We are falling in love with Abbotsbury. Although we had to visit the School House Tea Shop this morning because the nice ones were closed, the village still has a magic. After toasted tea buns we wandered over to the Dansel craftwork gallery where they make the most beautiful things out of wood. There were many pieces we both wanted to buy so, after a very long wander through the place, we left to think about which ONE we would buy. Anyone interested in this place (and their stuff is beautiful) can check them out on the web here: Dansel Gallery.

It was then finally time to visit the tithe barn. Way back last week when we visited the Swannery, we purchased a passport which gave us entry to the swannery, the sub-tropical gardens and the children's barn. The barn, now given over to children and their need to crawl all over imaginary pirate ships half filled with big plastic balls, was originally a massive structure belonging to the Benedictine Abbey which stood proudly beside the river. The abbey (and I assume the barn) were built some time after 1016AD when King Canute gave the lands to Orc his evil henchman. Not really. Orc was his steward and it was his idea to build the abbey.

The place was quite prosperous until the black death arrived in the 14th century. And then, of course, Henry VIII did his thing, demolishing the entire abbey apart from the tithe barn, the chapel and one very small piece of wall. And so it has remained. Actually the chapel has also gone now but I can't find anything about it so let's ignore it.

We wandered around the barn - it really is massive - and petted some goats, ponies and alpacas which appeared to be ready to spit. There is also a big shed full of evil guinea pigs which the kids can sit and stroke. Terribly odd.

Speaking of odd, I'm not sure what they breed their chickens with (or how) but the results are a tad curious.

We retraced our steps to the car park and set off for Lyme Regis. Now, Mirinda is not very fond of Lyme Regis even given the fact that Jane featured the Cob in Persuasion. I didn't know this when I suggested we pop along for a visit.

The rain wasn't sure whether it was coming or going so I figured going to a town was a good idea. Unfortunately the town car park is up a very steep and very long hill. This explains why it only costs £1 for an entire day! Wandering down the hill, Mirinda was regretting the fact that it would take the rest of the day to get back up.

We did the natural tourist thing and wandered along the beach front and made our way out to the end of the cob amid the crashing waves and driving rain. Felt just like Meryl Streep minus the dramatic cloak.

Mirinda loves a good aquarium. It would be safe to say, she's not that keen on the one at Lyme Regis. Think the fish tanks in a pet shop with a couple of cattle troughs for the bigger fish and you just about have it. The most exciting bit was when the guy fed the fish out of his hand. We missed it because of the herd of scouse children crowding around to watch. My advice is not to bother! It's over priced as well.

Fish and chips were then devoured by the harbour as we watched the people wander round like extras in a costume drama. Most notable was the little boy who spent a lot of time in the harbour water in his clothes. He was about 2. His father is a rower in a big boat and basically ignored him in favour of the dog. This was nothing compared to the treatment his sister received. Or rather, didn't.

We also indulged in some delicious ice cream (maple & walnut, mmmmmmm) before moving off to tackle the hill. Mirinda left me to wander around the fossil shop where I purchased a 370 million year old cuttlefish (Orthoceras) while she had a head start. I also had a quick squizz around St Michael the Archangel's church. By the time I reached the car, Mirinda had been waiting for quite some time, having over-estimated the length of the hill by a goodly distance!

Back at the apartment, we settled in for the night, eventually watching the gender biased and lack of true depth Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Mind you, we did watch it all the way through. Good God, how could anyone over six possibly enjoy the book? Oh, of course, it's incredibly easy…I forgot.

Watched Chelsea beat Aston Villa, then, happily, to bed.