Sunday - Here we go again, off on our travels. We stop off at Oxford on our way to Newbury. A lovely place at any time, but even better in today's hot sunshine. A bit of a rush due to only having 2 hours parking, but an enjoyable rush.

Then on to Newbury where we will be staying for two nights before travelling to Bournemouth. We had forgotten that our booking included dinner on the first night .... then remembered just in time. A self service buffet with an excellent choice of top quality food.

Monday - A delicious breakfast, then off on our travels. First stop Bath. The usual magical mix of history, wonderful buildings, and a lively atmosphere made even better by brilliant sunshine. The time just flew by and for lunch we bought a Cornish pastie and munched it whilst watching the street entertainers outside the abbey.

Then on to Salisbury with a very pleasant waterside walk into town. After a wander round the shopping centre we walked to the cathedral and strolled round its grounds. Later we drove part of the way up to Old Sarum and had a coffee with some of the goodies that we bought at the bakery. A nice place for a picnic, overlooking the city.

Tuesday - Today we set off for Bournemouth. First stop was Newbury town centre. Again we stolled round in pleasant sunshine taking in the hustle and bustle.

Then on to Winchester. This was the Capital City of Alfred the Great's kingdom. Again a pleasant couple of hours taking in the atmosphere of the city with lovely buildings such as the Abbey, the Guildhall and various old towers and archways.

The Abbey gardens were also a pleasant place to be on a sunny day such as this. Afterwards we completed our journey to the Gervis Court Hotel in Bournemouth.

Once in Bournemouth, no time for unpacking. Straight into the town centre to explore. Shops, seafront and a nice park area running through the middle. We returned to the park much later to soak up the nighttime atmosphere.

Wednesday - First stop Dorchester, the county town of Dorset. First the town centre then the Wednesday market. The market was massive and took ages to wander round. Lots of interesting stuff on sale, but I resisted temptation and so did Siran (apart from a few bakery goodies for lunch).

Next stop Weymouth. Yet again busy and very very sunny. First the wander round the town and then the bridge overlooking the harbour. Afterwards a walk along the promenade. Weymouth has a lovely beach and the bay is surrounded by lovely scenery including greenery and some white cliffs. A Punch and Judy show was just starting on the beach. Our walk back to the car was by the River Wey watching the ducks and swans.

At nighttime we strolled round Bournemouth,listened to a rather entertaining band and viewed the beautiful summer candle display.

Thursday - Today after a wander round town we catch the ferry to Poole. An enjoyable journey but unfortunately we sat too close to the engines to hear the commentary. The ferry has a stop at Brownsea island in Poole harbour before landing in Poole. We then had about 4 hours in Poole before the return journey. This time we could hear the commentary

Friday - Off to the New Forest today. First stop Christchurch. We go for a walk and finish up at the marina with lots of boats on show. Then into the town and round the shops. Also a walk to the castle and some old churches. Next stop Lyndhurst and some souvenir shopping on a charming but very very busy high street. Then Brockenhurst which was calmer and quieter with wild ponies walking the streets. Last stop Lymington which we really enjoyed, finally finishing off at the marina there (yes - another one).