Eight go mad in Dorset - Thursday 28th July

Saving the best til last - this was my favourite day of the holiday. We returned to Tyneham village and walked down to Worbarrow Bay. The intention was to snorkel in Pondfield cove just next door, but having swam out just a few feet into Worbarrow bay, there was an amazing amount to see - fish of all sizes and colours, even purple ones with turquoise tails, and little shoals of tiny fish swimming in complete unison. This was the best day of snorkeling we've had. Mab took the kids up to Worbarrow Tout to take in the view and then for a bit of rock pooling in Pondfield cove (spot the two large fossils, one above the other to the far right of the last picture).

Eight go mad in Dorset - Wednesday 27th July

At the kids request, we took a second trip to Corfe Castle for some more exploring and scrambling, and a bit of clay pot making. Then off to Shell bay for sand castles and lots of larking around in the sea. In this photo I have captured James's favourite moment from the holiday.

Eight go mad in Dorset - Tuesday 26th July

The kids and adults alike loved the deserted village of Tyneham. Lots to explore and plenty of food for the imagination. Back to the cottage for lunch and an afternoon snorkel in the bay. Last nights practice in the bath certainly paid off for Molly who finally plucked up the courage to take the plunge! Well done Moll, a tremendous achievement!

Eight go mad in Dorset - Monday 25th July

Sunshine, what riches! We headed down to Kimmeridge again for some more snorkeling. It was amazing, I just wish I had an underwater camera so I could share the experience. The natural jetty seems to go on for ever, and gives you a feeling of security as you swim out into what seems like the middle of the ocean, but you're never far away from a rocky ledge. I saw lots of fish and a huge spider crab, not to mention the beautiful shapes and colours offered by the rocks, seaweeds and anemones. This could become addictive! So far we have failed to entice the kids into the world of snorkeling (maybe a bit more practice in the bath is needed), so we headed to Studland in the afternoon to play in the sand.

Eight go mad in Dorset - Sunday 24th July

A walk and picnic up at Clavell Tower, followed by an afternoon of larking about at Corfe Castle.

Eight go mad in Dorset - Saturday 23rd July

Saturday wasn't the brightest of mornings, but all kitted out in wetsuits and snorkel gear we weren't about to let that a bit of cloud get in the way of our adventures. We headed down to Kimmeridge for my first experience of the underwater world...

Eight go mad in Dorset - Friday 22nd July

We arrived at Coastguards Cottage, a beautifully tranquil spot, just a few yards from Kimmeridge Bay. With a garden big enough to play frisbee in, and a beach just at the end of the garden, and our lovely friends, Ivor, Bex, Molly and George to hang out with, we were set to have a fantastic week.