Well… it was touch and go but we finally managed to get away in between one relaxation of lockdown provisions and the next backwards step (that wasn’t really a lockdown, more a prohibition on travel). I totally accept and understand the necessity for restrictions and I would hate to do anything that makes our NHS workers’ tasks even more difficult but it is still lovely to get away for a break.
We were very lucky indeed as prices for holiday cottages were rocketing, even as we searched, but then we hit on Charmouth House, Charmouth Dorset. Charmouth is wonderfully located, with its famous fossil beach only a couple of miles from Lyme Regis and on a beautiful stretch of coastline.
We found plenty to do for three holidaymakers of varied interests aged 57 to 86. The walkers among us appreciated the South West Coastal path that passes right by the house. The drivers and passengers appreciated quick routes to lovely little villages and beaches, to Golden Cap nature reserve and to Branscombe and Seatown.
Restaurants and takeaways are plentiful in nearby Lyme Regis and, for our first meal we booked into the Royal Oak pub, just round the corner from the cottage.
I would heartily recommend this upside-down thatched cottage with outside decking and sea views. Only comment I would make is about accessibility – the steep stairs are difficult. While a rail is attached to the side, that rail doesn’t go up to the top!
Otherwise it is very accessible indeed with three WCs, one en-suite bathroom (with walk-in shower) and a family bathroom. There are two double bedrooms and one room with bunk beds.
We used Toad Hall Cottages https://www.toadhallcottages.co.uk/holiday-cottages/charmouth-house/1920
And I would certainly recommend them; unlike other companies they didn’t hike their prices at a time of high demand, and they offer unobtrusive good service together with lovely locations in the southwest.
