On the way down we stopped off at Shaftesbury, found a pub with a shady patio to have a drink and lunch, then went to peer at the famous hill..
We wandered around the lovely town, and enjoyed the small museum where I found an interesting display on Dorset Buttons, and bought a booklet, and a little Lavender cushion with dorset button on it. Later I made some for a cushion....
Another little detour on the way down for a visit to Cann Mills where I bought some organic stone ground flours: strong white, rye, spelt and Maltstar. We had a chat with 'dusty' Michael the Miller about his mill.
We arrived in Wareham where we stayed at Gold Court for a few days...a really charming place to stay right in the heart of the Town. We loved this little town, encircled by river or high walls, with interesting old building, a small museum, river walks with boat rides, river side promenades for cooler evenings.
Also a short drive from the Swanage Railway, of course we had a day on it, using it to ride to Swanage. On the front, with delightful tables facing the sea, where we had lunch, I had a platter of sea food, Mr S a char grilled tuna steak, with chips and salad...it was hard to think we were facing the Atlantic rather than the Mediterranean Sea. On the way back we got off the train to visit Corfe Castle. What did we do at Corfe Castle? We entered the Castle, walked up towards the keep, and found a shady spot against a wall, and sat down to watch others climbing up the hill...but soon many more came to join us, as it was too hot to stay in the sun.
On another day, we drove to Studland Bay, and found the only bit of natural shade...and 'chilled out'. I went for a paddle, but had to put on shoes to walk back, as the sand was far too hot!
During our stay in Wareham, Mr S and I treated ourselves. One morning we went for coffee at Priory Hotel, their garden is absolutely glorious, with well tendered areas, including shady lily pond, sunken gardens, and walks under arches of roses and clematis.
We had spied it the previous day from across the river...morning coffee with home made cakes offers free access to the garden. However it was so good we decided to book for dinner....down in the cool cellar dining room. We opted to have our coffee and petit fours in the garden, watching the bats come out and swoop across the lawns rolling down to the river. This was one of 'our best meals out ' in several years.
On our way home we visited Kingston Lacy...what a place!
After a tour of the house, we explored the gardens, and given the hot weather this was one our favourite places...a fernery, with a shady fern bench.
Even the estate pigs had been moved to a shady spot under the trees. Here a large sow with her piglets take a mid day siesta!
When we got back home, our own lily had bloomed..
