This happened to be our first driving tour in the beautiful South west. Spent almost a month doing research on the internet to decide on where to stay and how to go about. It was a short trip as we wanted to cover Dorset, Devon and Cornwall in one go.
The car - a Fiat Seicento (zippy like the Matiz) was picked up from Kendalls, Guildford and I drove alone all the way to Brighton through the M25 and A20 to pick up the family, who were having a ball at a pier. We had a few meetings with friends and customers that day. Despite a late night, we started around 7:00 and head for Blandford Forum to meet a friend, who wanted to present us with a 1957 photograph of one the local groups, picked up at at a car boot sale.
I really love Brighton for its lifestyle. The city is within walking limits and the Lanes sell anything from organic bread to glass bangles. As it is the Londoner’s beach, property prices are high. You could walk all day, stopping by for the occasional beer or fish and chips.
We had used an old edition of the AA guide ( https://theaa.com) and some of the routes were non existent !! There was a traffic hold at Southampton, I wanted a relaxed drive, avoiding the motor way where ever possible. David was kind enough to lend us a copy of the updated road map which ensured that we reached our first destination before sunset. Quite difficult to drive the first time unless you have an experienced navigator. We got honked a couple of times for not changing lanes.. but you get disciplined in no time.
Lulworth cove - Bed and Breakfast booking was with Mrs. Cooper, with whom we had got friendly in the process of mail exchanges to negotiate the rates for 3 days. The Lulworth cove is an area of outstanding natural beauty (ANBF) and the cake slice like coasts are unique. April Thatch is a 400 year old thatched roof accommodation. Wonderful place to start your trip and the hosts really pamper you. A very friendly couple and you are made to feel as part of that family. Highly recommended.
Swanage - Lovely fishing village. Don’t remember how many snails I ate - cooked of course !! Cannot forget the sign post which said No mans land !!
Square and the Compass - Set in the heart of a remote Dorset village which slopes down to the cliff-fringed shore a mile away, this is one of the quirkiest pub you’re likely to find - and just about the best. There is only one poky barroom, decorated with an odd assortment of pictures and curios, which is served from a small hatch in the corridor - the corridor where most of the locals stand up to gulp their ale and have a right old natter.
Devon - The drives are brilliant and the moors are enchanting. Stayed in a hunting lodge. Visited some flea markets and camp sites
Clovelly - Yet again a rustic fishing village to the north of Dorset. Time has not changed anything for the last 500 years. Cobbled village streets leading down to a most ancient and beautiful harbour. There is a bit of walking to be done.
Looe - Used to be the pirates haven. Stayed with an American host. She is a maritime fiction writer, who knew a whole lot about ancient ship routes etc. Went to the Charlestown Shipwreck Centre where some of the exhibits were of ships laden with spices from India. The place is rustic.
Lyme Regis - Meryl Streep did that famous walk in French Lieutenant’s woman
Dochester - Pretty town centre. Did visit the town centre and Sunday flea market.
Cornwall - Lands End is the most westerly point in mainland Britain and our first glimpse of the atlantic ocean .The stay was with a friendly farmer whos knowledge about the world was limited, as he thought India and Australia were adjacent countries !!. He took us on a chilly early morning milking session. Unfortunately most of the farms have been converted into bed and breakfast houses as cheaper dairy imports make life difficult.
Globalisation affects everyone !!