Crisp ocean air, bright blue skies & freshly toasted crumpets, I challenge you to describe a better morning’s start in the UK 😉
Last weekend was invited to ‘staycate’ with my lovely friend and fellow blogger Bonnie Rakhit, aka The Style Traveller. Having been invited to enjoy a few nights at The Bournemouth Beach Lodges she kindly extended the offer to both myself and outube star, Jay Palfrey.
As a trio we spent the weekend enjoying mornings by the sea and evenings giggling our way through delicious dinners. It was a last minute trip but such an enjoyable one and having had the most amazing time I wanted to share the details with you as a COVID safe holiday option!
Getting There
Acting as quite the ‘hostess with the mostess’ Bonnie drove Jay and I down in her car to Bournemouth. From London it took us 3 hours in a little traffic but if you’re lucky it can be driven in two and a half. We parked up just above the lodges themselves and walked a short, albeit slightly steep path down to the resort. The huts are based on the beach itself in a picturesque row of pastel blues. From the moment they came into our view our voices pitched a little higher 😉
They were adorable!
Inside the darling huts was a living area with dining table and two sofas (which can be turned into additional beds), a fully functioning kitchen and a bathroom. The the upper floor had a cosy double and separate single bed.
The outdoor space has a table and deck chairs with each and every hut enjoying an uninterrupted ocean view 😀
Bonnie’s host has kindly provided the three of us with Beryl Bikes for our stay as well which were conveniently locked up below our hut for us to venture out as and when we needed them.
The whole process was extremely COVID safe as we were given an outdoor lock code to release the keys for both the cabin and bike lock. We didn’t have to interact with another single soul during our stay.
The Bournemouth Beach Lodges are fully self catered so make sure you pack all groceries before heading down to them. There are no convenient stores within walking distance to better to be prepared.
Within that preparation I’d say wine is key 😉 The sunset views from the outdoor space are well worth ‘cheers-ing’ over!
Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast
Though the location of the huts won’t necessarily encourage you to leave, a pretty fabulous thing about the Bournemouth beach lodges is their proximity to the Jurassic Coast.
The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site on the English Channel coast of southern England. It stretches from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, providing those who visit with 96 miles worth of beautiful beaches, hikes and incredible cliff edge views. One of the highlights of the Coastline for me is Durdle Door and the Bournemouth Beach Lodges are just an hour’s drive from the amazing view point. It’s one of my favourite places in the UK, I travelled down just a few weeks ago so you can read all about it here.
SUP or Surf Up!
Another fabulous thing to do whilst by the ocean is to get in it! Moving into our colder months here in the UK I can’t imagine you’ll be dying to go for a swim (though, we did and LOVED it!) but that doesn’t mean you can’t utilize that mass of water before your very eyes!
No matter the season there is always an opportunity to be adventurous. There’s a surf school just a couple of minutes walk from the lodges that offers both Stand up Paddle boards for the calmer days and full on surf lessons when the waves allow.
Yes it was freezing but wowzers it felt great!
Where we ate
We had the pleasure of dining very, very well whilst in Bournemouth, each and every restaurant with their own unique charm.
The first of which was Westbeach. Located just past Bournemouth’s main pier. There were just two vegetarian options for me but both were delicious! I had a tomato gazpacho for starters and a Caesar salad with chunky chips for main. The service here was professional and attentive and the ambience was very romantic and special. It’s also right on the water.
Our second evening was spent dining at a more casual beachside restaurant called Urban Reef. Though the vibe here was more laid back the food was just as delicious. I had a couple of options this time and there was even a Vegan main which was awesome. I had the camembert starter which came with a side of the world’s BEST chutney and then the Quinoa burger for my main. Service here was warm and friendly and the location was just steps away from the lodges. Another FAB place to dine out when in town!
Our final and hands down favourite meal was at The Larder House. Located on the town’s high street this cosy and and authentically British ‘pub’ serves, by far, the best roast dinner I’ve ever had.
All of the fresh ingredients are locally sourced, the soundtrack is the kind you ask for the Spotify link and the staff feel like family members.
The food here is hearty, colourful and delicious, I would travel back down two and a half hours to Bournemouth JUST to eat those veggies again!
So another short but sweet blogpost for you all but another insanely amazing UK hotspot to add to that growing list of ‘safe’ places to explore here in England whilst we can .
Already checking availability?? Me too 😉
Sabrina x
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Bonnie’s at the Bournemouth Beach Lodges and therefore did not pay for this trip. All views are very much my own.
