The best road cycling routes around Merriott

The Fish & Chips Are Divine

A song that – originally from the American gospel tradition – has begun its journey around the world, fits wonderfully with this house of God, which the parish community has entrusted to the patronage of „All Saints“. „Oh when the Saints go marching in, oh when the Saints go marching in, oh Lord, I want to be in that number, oh when the Saints go marching in.“ Over the decades, new versions of the lyrics have emerged again and again; an original text cannot be proven due to early oral tradition. Many artists have taken up the gospel song and released it in their own interpretation, such as Bruce Springsteen with the Session Band at a concert in Dublin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6eKkirEcgE

If you’re looking for a breakfast that feels like a big, warm hug, The Town Mill Bakery is your spiritual home in Lyme Regis. This isn't your average "grab-and-go" spot; it’s a rustic, communal experience where you sit at long wooden trestle tables and pass the jam like one big happy family. The Vibe: It’s all about the open-plan theater of baking—watch the bakers work their magic while the scent of fresh sourdough fills the air. The Food: Reviewers rave about the "build-your-own" toast style and their legendary almond croissants. Self-Service Fun: Grab your own coffee and settle in for a slow, cozy morning by the mill stream.

Gemini said If you find yourself in the rolling hills of West Dorset, the Church of St John the Baptist in Broadwindsor is a classic, "slow-paced" country church that packs a surprising amount of history into its quiet stone walls. It’s perched on a high spot right in the heart of the village, looking out over the square like it’s been keeping watch forever (which, to be fair, it mostly has). Here’s why it’s worth a wander: A Royal Fugitive’s Hiding Spot The village’s biggest claim to fame involves a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. After losing the Battle of Worcester in 1651, King Charles II fled for his life and spent a night right here in Broadwindsor. While the King was hiding in a nearby inn (now private cottages), Parliamentarian soldiers actually arrived in the village to search it. Legend says he only escaped because a local woman went into labor in the same building, causing such a chaotic distraction that the soldiers moved on without finding him. He eventually escaped to France, but the church stands as a silent witness to that tense night. The "Witty" Rector In the 1630s, the church was led by Thomas Fuller, a man described as one of the first English writers to actually make a living from his pen. He was famous for his "pregnant wit" and once said, "Charity begins at home, but should not end there." * Even today, the village is very proud of him—you’ll often find his quotes inscribed in the local community pub, The White Lion, just down the road. What to Look For Inside The "Wonky" Architecture: The church has a mix of styles because it’s been rebuilt and patched up over nearly 900 years. You’ll see heavy, rounded Norman arches on one side of the nave and more pointed "Early English" ones on the other. It gives the interior a slightly mismatched, organic feel. The Ancient Font: There is a square font made of Purbeck Marble that dates back to the early 1200s. It’s been used to baptize village children for eight centuries. The Bells: The tower holds a ring of six bells. Some of them are "pre-Reformation," meaning they’ve been swinging in that tower since before Henry VIII broke away from Rome. The "Compromise" Clock: If you’re there during the day, you’ll hear the clock chime. There was a recent local debate about whether it should chime at night; in a very "British village" move, they compromised—it now stays quiet from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM so the neighbors can sleep!

Beautiful views are always guaranteed, regardless of the what the weather holds.

The highest pub in Dorset @184m

Great breakfast and coffee.

End of the Esplanade past the rocks on the beach is great at sunset