Why do we love to be by the sea?

I’m making a bold assumption here by suggesting that everyone likes to be by the sea!

I think there is no greater pleasure than a long walk on the beach or up on a clifftop looking down at the pounding waves; even walking along the prom works for me.

I don’t need warm temperatures and brilliant sunshine to enjoy the coast. As long as I have the appropriate clothing, the rain and the wind don’t deter me – just as well, now we have a dog!

In fact, I find striding out by the sea, fighting against the elements, particularly in winter, quite exhilarating!

I’ve never been one for relaxing on the beach, doing nothing, except for reading sometimes. The idea of lying, like sardines, on a crowded beach, fills me with horror! I like my own space, too much.

Well before the arrival of Covid, when we took travel for granted, I penned a post entitled:

‘I do like to be beside the seaside’.

Dorset is such a beautiful county. I’ve always loved it since the first time I went there. Recently we had to go down to Bournemouth for business and I took the opportunity to have a mini break. In fact, it was more of a micro break.

I had lots of interesting feedback when I wrote about staycations  Many people are a fan of a mini break and equally of the opportunity to spend time in our beautiful country, especially the weather is good.

As Mr FancyingFrance couldn’t come down until a day later, I decided to take the train down to Bournemouth and catch up with a very longstanding friend who is also godfather to my eldest son.

He met me at Branksome Station and whisked me back to his place in Westbourne for a quick lunch before catching the open top, blue bus that was going to be the first leg of our journey.

If you are a regular reader you will know of my love for open top, hop-on hop-off buses when visiting a new city. If not you might want to look at my posts about Glasgow and Barcelona

However, this bus wasn’t a tourist bus. It was a ‘normal’ bus! The first part of our journey took us to Studland Bay via the Sandbanks chain ferry. I’ve been on the ferry before, both as a foot passenger and in a car but never sitting on the top deck of an open top bus!

We arrived in Swanage and had to change buses as our next stop was Durlston Country Park.

This is a stunning National Nature Reserve covering 320 acres. I had been here previously with the family and our dogs but on this occasion it was mainly to enjoy the views and a pot of tea!

This Great Globe stands in the country park and is made of local Portland stone. It weighs about 40 tonnes and is 3 metres in diameter. It was actually constructed in Greenwich in 1887 and transported to Swanage by sea.

This is another engraved stone that we passed in the park. A very interesting question, I think. Answers on a postcard?!

We decided to walk back to Swanage and were treated to some superb views. I love the different colours of the sea in this photo.

Back in Swanage, it was time for another bus! This one took us inland, to Poole, via Corfe Castle. I was so busy taking in the scenery, I forgot to take any photos!

Poole was the last leg of our journey, as from here we caught our final bus back to Westbourne, Bournemouth,  where we visited the excellent fish and chip restaurant: Chez Fred. If you ever find yourself in this area, it’s worth a visit as their fish and chips are second to none!

By the time we got back to my friend’s flat, I had that lovely tired feeling that comes from experiencing fresh air and sea breezes. It might have been a very brief break but it was well worth it!

I’ve often wondered if my love of the sea stems from being born on an island. What do you think? Do you love being beside the sea as much as I do?

Or perhaps it’s the water effect? Is it the same if one walks beside a river, canal or lake? I definitely get a sense of peace when being close to water. What about you? I’d love to know!