I’d written this blog and forgotten to put it up!

Today we went on a family trip Swanage, a classic British seaside town.

We started off by catching the open-top bus, which sounded innocent enough when we planned it. In reality? More like a theme park ride disguised as public transport. With the wind in our hair, we held onto the railings as the driver swerved along narrow country lanes, low branches swiping at us like health and safety hadn’t made it to this part of the world.

Swanage itself was exactly what you’d expect in a seaside town. Beach, pubs, and fish and chip shops. We wandered around, ducking in and out of shops, before wandering along the sea front. People were swimming and kayaking and it was an overall relaxed vibe.

Some of the family decided to pay to walk along the old wooden pier. But, we didn’t. Instead, we headed off on a walk out to the headland, where nature was putting on a free show. The view from up there was incredible.  The sheer white cliffs of Old Harry Rocks stretched out to the left, while to the right, the chalky cliffs of the Isle of Wight in the distance. It’s weird to think the two were once joined, but now separated by time and tides.

By then, our stomachs were rumbling, so we made our way back to the beach for fish and chips. I’d been craving them for weeks, and they didn’t disappoint, golden, crispy and salty. 

But the adventure wasn’t over yet. The return bus ride turned everything up a notch. Our driver, apparently in a hurry or simply out for thrills, took the winding roads at full speed. Every bump launched us off our seats, and the branches didn’t just swipe us, they came for us. Ducking and diving, with bursts of laughter and the occasional yelp from Jessie, it was like a theme park ride with no seat belts and better views. It was hilarious and terrifying at the same time!

But we made it back, unscathed (except maybe a little traumatised). All in all, a proper British seaside day out. Slightly wild, full of charm, and just the right amount of fun.