Our family holiday to Dorset last week was a venture I’d been planning since the start of the year. Yet, right up until we hit the road, I questioned if this dream trip was actually possible. The emotional rollercoaster brought on by the pandemic has undoubtedly tested my patience as a planner and traveller.
But we made it. We embarked on our first family road trip since our energetic toddler learned to sprint, and we had an incredible time discovering the Jurassic Coast, stretching from Lulworth Cove to West Bay in Dorset.
I finally laid eyes on Durdle Door after months of admiring photos of it online.
Navigating the New (Yet Somewhat Familiar) Normal
This staycation was definitely unlike any other.
Our packing list now included masks and a surplus of antibacterial products, far more than a typical carefree traveller might carry.
We approached each tourist destination with caution, fully ready to pivot if crowds overwhelmed us, always vigilant for guidelines to follow. Signs, stickers, and one-way systems were everywhere at busy locations.
We self-catered more than usual and left our contact details at every restaurant or café we visited, following the requirements for table service (only three, thankfully). No notifications yet, so fingers crossed we keep it that way.
Cruxton Studio was an ideal rural escape for our little family.
There were moments — sitting on the deck of our cabin in the serene countryside, walking on country lanes while admiring grazing sheep — when life felt wonderfully normal.
Yet there were also times, such as witnessing large groups enjoying drinks along Weymouth’s Old Harbour, where it felt disconcertingly familiar.
Overall, it was just great to engage in something we love.
We rediscovered the reasons why travel is therapeutic. (As Triple Passport wisely states). I reconnected with parts of my old self: the planner, the doer, the writer, the traveller.
After a weekend filled with perfect weather, my passion for travel was revitalized, along with a newfound appreciation for my own country.
Oh look, it’s the old me.
However, I did feel anxious as we departed. Travel anxiety isn’t something I’m used to, yet after months spent at home, the thought of heading out for a weekend, sleeping in a new place, dining out for the first time, and potentially encountering crowds felt overwhelming. The fear of going out (FOGO) was palpable. I’m grateful we didn’t allow it to hold us back, as navigating travel during the pandemic brought unexpected benefits.
Our Airbnb in Dorset
The cleanliness of our accommodations stood out immediately. We opted for an Airbnb Plus after a great experience in Melbourne, known for stellar comfort and practicality. Our charming Cruxton cabin truly met those standards.
Set on a sprawling property, we were enveloped by fields, with countryside views from every window, even the bathroom.
We spent hours enjoying the tranquility here.
With ample space, an en-suite bathroom, and room enough for Miles’ travel cot, the cabin was perfect. Cozy corners and a Netflix-stocked TV allowed us to unwind in the evenings. The well-equipped kitchen had everything needed for whipping up breakfasts and dinners, plus Andrea’s homemade Dorset Apple Cake that greeted us upon arrival made a delightful addition to breakfast.
Thanks to rigorous cleaning protocols, Andrea provided us with a detailed checklist of the measures taken to ensure our cabin was safe. She even removed non-essential décor items to facilitate sanitation. Our check-in was at 4 PM to allow for thorough cleaning, but otherwise, our stay felt normal. We usually book self-contained cabins or cottages with self-check-in, making this trip reminiscent of any other holiday.
Dining Out Experiences
Our first meal out felt surreal. We travelled to a nearby village for lunch at a pub Andrea had recommended, which had recently reopened. Arriving at midday on a Saturday found us as the only patrons. After demanding a highchair that I sanitized, we settled at a garden table. The menu was limited because the restaurant hadn’t brought back all staff from furlough (they had only 30% of usual customers the night before), and we logged our contact details via an app. The staff took our orders from a safe distance. Although quiet, it felt much like any other pub lunch.
Exploring While Social Distancing
Planning our outings required more effort than usual. The surge in local tourism meant that popular spots were becoming crowded, a recipe for concern in the current climate.
We aimed to drive short distances with our toddler, avoiding places that might be too busy or unsafe to explore, while also avoiding long lines for food with a tired or hungry 18-month-old. (Have you ever encountered one? Quite a handful.)
I had a meticulously outlined itinerary with backup plans A, B, and C, plus a bag full of snacks.
The bustling crowd along Weymouth Harbour made us feel uneasy, so we kept our visit brief.
On Friday, we ventured to two popular Jurassic Coast destinations, hoping they’d be less crowded than on weekends. Luckily, both Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door welcomed us with easy parking and respectful distancing among visitors. Exploring charming villages around Chesil Beach was delightful, but we struck out on Sunday when we attempted to visit West Bay with my parents — all parking was full.
Fortunately, we found spaces at the National Trust car park near Burton Bradstock Beach, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking the sea at Hive Beach Café. There were minimal waits for lunch and plenty of outdoor options. (Stay tuned for detailed reviews in my upcoming posts.)
In many ways, I found social distancing enhanced the tourism experience. I appreciated limited parking at overcrowded spots and preferred one-way systems to bumping elbows with strangers.
While more restaurants requested pre-booking, we still found options for walk-ins or takeaways for flexibility during our stay.
As for restrooms, they were sparkling clean. Although I tried to limit my time in public facilities, those I visited were impeccably maintained. All had ample soap supplies and carried a fresh bleach scent. If we can hold onto this cleanliness once the virus is under control, I’d be thrilled.
We consciously sought out off-the-beaten-path destinations, indulging in riverside strolls in hamlets close to our cabin rather than trying to see every major site in Dorset all at once.
The luxury of simply ‘being’ became highly valued after weeks of lockdown; we truly savored the fresh scenery.
Travelling with a Toddler Post-Lockdown
This little explorer enjoyed the ride on his dad’s shoulders in the MiniMeis.
Any initial anxiety I had about bringing a toddler on this trip vanished the moment we walked into our cabin, prompting Miles to perform a happy dance in our new surroundings.
Surprisingly, children display as much excitement over a change in scenery as adults do. Our child couldn’t contain his glee. He darted around outside the cabin, learned the word ‘more’ upon tasting Dorset Apple Cake for the first time, and playfully baaed at the nearby sheep.
We meandered through fields and along crumbly cliffs with Miles delightedly perched on his dad’s shoulders (the MiniMeis was a hit). He joyfully sang a tune throughout our walks, constantly chanting ‘car’ as we loaded up the vehicle each morning, perhaps in eager anticipation of spotting tractors. Remarkably, for four whole days, he forgot about the incessant ‘Here Comes A Digger’ from YouTube. (Pro tip: keep it from your toddler unless you revel in endless repetition.)
Surprisingly, Miles slept well, even in our (rather bright) cabin, allowing us to read and chat during his daily two-hour afternoon naps instead of hoping for sleep during car rides. Thankfully, he snoozed nicely on our drives to and from Dorset, a reassuring sign as we’re planning a longer journey to Cornwall at the end of August.
The memories of anxiety, continual handwashing, and that distinct taste of antiseptic lingering in our meals after applying sanitizer have started to fade.
Instead, I’m reminded of the breathtaking cobalt sea, a piece of still-warm cake made with love, and Miles joyfully belting out E-I-E-I-OOO as we wandered rural lanes.
Provided we all stay healthy for another week, I’ll view this trip as a true success. *crosses fingers*
We booked and paid for our Dorset trip. This post contains some affiliate links.
