Swanage, the one where we celebrated one year

On Friday we made our way down to the southeast coast of England to a little town called Swanage and I do not think we could have dreamed up a more perfect weekend. This little seaside town was so much more than anything I expected.

We got there rather late on Friday and called it a night. On Saturday morning we woke up and enjoyed the second “B” in our B&B. Our sweet hosts really went above and beyond. I also love the whole B&B ambiance. The exchanges of  “good morning, you alright?” and smiles throughout the breakfast room is the best. After our massive breakfast we strolled to the main part of town to check it out. Such a lovely seaside town full of little shops and cafes, ice cream stands, and naturally every corner is offering fish and chips. We popped in and out of stores, I admired all the flowers, and we watched the masses of kayaks out in the water before heading back to get ready for our hike. We originally had planned to get dropped off past Durdle Door and make our way back and thought we had a few hours to kill before the bus left. But, hey, who knew the busses do not run until summer?! Not us, oops. We still had a delightful hour or so in the town. Ben loves a good cream tea and we set out to find the perfect cafe.

I mean a cup of tea, two scones, jam, and clotted cream is really the perfect afternoon meal.

After realizing we weren’t going to make it to Durdle Door we decided to just start on the trail out of Swanage. THIS COUNTRY IS BEAUTIFUL. Pictures or words could never do it justice. The grass is lush and beautiful, there are flowers at every corner, the water is the bluest of blues, and the country literally stops at an abrupt cliff before dropping off into the ocean painting the most beautiful picture. Also wildly brilliant to have a path along the entire coast.

My boots spent half the time on my feet and half off. Darn blisters. 

Like I said, I walked a good bit of the trail in my socks. Ever so thankful for the lush grass mentioned previously.

While walking we spotted a perfect little spot where we could climb down a bit and sit on a little ledge of grass

This picture was capture whilst hanging over the edge. Not safe. Nor does it show how far away the water is or how steep the cliff is.

Insert Ben repeatedly saying, “Carrie, get down from there!”

Hip hip hooray for almost a year of marriage!

We walked more, found more spots to sit and picnic, found brave souls rock climbing, sat by the water, and swooned over the sights before making our way back to Swanage. 

After losing our hiking boots, realizing we were both burnt, and resting a bit we found just the right spot for dinner at Crow’s Nest Inn. I had the sea bass and vegetables and Ben the burger. Oh how I love this town. I love the simplicity of it, how green it is, the flowers blooming, and the beach side feel.

Sunday morning we were both just as excited for our breakfast. Divine I tell you. I also think at some point in my life I would thrive at running a Bed and Breakfast.

Rather than taking a right, we headed left this morning towards Old Harry Rocks. Look at that water!

I just love him. I love hiking with him and weekend trips away with him. 

Notice how burnt we are. Oops. Sunscreen will go on next weekend’s packing list.

I wish the picture could show just how massive these cliffs were.

Old Harry Rocks was remarkable. Such a perfect picnic spot. Also, it made MUCH more sense when I realized it is “Harry”, as in the King, and not “hairy”. 

If you squint you can spot Ben out there!

Ben’s new friends. 

After our hike and grabbing our bags we made our way back by the water for a final cream tea before heading back to London. We loooove cream tea. 

This weekend was perfect. I had no idea places like the Jurassic Coast existed in England and it was so special to celebrate our first year of marriage in the country we have made home for the time being. I have loved every bit of travelling all over Europe, but have thoroughly enjoying our own little “backyard”. I could have asked for a better way to celebrate a year with Ben. A whole year of marriage filled with travelling, moving to another country, and so, so many adventures. He’s my absolute favorite person to walk along coasts and talk to for hours on end. Ben, I love you. England, I also love you, but not as much as I do Ben.