The Jurassic Coast - May 2019

The Jurassic Coast - Dorset
May 2019

After our last trip out at Easter we were really looking forward to our next, the Whitsun (end of May) bank holiday has for many years a chance to meet up with friends Alan, Cathy, Geoff and Jayne, they have had campervans or motorhomes for many years and are seasoned campers.

This year we decided to take a trip down to Weymouth on the Jurassic coast, Alan suggested that we try out a Camping & Caravanning Club THS (temporary holiday site)  and at £12.00 per night was by far a lot cheaper than any of the commercial sites. We phoned to make sure they had space and if we could have three pitches together, pitches?? err, three, err, no problem.

Saturday 25th May

We left mid morning and as it was a bank holiday Saturday we made the decision to that the old roads down to Dorset rather than take the motorway, roads should be quieter and far more scenic. The morning soon went and lunch time was upon us, we were by now in Whitshire and was time to find a spot to eat, however, everywhere seemed so busy we eventually came to Westbury and found ourselves on top of the White Horse, not literally, but on the hills where a white horse was carved into the limestone hills. Our relaxed lunch was followed by a walk across the hills to watch the para-gliders taking off the side of the hills, gracefully raising to the skies making use of the thermals like birds of prey, I've always fancied  giving it a try but now was not the time.

Back on the road we arrived in Weymouth late afternoon and following CCC pennant markers soon found the THS. The site was just a grass field with fresh water, waste disposal and elsan disposal, the Marshalls' were friendly and took our membership card as we weren't  sure how long we were staying and could pay when leaving, we were shown to an area towards the lower part of the site by a small wooded copse, birds singing, was a lovely spot.

Set up, awning out, time for a cuppa and cake. Geoff and Jayne must have smelt the kettle as no sooner was it boiled they arrive and parked next to us, the Marshall paced out the required regulated distance between units before they were allowed to park.

Alan and Cathy arrive before tea, it was good to have the gang altogether again, we had tea and sat around chatting as the last of the sunshine sank below the trees.

Sunday 26th May

Woke early, but the skies were grey and overcast, had proper breakfast to set us up for the day, a full English, we had all spoken last night and made plans to go into Weymouth as Alan had a large motorhome we would use the bus that stopped at the top of the road rather than driving in as we were unsure about parking, where, costs etc, the bus arrived on time, the short ride in was good and dropped us off right on the sea front.

We all split at this point, we had a great walk along the seafront up towards the harbour and to where the old Sealink ferries used to leave for France before looping back on the other side of the harbour out to the end and found a small beach cafe, a cuppa tea and a lovely piece of homemade cake, we then returned to the bus stop to return back to the site, travelling back we noticed a Lidl supermarket not far from the site we were not consentarting and got off the buss at the wrong stop so had an unexpected walk back.

Monday 27th May

We were woke very early by the dawn chorus, sun streaming through the helki sunroof, bit early to rise yet so dropped back off to sleep, then woke late.

Decided over breakfast to take a trip out to see Portland Bill, the lighthouse out at the end of the Portland peninsular, the drive up the hill to Portland is lovely, we parked at the top to take in the views back toward Weymouth, Chesil Beach and the lagoon known as East and West Fleet, we met a couple of Benimar owners who were really interested in the Benivan 120 and wanted to know all about her.

We traveled on towards the Bill, the coastal scenery was lovely but inland appeared to be a little bleak due, probably, to the stone mining.

The one thing that spoilt the trip was the total lack of parking for motorhomes, giving the feeling that we were not welcome, having drove around for sometime we departed feeling very disappointed as I really fancied the walk along the coast.

We stopped off on the way back at the Portland Marina, parking here was plentiful and took Izzy for a good walk here looking at the the boats moored in the marina.

We eventually returned to site to meet with the others for a BBQ.

Tuesday 28th May

We woke later this morning, the skis were blue and the sun was shining, after breakfast were planned to drive out towards Bowlease Cove, getting there we again had issues with parking so carried on along the coast to Ringstead Bay, we found an area owned by The Nation Trust, there were very few people here and parked up, put our seats out and enjoyed the sunshine, enjoying some Dorest apple cake, purchase from a small deli earlier, with a cuppa. The views were spectacular out to sea give panoramic views of Portland.

