Some travel days are packed with bucket-list attractions. Others are simply about wandering wherever the road takes you.
Today was definitely one of the second kind… and honestly, they’re often my favourite.
After the heartbreak of England’s semi-final loss the night before (I’m still convinced they had it in the bag until those last few minutes…), Mum and I decided we’d spend the day sightseeing from the comfort of the motorhome. Mum’s hip was playing up, so this was very much a “look out the windows and enjoy the scenery” kind of adventure.
Chesil Beach & Portland
Our first stop was the end of the road overlooking Chesil Beach.
What a view.
The sea was that impossible blue that makes you question whether you’re actually still in England, and the long sweep of Chesil Beach stretched away into the distance. It’s one of those places where photos just don’t capture the scale of it. We stood there for ages simply taking it all in.
From there we crossed onto the Isle of Portland and followed the roads around the island.
Every corner seemed to reveal another spectacular viewpoint.
The rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs and sweeping views across the English Channel made me stop more than once just to soak it all in.
Hunting Lighthouses
Naturally, I wanted to see Portland Bill Lighthouse.
Actually…
I wanted to see all three lighthouses.
Apparently the roads had other ideas.
Despite driving around the area, the angles and hills meant I could never quite get all three lined up together. Close enough… but not quite. I suppose it just gives me another excuse to come back one day.
Portland Bill itself was beautiful though. There’s something about a classic red-and-white lighthouse that never gets old.
Weymouth on a Summer’s Day
Next stop was Weymouth.
It was hot.
Really hot.
A cold drink and some lunch quickly solved at least two of those problems.
We drove around the harbour before following the Esplanade. The beachfront was absolutely buzzing with families making the most of the sunshine.
One thing that really stood out to me was just how many dogs were enjoying the beach.
Not just walking along it…
Actually swimming, chasing balls, digging in the sand and generally living their absolute best lives.
It’s not something you see all that often back home in New Zealand, so I couldn’t help smiling every time another happy, soggy dog bounded past.
An Unexpected M&S Stop
As we drove around, I spotted signs proudly announcing that the new M&S had just opened.
Well…
You can’t put signs like that in front of me and expect me to drive past.
Opening day meant the place was absolutely heaving.
Traffic everywhere.
Cars circling.
People everywhere you looked.
Fortunately, because we were in the motorhome, one of the parking attendants directed us into the wider EV bays (thankfully nobody needed them at the time), which meant we squeezed in without too much drama.
The new store itself was lovely. Half food hall, half clothing, bright, spacious and exactly what you’d expect from a brand-new Marks & Spencer.
Did we leave empty-handed?
Of course not.
That would be completely out of character.
A couple of shopping bags somehow followed us back to the motorhome.
Funny how that keeps happening.
Back to Camp
By mid-afternoon it was time to head back to the campsite.
It was my last evening working before heading off on the cruise, so I wanted to get back a little earlier, sort a few things out and get organised before the next adventure began.
One chapter of the trip was winding down…
…and another very exciting one was just about to begin.
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