The Isle of Purbeck

Today we spent our day exploring the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula on England's Sputh Coast. After a short drive from our cliff-top hotel in Bournemouth we crossed the mouth of Poole Harbour on the chain ferry - pulled across the water by a pair of huge chains. Continuing on we enjoyed beautiful views of the coastline, backed by rolling green hills covered with patchworks of fields & hedgerows. Arriving early in Swanage there was a chance to walk on the beach before boarding our restored steam train for the 20 minute ride to Corfe Castle village. Named after the destroyed castle that dominates its skyline, Corfe Castle village is a picture postcard English village, with quaint cottages, pubs & a few small stores. After exploring inside the castle there as lots of time to explore the village before we met-up for a typical Dorset cream tea - scones served with strawberry jam, thick 'clotted' cream, & a pot of English tea. Another short drive took us to Durdle Door, a popular scenic spot on the coast with a natural rock arch jutting out to sea. Some of the group took the chance to stretch their legs & walk 1.25 miles along the coastal path, & we all rendezvoused at Lulworth Cove, a tiny fishing village set on a perfectly horseshoe-shaped cove. The drive back to our hotel took us through more pretty villages. Dinner this evening was at a renowned Indian restaurant. Indian cuisine is to England what Mexican food is to the USA - the most popular type of restaurants, found in just about every city & town. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, served 'family-style', & seemingly enjoyed by all.