Welcome to the perfect getaway, but trust me you’ll be wishing you booked for longer (I know I was).
Always time to squeeze in a castle
To celebrate my 30th the Mr and I headed off to Dorset for a little rest and relaxation. I never need an excuse to break up a long journey and a castle is the perfect detour.
We chose Old Wardour Castle as it was literally on our way to our Airbnb and it was beautiful! I know for some people castle ruins just aren’t as interesting as a still fully built one but I love them, this one was particularly romantic; it also happens to have been used as a filming location for Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. Once we’d filled our history boots we hopped back in the car and continued on our way, to our final destination of Brighthay Farm.
I spend a lot of time (probably too much time) finding Airbnb’s and I was practically chuffed with this beautiful log cabin I found. We whipped up a quick dinner, after a dip in the hot tub and snuggled up on the sofa. Thirty was feeling pretty good so far.
Nature’s Wonders & Pub Lunches
After a slightly fitful sleep, turns out badgers can sound like humans trudging around your cabin we set off to Durdle Door. We grabbed a coffee at the top of the the cliffs and started the walk down.
It really is an amazing spot, it looks like something out of Game of Thrones. We wandered along the beach admiring it from all angles, until our stomachs started to rumble and we needed to find some lunch.
We hadn’t actually planned to have a pub lunch but The Anchor Inn had been mentioned in the welcome guide so we headed there and managed to nab a window side table in their tiny but stunning dining room. I ordered the crab brioche roll with chunky chips and the Mr went for the short rib. Both were delicious and set us up perfectly for the Golden Cap coast walk which is all uphill – I didn’t take any photos because it was so windy I was worried my phone might blow out of my hand but the views are stunning, not the faint hearted the top has no shield from the sheer drop and it is a tough walk up. Knackered we headed back to the car and our cabin, an early night was on the cards.
A Magical Detour Home
The following day we packed up our bags, questioning each other as to why we only booked for two nights before jumping in the car and heading to the main event of our holiday at Dorset Falconry Park. It has been my dream for a long time to hold an owl, I just think they are the most amazing creatures and they have a certain magical feel about them so when the Mr asked what I wanted for my birthday I asked for an Owl Experience and boy did he deliver. I spent a joyous hour flying and holding three beautiful owls learning all about them from our handler. I was lucky enough to have a solo experience and I would recommend this in a heart beat to any animal lover, I will warn you they do reward them with meat so if your squeamish then it might be one to skip out.
After our experience we stayed and watched the flying display before grabbing a bite to eat and heading off back to London. We will definitely be heading back to Dorset as I feel there was so much we didn’t explore, any recommendations let me know.
What Kate Did Next 