Ambleside Annexe Review

Ambleside Annexe - a personal review from our visit in 2021 -

we hope to return sooner rather than later

Firstly, Ambleside Annexe is actually in Charmouth, Dorset. The Jurassic coast, a Unesco World Heritage Site, gives the keen photographer a wealth of photographic opportunities as do the many attractive villages nestled along its shore. Lyme Regis with its dramatic cob and harbor is nearby.

We stayed at this excellent B & B for a 3 night break. From the outset the ‘host’ Tracey was an excellent and friendly communicator and, importantly to my wife and myself who both have hearing impairments, quickly got used to making the necessary good eye contact. She was very helpful, polite and covid aware giving us guidance about local bus services and attractions. It was like having our own personal tourist information office!

So what facilities are provided at Ambleside Annexe?

It has off-street car parking but is also a good stop-off for backpackers (minimum 2 nights booking) who want to pause and maybe warm up/dry out. There is an airier in the garden and Tracey can refer you to a reputable local company who will forward your rucksacks to your next stopping off point. The Annexe is close to the coastal path making it ideal for both walkers and photographers.

A good power shower, reliable free Wifi, a small living room adjoining the bedroom (which has plenty of hanging space) and a breakfast hamper which we hugely enjoyed were all provided. Within the cost a ‘help yourself’ breakfast array of Bircher muesli, fruit salad, yoghurt, toast with homemade jams and marmalades and a good selection of teas, coffees and fruit juices was provided. There is a toaster and microwave and guests are welcome to heat up an evening meal or bring in a takeaway if the delightful local pubs don’t tempt you in.

The garden provided a restful haven in which to have a coffee with beautiful views. As well as an impressive ‘veg patch’ its predominantly white flowers with pops of color and pieces of artwork reminded me of the painter Ben Nicholson. It was a succession of interesting shapes. I found it fascinating.

The interior of the Annexe I would reference by another artist, Mondrian, with its highlights of colour (especially in the kitchen) and excising of the colour green.

What about the locality?

We felt there was enough to do locally for a fortnight’s stay. There is a good bakers, post office store and fish and chip shop locally. Of the many attractions nearby we particularly enjoyed the trams at Seaton Tramway (20 minutes away) and Pecorama (30 minutes drive). Pecorama comprises the Beer Heights Light Railway - with wonderful views - themed gardens and a model railway exhibition. We spoke to the head gardener who was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the many different areas of the garden he tended. These have names like ‘the moon garden’, ‘garden dedicated to Poseidon’, ‘sunshine garden’ and are set in the hillside above Beer, a fishing village. There are plenty of seats provided so you can stop and enjoy the views as well as a wheelchair to borrow. https://www.pecorama.co.uk