I’m often jet-setting off abroad but I also love travelling within the UK. There are so many amazing places to see on these isles and one place I was really keen to explore more of was Dorset. So, when I was asked by The Blogger Programme if I wanted to visit a couple of weeks before Christmas I surely couldn’t say no could I? I mean a bit of country air never does any harm. And I was certainly reaching my end-of-year London burnout peak so it was time to get the heck out of Dodge, as they say, even if only for a short time. So I took me and my sparkly little American Tourister Wavebreaker suitcase and got outta town!
Dorset is an absolutely stunning place and you should definitely try to visit there if you ever have the chance. I was lucky enough to stay at The Lindens in East Lulworth which is a property owned by Kate & Toms (who rent out huge mansions and stately country homes to large groups of 10 to 20 people). The Lindens is absolutely stunning and upon arrival I could have definitely made myself at home there for a good two weeks if given the chance. The rooms are huge and comfy, the house has a cosy feel with fireplaces and wooden floors and the bathtubs are deep. All in all, let’s just say it definitely ticks the boxes.
The Lindens itself is an 18th century manor house and it’s close to both East Lulworth (a quaint little Dorset village) and also Lulworth Cove and the Jurassic Coast. I had been wanting to see the Jurassic Coast for a long time so The Lindens is a perfect getaway for the weekend if you want to do a bit of exploring and you have a large group of people that all want to get away!
It also has a heated pool, tennis court and acres of woodland and gardens. I have to admit I certainly took advantage of the photo opps there. And after arrival in London, I have to say that I had a long little browse on the Kate & Toms website, dreaming about my next UK getaway. Seriously there are some FABULOUS homes.
There were lots of treats awaiting us upon arrival including some fabulous haircare products from Oway who do amazing organic hair products that look and smell uh-mazing. I had actually never heard of the brand and I thought I knew EVERY brand when it came to beauty so I was both happy and sad to discover it. Happy that I discovered it, sad I hadn’t discovered it sooner! All of the Oway products are organic and use bio-dynamic ingredients (meaning they are sustainably sourced), essential oils and have recyclable packaging. Basically, everything you want if you are eco-conscious, really. I got a set of volumising products and how they knew my hair type and nailed it I will never know but the products look amazing and feel amazing too and actually work. The power of plants – get on board people!
Also, perfect for 2018 and waiting for me was a Happiness Planner. Now I have been wanting one of these for awhile so was really pleased to get one. The Happiness Planner is all about good intention and Lord knows we all need that. It’s a planner and journal hybrid that harnesses the power of positive thinking, gratitude and goal setting. And it’s all about starting your day with a positive thought which I really like the idea of going into 2018. A must-have indeed!
And talking about happiness there were also some delicious Lola’s Cupcakes (red velvet anyone?) that I ate whilst admiring my new duvet cover from Milk & Cookys. As you can see below mine says ‘No Bra Day’ which are the best days, really. I also had to have a browse on the Milk & Cookys site after the trip and they do so many fabulous duvet covers ranging from polka dots to inspirational messages. I’ve got the Polka Dots (White) on my Christmas wishlist!
After discovering all the treats, it was nice to sit by the fire with the rest of the group and do our Secret Santa exchange, drink mulled wine and eat pizza. The dream.
It was soon time to go to bed however and before going to bed I took a nice long bath in the deep and amazing bath tub in my bathroom. I LOVE hot baths and honestly, taking one revives both my body and spirit. Any place worth staying must have a bath and a good one at that. It will totally make your day.
The next morning, I got up early to take some photos and have breakfast before heading out for the day with the Lulworth Rangers who took us around Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
If you haven’t been there you MUST visit! The coast of Lulworth Cove is BEAUTIFUL – think rolling hillside that tumbles out to the sea and rock formations galore. It’s the kind of scenery that the UK is famous for. It was so lovely to be outside in the fresh air and the weather was gorgeous too. We were also able to see Durdle Door which is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast. Simply beautiful.
After strolling around for awhile we then headed to Lulworth Castle for afternoon tea. This is a stunning castle that I actually remember seeing at Bestival during the summer because that festival is right on the doorstep of Lulworth Castle. We were lucky to be some of the few in the castle so had the whole place to wander around. It’s safe to say I was definitely feeling like a princess at the end of it!
Lulworth Castle is not far from Lulworth Cove and is an early 17th-century castle. The grounds that the castle is on is pristine and well-groomed and the castle itself is certainly impressive. I’ve always been a fan of a castle – they never get old! We had a lovely afternoon tea there with delicious scones and clotted cream as well. I just love a good scone!
So, if you do visit Dorset, now you know where to stay and what to do and all should not be missed!
A special thanks to The Blogger Programme for organising such a lovely trip. If you are a blogger and want to work with more brands then you should definitely check out signing up with The Blogger Programme. Alternatively, if you are a brand who is looking to work with bloggers – definitely check them out!
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