Studland Bay

Off for a couple of days to Dorset to breathe in the fresh sea air and blow the stress away. This is an annual "Thelma and Louise" weekend (without the final scene), usually to Wales, but this time, due to time constraints, just as far as the south coast.

I love taking the Bramble Bush Bay chain ferry that crosses the entrance to Poole Harbour between Sandbanks and Shell Bay to make the fastest time from Poole to Studland Bay. The ferry takes just a few minutes but once you've crossed the Bay you really feel you're on holiday.

The sun was out on arrival at Studland Bay but by the time we'd had lunch it had retreated and our walk along the beach was blustery and visibility wasn't great. Old Harry Rocks further down the coast were just visible, this blib gives the idea.

We drove on to Christchurch (Mudeford) and walked along Avon Beach to Friars Cliff (by now bitterly cold, though good views of the Isle of Wight and the Needles) before heading for the Spa at our hotel (Christchurch Harbour Spa Hotel). We had a late booking for dinner at the Jetty restaurant and weren't disappointed with the food - intense flavours and cooked to perfection, especially good fresh fish... and a charming French waiter. So hungry by this point that I forgot to take any pictures of the wondeful food...