★★★★
We clambered into our bogey green Citreon C3 and set off on an adventure. After little debate, we decided upon Studland, a small ferry trip across the sea from Sandbanks. With a few map reading errors (on my part) and narrowly missing embarking the channel ferry (although, when is Paris not a good idea?!) we arrived at the end of the sandbanks ferry que. With baby snoozing, we sent the boys off to get supplies for some kind of car picnic and we happily watched as other families did the same thing. Be prepared if you're planning a trip to the island yourself as there is not much in the shape of amenity, apart from toilet blocks, beach shop/information centre and ice cream huts. So pack a picnic and treat yourself to a coffee and some Purbeck ice-cream later in the day!
The ferry crossing lasted a mere ten minutes and we were immediately lost amongst beautiful scenery and coastline of Studland bay with Poole harbour in our midst. We paid and displayed in the first car park we found - if you're not National Trust members (which we're not) its a whopping £6 to park, but the sun was shining and moods were high, so we paid without a second thought. I should add that this omits you parking in all beach car parks on the island, so if we'd got our acts together sooner and had more time to kill, a whole day's parking for £6 is not bad at all.
We lasted about 5 minutes at this particular beach as we realised that buggies and sand aren't the greatest combo, and although there were sand buggies to hire, little 5 week old Sofia wouldn't stand a chance. So, back in the car for another ten minutes or so to Middle beach. We parked in a shady spot and took some snaps from the view point overlooking the coast with views across to Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight. Absolutely breathtaking. I'm really starting to like Dorset, and I have a feeling there are plenty more places like this around the county.
Middle beach car park has easy access down to the beach via a single track road, which leads you to a small cafe and ice-cream hut overlooking the beach. We sat under an umbrella eating ice-lollies and basking in the heat. Yes, basking! The sun was shining and we literally could've been on a desert island in the Mediterranean - as I write this I'm looking out of my window to a grey miserable day, so the pictures make this all the more appealing right now. An hour passed and baby got restless, as babies do, so we packed up and made our way home.
It was a truly unforgettable, albeit spontaneous afternoon, and well worth the trip. Without counting food, the visit to Shell bay cost a grand total of £15.50 between the four of us, including car park fee, ice creams and one ferry crossing, which is such great value. I'll definitely plan to go back in the summertime and spend a whole day exploring a bit more.
Where would your most memorable afternoon be spent?
Kate x
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