Scootering Along - Family Fun

It’s competition winner announcement time again… and no, we’re not bored of offering fantastic cottage giveaways. This time, we are pleased to announce that the very gleeful and excited Wootton family have been drawn from the pot of names and are readily planning their fabulous stay at The Retreat in Swanage. 

We are sure much of their time will be spent refining their scootering skills, thanks to the very generous prize of a family set of scooters from Mirco-Scooters and we’re sure they’ll be putting Sam Cam to shame, in no time at all.  For those moments when the scootering might not be taking precedence we thought offering a few ideas of what the Wootton’s can get upto on their holiday would be handy. And for those of you who weren’t lucky enough to win, there are a few tempting reasons why a trip to Swanage and the Jurassic Coast should be on your ‘to do’ list.

We quite like a steam railway here at Original Cottages and, there is none more lovely than the six mile journey from Swanage town to the village of Corfe. On arrival at this historically beautiful village you’re likely to be overcome by the magnificence of the Castle ruin, standing majestically over this picturesque Dorset settlement. Now managed and maintained by the National Trust, it is a fascinating day out. After all that culture and maybe even a trip to the model village whilst you’re there - a spot of lunch or a swift half is recommended at The Greyhound Inn standing right at the foot of the castle mount. 

Swanage is typically known for it’s sandy beaches, pretty lanes, houses and Victorian charm and we think the best beaches are Studland Beach and Nature Reserve and Swanage Beach. Both beautiful shelving golden sands, perfect for building sandcastles and if you are brave enough, sheltered bathing too! The former was also the inspiration for Noddy’s Toytown; we wonder if you can spot him in his little red and yellow car? 

Having had your historical taste buds tantalised at Corfe Castle we think a day or two (if you get the bug) out searching the beaches for prehistoric and jurassic finds is the best way to mix  beach, sun and a bit of inquisitive fun all in one. You may discover a formally unknown breed of Dinosaur! The best fossil hunting is to be had in Charmouth, though a little drive from Swanage the drive there is beautiful and the potential for fossil finds is huge. If a shorter drive is preferred, then head to beautiful, peaceful and stunning Lulworth Cove. An ancient fossil forest where dinosaur footprints and tracks have been discovered. Perfect to ignite the Dinosaur hunter in all of us. Or if fossil hunting has exhausted itself, unroll the picnic mat and enjoy this incredibly pretty nook of British Coastline, and watch the sea glisten in the sunshine. But if the heavens open and you still want your slice of seaside and marine life, then a short drive to Bournemouth to visit the Oceanarium is the perfect answer. Here you can get up close and personal with all manner of curious sea life - those local to our shores and some from much further afield. 

Swanage itself is a pretty and bustling town, with Blue Flag beaches, shops, tea rooms, bars, restaurants and pubs. With breathtaking cliffs and surrounded by wonderful countryside the Wootton family are certain never to be bored. Fingers crossed for beautiful sunshine so they can get out and explore this beautiful area and good luck on mastering the scooters!