I’ve always had a serendipitous outlook on life, whether it be the chance find of a quaint little eating place hidden in the backstreets, playing with the metal detector in the local field, fishing for that monster salmon or finding that perfect place to stay on an impromptu break.
It was just such a whimsical holiday booking that proved a winner for me last year.
Purely by chance I spotted a fossil in a charity shop, in presentation box and marked Lyme Regis. As a kid I’d often thought about fossil hunting, but like most people never got round to it. Anyway, just along from the charity shop was a travel agency and in the window was a promotion for accommodation on the Dorset Jurassic Coast.
After all the hustle and bustle of high summer, I often enjoy a little autumn relaxation by the sea, just as things are winding down and the crowds have eased away; the pace is more relaxed and tourists are in the minority. So the south coast of England seemed a good choice. 
On impulse, I booked and it was just a matter of taking the flak from the wife and waiting for October to come around.
The accommodation was perfect: very comfortable, plenty of room, beautiful views, minutes from the sea, promenade and town centre.
Lots of activities were on the doorstep; fishing trips, fossil hunting, great walks, pubs and restaurants and very friendly people too – what more could you want?
The family had a fantastic week with something for everyone. There were lots of country towns
to visit and plenty of weekly markets; ideal for a bargain.
As a keen photographer, I was in heaven – great light, beautiful landscapes, wildlife and interesting characters to photograph too.
So, as you can imagine, stumbling across a gem of a place where wonderful chance encounters were around every corner meant I really was “living the dream.”
Don’t go in October though, I want to go back and find it just as I left it.
Authored by Charles Garnett of Glasgow