Wednesday 29th May

A relaxing start this morning, pottering around the van, needed to do shopping today, went to Lild then into Weymouth found some good parking for the van by the old ferry port, we had another walk around the harbour and had local treat, a pea fritter with chips, minted peas in batter then fried, I don't think for a moment they will do my cholesterol any good but it tasted lovely.

Thursday 30th May

We woke later again this morning, must be something to do with all the fresh air, during breakfast we were discussing that as Cathy had retired from school a few days earlier it would be nice to throw her a celebratory party. we mentioned to Geoff and Jayne who were all for it. Adele said set would cook a meal for us all that night and asked her Husband Alan to take her out this afternoon so we could decorate their van.

We wnt into town to get decorations and food, and returned after Alan and Cathy had left.

Adele made bunting and I dressed the tables and prepped tea.

we planned to have chicken chaussier with veg and potatoes all was going well untill we forgot the to turn off the chicken pot, we noticed a faint burning smell and caught the tea just before it burnt. Our tea had a slight smokey flavour so, ever resourceful, Adele turned chicken chausseur in to BBQ chicken.

Cathy and Alan returned to see their van was dressed for the occasion and touched by the surprise.

Bottles were opened and we all had a great evening.

Friday 31st May

We woke early, being on the THS with no facilities we are using the van as it was intended, the shower works really well considering the space we have although the clingy shower curtain is a tad annoying, guess we will get used to it.

We ran out of water one day whilst out so made a point of always having a routine before leaving a site 

• Fill up with fresh water
• Empty grey water
• Empty Toilet

our itinerary seams to be made up as we go, this morning over breakfast we decided to go out towards Lyme Regis we haven't been there since the kids were little, the skies were still grey as we drove out along the coast road but the views were lovely arriving just after lunch parking was difficult both long stay car parks were full, we went back to the first car park to double check before giving up to fing a motorhome just leaving and quickly parked in the place, good to see dedicated motorhome parking.

we took a long walk across the seafront, the sun was shining by now, we continued out towards the harbour reminiscing how the children loved to play here, it was mid afternoon by now so started to walk back, stopping off for an ice-cream looking over the bay, back to the van, Izzy was wacked and soon fell asllep on the drive back to the site. we stopped on the cliff road between Abbotsbury and Weymouth to admire the views for half an hour. the dull day had turned good today.

Saturday 1st June

We woke early to blue skies and sunshine, Geoff and Jayne were leaving today so said our good byes and had a late breakfast. We noticed on our drive back yesterday afternoon a small beach between Abbotsbury and Weymouth so went to explore, down very narrow lane to West Bexington, nothing much there, a small village, an expensive sea food restaurant and a car park which was within feet of a shingle beach, we managed to get one of the larger spaces which was perfect for the van, the temperature had risen quite a lot so decided to have the rest of the day soaking up the sun and relaxing.

it was getting towards tea time when we returned to the site, Alan had arranged a BBQ for us tonight, we sat outside the vans going over the weeks holiday, with the odd glass of wine.

Sunday 2nd June

We again woke early as we were all leaving today, after breakfast we packed up and said our good byes to Alan and Cathy, we were lucky enough to have an extra day, we decided to travel along the coast towards Lulworth Cove, we have been there before but not with the campervan, no issues with parking but if you van is more that 5m they expect you to use the dedicated motorhome parking, great you think, until you find it costs £15.00, most of the campervans parking in the normal car park at a fiver.

We walk down to the village and around the bay, returning to the van for the next leg towards Studland.

It was getting late by now sow found at CCC site at Corfe Castle, at lovely club site but at nearly £30.00 per night very expensive. We made the most of the facilities both having showers before going to Corfe village for a walk and a pub tea, Adele having scampi and chips and me a massive lasagne with salad, both of which were lovely. We returned to the site late fully satisfied with tea.

Monday 3rd June

We woke after a very good nights sleep, we had breakfast after both having showers, we drove out across studland towards the ferry at Studland Point, we parked up before the ferry to walk Izzy on the beach and watched as the Brittany Ferries boat sailed out on its way to France, we had not been here before and with the sun shining strongly  the whole place had a continental feel to it although it was getting a little wind.

We boarded the chain driven ferry for the short crossing to Sand Banks, the multi-millionaires mansions on the shoreline looked magnificent. we drove on towards Bournemouth and homeward.

We arrived home late afternoon after an uneventful relaxing drive back. 

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