Return to Kimmeridge

I have been thinking of little else for months.  Finally the day arrives when we return to Kimmeridge for our summer holiday, this year in honour of Grandma and Grandpa’s Golden Wedding Anniversary. We spent many hours at our beloved Kimmeridge Bay, accessed via the secret path at the bottom of the garden, exploring the rocks, swimming, snorkeling and collecting sea creatures in a bucket.  One sea creature was a little too big for the bucket.  We tried, in vain, to repatriate the huge barrel jellyfish pictured below, found washed up on the beach but sadly we were too late.  

When we managed to tear ourselves away from Kimmeridge we ventured forth to Corfe Castle where, after about the ninth visit, the children became quite well known among the medieval villagers.  They were versed in weaponry, armoury and archery, practiced calligraphy, attended sword school, and were fast tracked to knighthood, skipping the ten years of training normally required to reach such dizzy heights. 

Heading just along the coast we paid a visit to the neighbouring village of Tyneham, deserted after the MOD used the area to train for the D-Day landings during the second world war.  Sadly the villagers of Tyneham were never allowed to return as the area had become contaminated with unexploded shells.  But as a result the place is completely undeveloped except for the ruined remains of the abandoned cottages, the restored church and school, and is a rich haven for wildlife.  Just a short walk away is my favourite bay of all, Worbarrow.  We spent a whole day here, snorkeling and rock pooling, and ending the day with a glorious walk along the coastal path back to Kimmeridge, accompanied by three high spirited children in tremendous voice, singing us all the way home.

The hottest day of the holiday was spent on Shell Bay.  Just a five minute walk along the beach takes you away from the hoards of holiday makers cramming into the spot nearest the car park.  We found a lovely deserted spot by the dunes with ample room to swim, make sandcastles and play cricket.  
Lulworth Cove was explored in all directions, We swam, snorkeled and took a boat ride to Mupe Bay to the west and Durdle Door to the east.  We explored the Fossil Forest and Stair Hole, and took a sunset walk to Durdle Door and along Man of War Cove and St Oswald’s Bay.  The coastline around this area is truly breathtaking.

Not forgetting of course the Tank Museum, Brownsea Island, and numerous tea shops.  Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for a splendid holiday.  I hear the 51^st has been redesignated the new diamond anniversary – how about the same again next year?