Although it already feels like a lifetime ago, we recently returned from a two-week summer holiday in Dorset.
I cannot overstate how desperately we needed a proper break. Mr L.A. and I were exhausted and the children had been bearing the brunt of our crazy work schedule for weeks. It can be quite daunting to take time off when you’re self-employed, but I’m incredibly glad we did.
Leaving our laptops at home and switching off from almost all social media meant we returned feeling completely refreshed. I guess colourful beach huts and a little sand between our toes was exactly what we all needed.
As we’ve done in the past, we stayed at my parents’ house in Bridport. It’s a vibrant town that makes an excellent base for all sorts of adventures, both along the coast and further inland.
For the first full day of our visit, the weather was fairly warm, so we packed a picnic, jumped on the bus and spent a few hours at Charmouth Beach. 
Charmouth has been a regular feature in my life for as long as I can remember. My family has very close ties to the place. Stroll down Higher Sea Lane towards the beach and you’ll pass a memorial bench dedicated to my great-grandmother. Keep walking and you’ll see Poplars, a house that once belonged to my grandfather’s family.
My mum and her three siblings enjoyed countless summer holidays in Charmouth, racing barefoot to the beach down the same narrow path pictured at the start of this post. During our stay, I also discovered that my mum and dad even became engaged during a visit to Poplars. 
Regardless of the family connection, it’s a wonderful beach to explore and a great spot for fossil hunting. When the tide is out, there are plenty of rock pools and the Soft Rock Cafe on the East Beach does a lovely cup of tea!
We headed back to Charmouth towards the end of the holiday, but it was a little chilly, so we didn’t stay as long. While the photos from our visit last October prove that it’s lovely whatever the weather, I’d always choose sandals and sunshine over welly boots on a blustery day!
Where are you spending your summer holiday?
Love Audrey xxx
I’ve just returned from 10 days in ridiculously sunny Poland (who’da thunk it, hey?), where we had our honeymoon! I got married to a pretty excellent guy on 1 August, which was utter bliss. I can totally relate to needing a break – when we finally sat in our seats on the plane to leave, I fell asleep (with my mouth characteristically open) within about 2 seconds, only to wake up with a start. How hilarious, I thought, the plane hasn’t even moved yet and I’ve fallen asleep. I turned to my husband (!!!) to laugh about it with him, only to discover him snoozing alongside me! Safe to say the first few days in Warsaw were a bit of a write-off 🙂
Congratulations Sam! I remember the post-wedding exhaustion so well. I’m glad you had plenty of sunshine in Poland 🙂
It sounds like your summer getaway couldn’t have come at a better time. I bet it felt amazing to shut off and focus on family time.
These are really amazing family shots – the beach looks amazing. I bet it holds something dear for you and your family with all the history and memories held there.
I hope we’ll be seeing a little more of your holiday!
We aren’t having a summer break ourselves this year… Although we did juts return from a little weekend at the parent in law’s house in Birmingham. Next year our fingers are crossed for a trip away!
Thank you Jade, I took an awful lot of photos while we were away so I’ve definitely got a few more blog posts planned!
I hope you get your trip away next year. This was our first proper holiday since our honeymoon in 2012 so I know how it feels to go without!
xxx
Lovely post, I have just written a similar blog post about our family holiday to Lyme Regis just along the road! We just love that part of the world, and, like you, have a long term love for the place. So happy to have discovered your blog, I’ll be back! (Btw, I am also a South West blogger based 10 miles from Bristol and we are currently sharing a HIBS 100 ranking spot – spooky!) xx
Oh what a coincidence Sue! You have a lovely blog, wonderful to read about your Lyme Regis adventures. We visited while we were in Dorset too.Sadly, it was a cold blustery day, but the sun came out just long enough for us to eat our fish and chips!
xxx
Looks like a beautiful place and holiday. We went to Norfolk at Easter and completely switched off from social media – it was amazing. Off to Germany next week to join my boy and man at his mum’s house. Currently it’s 30degrees and sunshine but will most likely be 20 and wet when I arrive, such is my luck. But it will still be lovely to have the break in beautiful surroundings, and be reunited with my little family x
My Dad used to have a house in Norfolk so we spent lots of time there as children. It was near Thetford Forest, but we used to visit the coast too. I remember loving the beach in Cromer. Really lovely part of the world.
I hope you have/had a lovely time in Germany too!
xxx