East Devon (and a bit of West Dorset), Part 1

Best bits of our half term break – end of May…

Sunday – Exeter, the county town of Devon.

Pity about the rain. Went to evensong in the Cathedral. Wonderful music particularly the Herbert Howells Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis plus a couple of great hymns for Pentecost (‘Come Holy Ghost our souls inspire’ and ‘O thou who camest from above’). Very different to our normal worship and also that at West Ham Football Stadium where many of our church friends back in London were meeting for the Global Day of Prayer! Rain spoiled our visit to the Quay area, which would have been lovely on a good day – managed to see the remains of the medieval bridge and ‘the house that moved’ though before the weather forced us to retreat home for the evening.

Bank Holiday Monday – Lyme Regis (just over the county boundary in Dorset).

Sun at last, but heavy clouds threatening rain all day. Fish and chips by the Cobb followed by a walk along it, with thoughts of Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ and John Fowles ‘French Lieutenant’s Woman’ along with the film of the book with Meryl Streep which are all set at least partly in Lyme and have scenes using this harbour/sea wall. Cream tea – pot of tea, scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream – a dieter’s treat! A brief visit to Charmouth a little further east to end the day with a shower of rain and a lovely rainbow.

Tuesday – Seaton. Seaton Tramway (Colyton to Seaton, return).

Fairly sunny but breezy! A great 20 minute plus ride on the top deck of an old tram through fields and by the side of the River Axe estuary (tide out), with lots of wildlife to look at.  Lost count of the rabbits!  Not the first time we have done this ride and probably not the last – a definite recommend.  Enjoyed walking round the labyrinth in the town gardens.

Return journey on the tram with tide in.

…to be continued… (Part 2)