Overview
- Final day explorations of the Jurassic Coast.
- Delicious dining experiences at The Pig.
- Visit to the iconic Old Harry Rocks.
On our final morning at the Jurassic Coast, following a breakfast akin to the previous day, we departed the Hix Townhouse and gradually made our way back to London.
We passed several charming villages but opted not to stop this time; there was a specific location I was eager to visit today. Initially, we intended to explore it on our first day, but due to time constraints and its proximity on the route back to London, we had to postpone our visit until the final day.
The location in question is Old Harry Rocks, a significant reason for my desire to visit Dorset in the first place (in addition to the remarkable Durdle Door).
First things first, however – lunch! In the time spent having breakfast, packing up, and stopping by picturesque villages, I had surprisingly generated quite an appetite upon arriving at The Pig on the Beach.
As a delightful note, The Pig does indeed have actual pigs, and they are quite endearing! Furthermore, they are remarkably friendly and somewhat playful.
The Pig is one of those establishments I had not heard much about until recently (several locations can be found throughout England). Even after gaining more insight, I approached it with a degree of skepticism given the overwhelmingly positive reviews, which led me to anticipate disappointment.
“How extraordinary can braised pork cheeks or cod truly be?” I mused.
As it turns out – they are exceptionally good!
The sole reason we decided to stop here for lunch was due to having seen it on our first day (after our visit to Corfe Castle). At that time, we realized we wouldn’t have sufficient time to visit both Old Harry Rocks and Durdle Door in the same evening; thus, stopping for lunch at The Pig became a convenient decision while leaving the car there before our excursion to Old Harry Rocks.
Upon entering, one immediately senses why patrons are so enchanted by this venue. It is cozy, feels homely, and the staff are consistently attentive.
The restaurant is beautifully designed with a greenhouse/conservatory vibe, which I personally adore (while it may not be permissible, you can nearly pick herbs for your teas or meals right from the table).
We commenced with crispy pork, which was my only regret because I likewise ordered pork for the main course. I assumed the dish would include some skin along with it. Nevertheless, my companion, Lloyd, who prefers lean meats and opted for cod, devoured the entirety of my portion!
As previously mentioned, I chose pork for my main course, while Lloyd savored the cod. The flavor was sublime! You know when a meal is so delectable that it elevates your mood – it indeed was that delightful.
Once we were finished with the main dishes, all skepticism evaporated, converting me to a loyal patron of The Pig. (*I have already checked rates for a stay this summer, and they are surprisingly reasonable considering their reputation. Prices decrease during the winter, however).
For dessert, I selected the Apple Charlotte (having never encountered it previously, I absolutely relished it) while Lloyd chose the Lemon Meringue (another exceptional choice).
With lunch concluded, we decided to take a brief stroll around The Pig (mainly so I could retrieve my jumper from the vehicle) before heading off to locate Old Harry Rocks.
The walk to Old Harry Rocks is relatively straightforward; although it may take around 25 to 30 minutes, the path is predominantly flat along the way.
The vistas upon arriving at Old Harry Rocks, encompassing both the geological formations and the Jurassic Coast, are breathtaking!
The stark white cliffs, adorned by lush green grass, dropping into the serene blue waters create an entrancing landscape!
Indeed, one must remain cautious near the edges, as these cliffs are subject to erosion, and sections can crumble unexpectedly.
Ultimately, we decided to bid farewell to Old Harry Rocks and the beautiful Jurassic Coast as we made our way back to London.
This area of England is a frequent destination throughout the summer months, as the beaches are delightful and the weather is considerably milder; plus, the culinary offerings are fantastic. However, regardless of the time of year, one must prioritize the Jurassic Coast in your travel itinerary.
