This morning I found myself trawling though this years photographs for the design of my husbands now, annual Christmas Calendar. Little did I know when I made him the first one about 8 years ago to hang in his office at work that I would start such a tradition but I would feel very mean depriving him of the very obvious A3 shaped present under the tree if I stopped now!

So I came across the pictures of our break to Dorset earlier in the year, just my husband and I. He is also called Nic by the way……so yes….Nic and Nic. ( We don’t wear matching jumpers though, honestly!) As it happens that I love documentary photography, there are always plenty to choose from so I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite photos of our much loved Dorset days.

We are very fortunate in that we sometimes get opportunity to go away for up to a week without our children and also even more fortunate that my folks have a lovely holiday home just outside of Swanage. We have had many a holiday to Dorset and never tire of the feeling of the pace of life slowing down as we pass the familiar sights of thatched cottages, Corfe Castle, the steam train and the smell of the sea to get there. No one loves this trip more than Nell, our lovely Springer. Her little nose twitches as we open the boot and she whimpers to be let out and run to the beach.

We got there late the first night and woke the next morning to rain so after a lazy morning and Nell pacing around, impatiently waiting for us to get sorted, we ventured to the beach, blew the cobwebs out, hit the charity shops for a holiday book (as you do) and then settled ourselves in for the evening with a bottle of red and roast beef and made plans for the rest of the week.

We call our breaks ‘holidays’ but in fact they are never very relaxing! It usually consists of walking, hill climbing, pub, walking and more hill climbing. In fact, during last years holiday to Scotland we covered just under 2 marathons in the week! We always reward ourselves with good food and drink at the end of the day though.

We made real efforts to explore places we haven’t visited before and places that we might not visit with the kids – that usually means near big cliffs and sheer drops into the sea! Chapmans Pool, a pint at the Square and Compass, an absolute gem of a pub, then a wander to the Dancing Ledge. This is one of those occasions when he says it will be great but doesn’t mention the ‘not so easy’ descent down rock faces with my camera bag and a crazy spaniel! But hey, we made it and he and Nell enjoyed a swim in the amazing man made pool. I remained dry – because I’m not mad!

We made another visit to Worbarrow Bay, my absolute favourite Dorset beach. On the coastal path but also accessible from the abandoned village of Tyneham, the colours of the cliffs and the crystal clear water always blow me away. It is much quieter than many of the other Dorset beaches too. So whilst Nic went for another swim, I built myself a pebble tower which Nell swiftly knocked over with her usual over enthusiastic sniffing! Another chance for a drink on the way home at Wareham Quay, another one of our favourite spots and Nell was treated to a doggie ice cream – yes she is spoilt, I know. 

I will end with the pics from our stroll to see Old Harry. What a beautiful walk along the most stunning coastline. Standing on the cliffs watching paddle boarders below, taking in the sea air, reminding ourselves how lucky we are to be just a few short hours away from somewhere so special. I really want a holiday now! x

You can check out some of the places we love to visit below. If you ever want some recommendations for restaurants down that neck of the woods, please get in touch and I will gladly share our favourites with you x

Corfe Castle – Chapmans Pool – Dancing Ledge Walk – Tyneham – Worbarrow Bay – Square and Compass Pub – Old Harry Rocks