of your lovely posts,
Cathy x
Posted by: Cathy | September 05, 2013 at 07:45 PM
i love the blanket you crocheted for the picnic. It is the one under the tent. I didn't find it on flicker. Would you be able to send me the info. on how you made it and where to get the beautiful colors of yarn. I have followed you for several years and really enjoy the way you use color. Thank you!
Posted by: Rita | September 05, 2013 at 06:11 PM
loved reading your holiday log Lucy - thanks - never been to the U.K. but I feel I am getting to know your part of the world! Philippa (NZ)
Posted by: Philippa | September 05, 2013 at 03:46 PM
Gah..I miss the beach now something fierce. Crabbing! I'd be too afraid I'd get pinched, but little boys are fearless, aren't they? Hug all the munchkins; they're so sweet I'd love to just hug 'em ta bits!
Posted by: Andrina T | September 05, 2013 at 04:36 AM
We went to Dorset for the first time this summer -visited West Bay too - the play area was fab, my girls enjoyed playing there with the little energy they had left after jumping the waves all afternoon! Great times and memories!
Posted by: Helen | September 05, 2013 at 01:44 AM
I would love to visit your beautiful Dorset sometime!!! Your pics are awesome! I love your mum's cozy home too!!
Posted by: Lisa | September 05, 2013 at 12:14 AM
Wow! Great post! I love Lady B's walled garden and mini-beach - gosh I would be so happy lounging there with a chilled wine!
I must try coloring beach pebbles, that would be so much fun with a little one. Now, where's my beach nearby my forest farm? hmmmm....
Posted by: Kat | September 04, 2013 at 10:41 PM
Utterly delightful! Looking at your dinner of fries and ketchup has made me powerful hungry, I must say. :)
Posted by: Kristen | September 04, 2013 at 09:27 PM
Have not long come back from camping at Eype .... Also enjoyed BB, crabbing at West Bay, fish and chips and lovely weather ....lovely pictures, but not one of you doing a bit of hooky whilst sat on beach ?
Posted by: Vicki Taylor | September 04, 2013 at 09:18 PM
Thank you for sharing. I particularly loved the "jumping the waves" bit. Makes me think of the wonderful moments at the beach with my kids. I love visiting Dorset virtually. Gives me a mini-vacation at the end of a long day.
Posted by: Amy B | September 04, 2013 at 03:54 AM
It's such a lovely place, we had a great time too! :) x
Posted by: Ada Bea | September 03, 2013 at 07:52 PM
West Bay is lovely! It's a few years since I've been there, lovely to relive my time there by seeing your photos. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of your holiday!
http://thisdaytodaylife.blogspot.co.uk/
Posted by: Gemma | September 03, 2013 at 05:46 PM
You make utility rooms sound so inviting. I must remember this when we build our "mud room," a small (soon-to-be?) enclosed area that is now our roofed carport. Must think "charm" when the work actually commences.
Posted by: Susan | September 03, 2013 at 02:54 PM
We're off to West Bay at the end of October. Thanks for the cafe recommendations -they will come in very useful!
Posted by: Lisa Smith | September 03, 2013 at 02:23 PM
I say it every year Lucy on your blog but I Love Dorset so much and especially look forward to seeing your photos of my favourite West Bay. I am also glad that there is another person out there who is not one of life's swimmers it makes me feel normal!! Lovely post as always.
Posted by: Sheryl | September 03, 2013 at 12:39 PM
Hi Lucy,I really love the harbour!!!I could sit and daydream there all day!!!Love the pebble beach!!!Not something I am familiar with!!!But I love it!!!Have a great day!!!
Love
AMarie
Posted by: Anna-Marie Field | September 03, 2013 at 11:36 AM
Anti-competitive bones....I'm just the same...competition just makes me stress out.
Loved this post Lucy, you are very lucky to be able to combine family reunions with a seaside break and it's special to be able to share these moments through your gorgeous photos.
I was writing "hello" on the beach in Norfolk...but mine was on our five chip folks, used them to decorate a sandcastle. Not quite a classy as your pebbles :0)
Looking forward to Yarndale.
Jacquie x
Posted by: Jacquie | September 03, 2013 at 10:17 AM
Have just caught up with your last two posts and am now off to find a poached egg! I love your photos and am looking forward to seeing the finished lampshade.
Posted by: Vicky | September 03, 2013 at 09:06 AM
Lovely, lovely! Can't wait for more, more, more!
Posted by: Gillian McM | September 03, 2013 at 12:46 AM
I never tire of your Dorset holiday posts! I love that photo of the little ones holding hands - sweet! x
Posted by: PinkCatJo | September 02, 2013 at 09:53 PM