Dorset gets under your skin.

My mother spent summers there as a child. Her family had a house in Charmouth, right near the beach. Years later, my sister and I enjoyed similar holidays along the Jurassic Coast, chasing waves and hunting for fossils. It came as no surprise when my parents decided to buy a house in this part of the country. The cosy bolthole they’ve created in Bridport means Dorset is now a familiar feature in the lives of my own children.   

For once, half term was all about them. I worked incredibly hard in early October to ensure I could unplug almost completely for the entire week they were off. My mum booked some leave too, and after a stressful train ride with three rucksacks, two children, one suitcase, a teddy bear and a guitar, the children and I began what felt like our first proper holiday in ages.

It helps that I find it so easy to relax at my parents’ house. Mr. LA was unable to join us for the first few days, so I slept alone in the attic, enveloped in crisp white linen as I starfished the night away on a ridiculously comfy bed. The children slept in their own room on the floor below, usually heading downstairs without me. The absence of an alarm meant I woke naturally most mornings. It’s crazy how rested you feel when you’re allowed to surface whenever you please!

Blustery beach walks were a top priority. I think my parents share my amazement at having produced offspring who enjoy being outdoors as much as mine do. They can still vividly remember my own aversion for cold, wet walks as a child! I still lack the requisite practical clothing for such pursuits. After hobbling across pebbles and sand in my clogs on the first day, my mum marched me into town to buy some proper wellies. I’m 31 and she’s still making me wear sensible shoes!

That first visit to the seaside took us to Charmouth. Mum did a stellar job of exploring the water’s edge with the kids, collecting stones and paddling in rock pools. It was pretty grey and wet, but they didn’t seem to care.

Ever adventurous, Izzy waded out to small, sandy mound amidst the waves and proceeded to serenade us with her own version of Island in the Sun. Crazy kid.

With our bellies beginning to rumble, we jumped back in the car and headed to nearby West Bay for fish and chips. The children had asked for a picnic lunch to go with their coastal walk, but I drew the line at eating cold food in the cold!

I seem to take identical photos every time we visit this spot. I guess I just love those colourful boats bobbing away in the harbour.

We spent another, slightly milder, morning at the Hive in Burton Bradstock. I really love this beach. We didn’t visit on this occasion, but there’s a great a cafe overlooking the sea. The shoreline is a little less rocky than Charmouth which makes it ideal for chasing waves.

The kids got really, really wet on this occasion. They started off cautiously, gently dipping their boots in the sea foam before immediately darting back up the beach, but they soon grew bold, heading deeper into the waves until they were well past the point that their wellies could protect them from the water.

There were other trips to the seaside, but I’ll save those for another day. Just thinking about all that fresh air has tired me out!

Have you ever visited Dorset? What did you get up to at half term?

Love Audrey xxx