Worbarrow Bay…And A Ghost Village

Bank Holiday Monday

It was the Bank Holiday today - beautiful weather (unprecedented for a UK holiday!!), so we knew things would be busy. We took ourselves off to the abandoned village of Tyneham. My friend had been there before and wanted to take me. It was well worth it, although the history is very sad. (See first Extra photo).

In December 1943 the government gave the inhabitants of the village AND the Manor House 28 days to evacuate as their homes as they needed the valley for military training and practice. It was supposed to be temporary but after the war the government passed a compulsory purchase order and the residents were never allowed to return. The valley remains as a military practice range to this day.

There have been battles through the years to release the land back to the residents or their families but that has not happened although there is increased access to the public along footpaths and access to the beach at weekends and all of August. There have been a few services held at the church and it is now a museum as well as the old school house. Most of the buildings are now in ruins.

After visiting the village we did a steep zig-zag path up to the top of the cliff and walked along the top with this view in front of us. We sat for awhile and soaked up the view and my friend did a lovely sketch and painting - yes, she carries some of her supplies with her wherever she goes! Thankfully I’m only in the picture, not the painting!

It was a STEEP descent down to the beach. It was busy but not crowded at all. It would be great as it’s own outing on another day! It was a mile to walk back to the village along the bottom of the valley.

Once we got back to the campsite it was a very quick sandwich for dinner and we headed off again! I have a friend from church who is staying in her family holiday home just 5 min drive from the campsite, and she arrived today. We picked her up and drove to Studland beach, overlooking the chain ferry that goes to Sandbanks. We walked a bit and then sat and watched the chain ferry go back and forth. My friend had a quick swim (she said it was very warm!) and then did another painting while we all chatted and watched the sunset. See second Extra photo.

A very full and fun day. I’m loving Dorset!