The seaside settings that inspire my Bluebell Cliff series
I’m a Dorset girl. I was born in Bournemouth, as was my mum, and true locals are quite a rare species apparently. For twenty-five years my mum and stepdad owned The Marlborough, a seaside hotel in Boscombe. The white Art Deco building on the corner of Sea Road, a stone’s throw from the pier, was the inspiration for The Bluebell Cliff Hotel in Sunshine Over Bluebell Cliff.
Imagine The Marlborough on top of Ballard Down overlooking Old Harry Rocks and you’ll have a pretty good idea of The Bluebell Cliff Hotel in my series.
Old Harry Rocks
In Summer At Studland Beach Sam Jones boards animals from her rented house, Beach Cottage, which overlooks Old Harry Rocks. My inspiration for the cottage was drawn from the thatched cottage next to the Bankes Arms at Studland. The Bankes Arms is a great place for lunch.
My childhood was spent on the Dorset beaches on both sides of the Sandbanks ferry and I have a deep affinity with the area. When I was younger I ran long distance races along the South West Coast Path including the Purbeck Plod, the Dorset Doddle and The Beast. These days, I’m more likely to be walking with my dogs who also tend to get starring roles in my stories.
Studland Beach and South Beach
South Beach and Studland Beach also feature heavily in my novels. Studland Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth.
In Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff there is a scene on Studland Beach where TV producer Polly Allen films two chestnut horses cantering through the surf. If you want to try this, check out Studland Trekking Centre where you can book beach rides.
Why not try Joe’s café on South Beach while you’re in the area. The film crew in Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff have breakfast there.
The Sandbanks Ferry
The ferry transports visitors from Sandbanks to Studland beach in a matter of minutes and there are 3 ferries an hour. Check out the timetable HERE.
Durdle Door
Let’s not forget the magnificent Durdle Door which my characters visit in Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff – that iconic arch is a major feature of the Dorset coastline and several movies, as well as my fictitious dating show, Date for a day, have been filmed there.
Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth Beach and her wilder sister Studland Beach are fabulous places to visit. Why not come along and step into the shoes of my characters and explore some of the most beautiful beaches in England.
