Southern England

We packed into one week which we really should have taken a month to see. There is too much history and depth to appreciate this area of England in typical "If it's Tuesday, it Must be Belgium" fashion. Brighton Beach is the perfect spot for relaxing if not necessarily for a California tan (or a sandy beach). The ruins of Corfe Castle hang perched on a hilltop. Swanage is a pretty seaside town that does not bustle with American tourists. Salisbury Cathedral rises above its walled town. Rottingdean and Alfriston are just two of many lovely towns nestled in this beautiful part of England.

Quick Tips:

Do not drive out of London. If at all possible fly out of Gatwick and drive from there. Navigating London's roundabouts and traffic just add time and aggravation to what should be a relaxing trip. We booked our stay in Brighton through British Travel International (800) 327-6097. The Bed & Breakfast they recommended was terrific and I wouldn't hesitate to use this service again.

Best Way To Get Around:

Drive to towns/sites. Walk from there.

Beautiful 3 storied Bed and Breakfast just blocks from the sea. Light, airy, and well-furnished rooms. The owners were friendly and helpful with dining recommendations and sights. Typical English breakfast served daily. No parking available but we found it easy to park and leave the car for our duration (everything is in walking distance).

After wandering "The Lanes", shopping and searching for a place to eat, we found a perfect spot at Donatello's. Tastefully decorated in Old World Italian decor and crowded with those on holiday, Donatello's was worth the wait. Whether interested in pizza or pasta, everyone in our party left satisfied. Our meals were served promptly and service was attentive.

Absolutely beautiful ruins. Corfe Castle sits at the top of a hill, overlooking the village of Corfe. It is an impressive sight from the town below and the climb up to the castle is not a disappointment. Part of the National Trust, Corfe Castle has a visitor center and guided tours (we guided ourselves). The castle is opened March through October 10:00-5:30 and 11:00-3:30 in November-February (phone # 01929-481294). The cost is 4 pounds. There is parking provided at the bottom of the hill.

The castle was deliberately destroyed 350 years ago during the English Civil War. The building of the castle began during the reign of William the Conqueror and was subsequently finished by Henry I, King John and Henry III. Many of the towers remain and give haphazard protection to a castle of single walls and grass covered halls. The King's Tower juts up into the sky and the view from the top is gorgeous. You can see farmland and pastures spread out for miles in every direction. Towers lean like Pisa and seem ready to topple. You meander through what were once great halls and rooms but are now just a shell. Windows stand alone with only the surrounding wall to keep them upright. If you see nothing else in this area, you must see Corfe Castle (bring plenty of film!).

Well off the beaten track and not listed in many guide books is the lovely little town of Swanage. Located a few hours west of Brighton and just south of Poole, Swanage is well worth a day or two. The homes sit on hilly streets that lead down to the town center and the sea. We stayed at the Oxford House on Park R2 (01929422247), a pretty B&B nestled along a fairly steep hill of houses. From the front you could see the water and dark green hills. The owners were very nice and the accommodations were comfortable, clean and convenient to town. A room with 2 double beds cost 70 pounds for 1 night.
There is a small beach area on which many people sunbathed and swam, though it was a bit too chilly for us. The town center is made up of several winding streets with shops, restaurants and pubs. The prices were reasonable for both food and souvenirs. The people were friendly and we turned a few heads with our American accents.

Swanage is definitely worth a stop if you are traveling in Dorset.