Four TRs met up for a leisurely drive down to Purbeck Island encompassing a lunch stop in Christchurch at the Emporium Antiques warehouse. Then via the Sandbanks ferry to Shell beach and our ultimate destination at the Knoll House Hotel in Studland.
Ready to rollCoffee stop at the Thyme & Tides Firsdown……where we met a nice chap and his Alpine who kindly took a photo of us allAnd then we got to SalisburyLunch at the Emporium ChristchurchA rather windswept BournemouthCars sheltering from the windDeep philosophical discussions on the ferry to PurbeckOn the beach!
Day 2 – Golf Lessons, Worbarrow Bay, Tyneham, Paddling
This very hot sunny day was packed, starting with a highly competitive game of Pitch & Putt amongst the gorse and heather downland opposite the hotel. Then we drove to the famous abandoned village of Tyneham amongst the Purbeck hills.
Followed by a route march to Worbarrow bay and, for some adventurous souls, [the men] a stiff climb to the top of a very steep promontory. The ladies wisely sat on a bench and admired the view!
Somewhat tired we returned to the Hotel for an excellent meal and bed.
Mike showing is how it’s done.Then we all had a goMike realising his lessons were possibly ignored at the par 99 hole 3Three miles from tee to flagLeisurely ladies enjoying the views of Worbarrow BayA view from the top. Didn’t see any keep out signs anywhereMike and Tim eventually made it to the top. And if you look way off in the distance……the ladies are still being leisurelyTyneham village schoolhouseBarry trying hard to remember his lessonsTyneham ChurchA real insight into 1930s rural lifeLooking out over DorsetHatsJenny checking Barry is flying within his limitsThe pointy bit is what we climbedAlways time for ice creamCorfe Castle by AvisCorfe Castle by Jenny and MikeLocal fauna having dinner at the hotel
Day 3 – Trains, Corfe, a castle, Swanage and steam!
We travelled to Swanage for an excursion on the steam railway. A steam engine fair was in progress near Corfe, Tim and Graham decided to spend the day looking at some magnificent engines in steam before retiring to the beer tent to dodge some rainstorms.
The rest of the party spent the day exploring Corfe village and its iconic castle before returning to Swanage town. Another fun packed day and yet another meal at the hotel.
Graham and Tim discussing coalOn the chuff chuff to CorfeA very soggy CorfeVery picturesqueOld thingsMore old thingsBarry taking a picture……of the castle guardiansArty shotMike inspecting a benchA view of something very interesting. More about this laterWaiting for a trainMichelle pointing out where to see the sea. Mike and Jenny acting as the rear guard.Afternoon tea
And now the fun bit…
Arrival at Norton stationHand built over 17 yearsMan with tattoo watches chuffing great thingNicked during WW2. Probably not the original driverA view of Corfe castle by GrahamA better view of Corfe castle by TimTiddly little 3 ton engineAnd the biggest at the show at 18 tons.Preparing the kite and ignoring Michelle about to paddleMichelle now paddlingKite launchedThat’s us at the bottom of the bit of string
Grumpy old man complains chair is too small
Cheerful young man doesn’t care how big the chair is
The last supper
Day 4 – The run home
The following morning, we packed up for the comparatively short drive home (approximately 2 hours).
It was a very interesting weekend enjoyed by everyone and in case you are wondering Mike Heelis won the pitch and putt competition with Lynda Heelis as runner up.
We all think they had been seriously practicing over the week leading up to the run!
Great photos a good time seems to be had by all
Gill and my 3 daughters are thinking of a long weekend next September at the Knoll House Hotel
Would you recommend it especially the food and standard of rooms?
Rooms were good, food excellent and ambiance just as expected. Walking distance to the beach and loads to see and do all withing a short drive. Highly recommended.
Great photos a good time seems to be had by all
Gill and my 3 daughters are thinking of a long weekend next September at the Knoll House Hotel
Would you recommend it especially the food and standard of rooms?
Hi John,
Rooms were good, food excellent and ambiance just as expected. Walking distance to the beach and loads to see and do all withing a short drive. Highly recommended.