The Island that inspired Agatha Christie

On Sunday, I had the sudden urge to go to the coast! Although we had quite a few other things to do (work, garden etc..) Alan felt the same, so without further delay we dropped everything and drove to South Devon.

The first place we went to was Noss Mayo, it was a lot busier than I recalled. The last time I went there was about 15 years ago or so and was not during the holiday season. So many cars this time, it was a nightmare navigating through the narrow road leading to the harbour. After a short time there we drove on to Newton Ferrers where we stopped and had a walk.


We left Newton Ferrers and headed for Bigsbury-on-Sea, on the way there we drove through Modbury, a pretty little town. Alan and I stayed there a couple of years ago.


As we arrived in Bigbury-on-Sea we were greeted with a view of Burgh Island.

It looked more like a summer's day, adults and children were playing and sunbathing on the sandy causeway.

This surfer almost knocked people down with his kite as he appeared to temporarily loose control of it. It only just missed them!


View looking back to Bigsbury-On-Sea


Pilchard Inn on the left


I was really looking forward to seeing the famous Burgh Island Hotel. Famous, as it was here that Agatha Christie wrote two of her novels "Evil under the Sun" and "And Then There Were None". Both stories are set on the island. The hotel was also used for the TV version of "Evil under the sun" with David Suchet as Poirot.

I had hoped to have afternoon tea at the hotel and perhaps get a glimpse of this beautiful room


but my hopes were dashed when I saw this sign at the entrance:

:-(( Oh well, we will just have to go and stay there some day...


I contented myself with walking around the island admiring the views all around it.










Remains of a former chapel

As I walked around I could imagine how this place might be the perfect setting for an Agatha Christie story. The Art Deco hotel, the dramatic scenery and steep cliffs...




By the time we decided to make our way back to Bigsbury-on-Sea, the tide had covered the causeway so we waited for the sea tractor.



Funny looking thing but it does its job well.



Goodbye Burgh...





Time to head back home...

I hope that you all had a good weekend.

A bientôt!

Isabelle X

Thank you to Elegancemaison who added some very interesting information about Burgh Island in her comment below. Here is a picture of the book mentioned. It looks like a must have book if you are interested in Burgh Island or Agatha Christie. I shall certainly be getting a copy of it.

Under the heat of the Lyme Regis sun

On Sunday, we went to Lyme Regis for the day, we picked a beautiful day! It was the hottest day of the year so far. Unfortunately, we didn't set out as early as we should have done and by the time we arrived (noon), all the car parks were full. Not surprising as they only charge £1 for a whole day! Alan dropped Phoebe and I off whilst he went around and around the car park looking for a space.



As Phoebe and I walked down towards the beach, all we could see where a mass of tents and parasols. As you will have established from my VW campervan post, I am not one for the crowds and the thought of being on the beach surrounded by people everywhere did not appeal!

What we didn't realise, is that the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival was on that day. No wonder it was so crowded!

We looked for somewhere to eat, we had lunch in a tea room at the bottom of the High street.
After lunch, Alan headed off to the beach with Phoebe whilst I had a look around a few shops including Suzie Cole and a Hospice charity shop. I found something in each of those shops.


Suzie Cole was full of real vintage & vintage style items.
Click on the pictures if you wish see in more detail.









About an hour later, I joined Alan and Phoebe on the beach where I then caught up with a bit of reading under the tent and watched Phoebe and Alan play in the sea.


The Lilac and blue beret comes from Suzie Cole and the rose dish from the Hospice Charity shop. Picture was taken in the tent so has a pinky tinge.


Embroidered tablecloth on the right was bought from the Hospice charity shop.



This 1920's book I bought from the Hospice charity shop.



Lyme Regis town rooftops
Photo from: Alan Woollard Photography


Lyme Dream
Photo from: Alan Woollard Photography


Candy coloured beach huts
Photo from: Alan Woollard Photography


Pink door. Lyme is very colourful, buildings and doors have a wonderful array of colours
Photo from: Alan Woollard Photography
More photos of Lyme Regis can be found on Alan's Flickr Photostream (see side bar)

As the afternoon went on, the beach gradually became quieter. At last, I had a view of the sea and coastline instead of tents, parasols, heads and feet.

Phoebe having fun with this huge bouncy ball we bought on the sea front

At last, the crowds have gone.

It was lovely catching up with some reading

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY
This afternoon there is a hive of activity around the lane and fields surrounding our house. They are collecting the cut grass. The machines are huge and at times struggle to get through the drive between our house and the barn, it requires good driving skills!



The noise is something else when these machines arrive!

Phoebe doing a handstand as one of these machines goes by.


The field in front of our house where the steam train goes by was worked on first


Then they moved to one of the fields next to our back garden

I switfly brought my washing back in as all that cut grass in the air.

I hope that you all had a good bank holiday weekend. If you live in this area, then unfortunately the weather forecast is not good. Heavy rain on it's way with thunderstorm....


A bientôt!


Isabelle x