Weymouth – Semley – Bath

Friday 3rd July 2026

Time to farewell our Jurassic Coast travelling companions and motor north on the next stage of our adventure. On our way today we called into the very tiny village of Semley to meet a McAndrew. Geoff’s Mum, Elaine was a McAndrew and with all of Geoff’s family history research he has made contact with a possible connection in Chris.
Geoff also has published a book on his family history, so whilst the 2 boys trawled through it, the girls enjoyed morning coffee in their beautiful garden. Many stories were swapped in during the next couple of hours before it was time for us to drive into Bath.

 

 

This was always meant to be an easy stopover on our way north as we have been to Bath before. We did enjoy a beautiful meal, can’t really call it lunch or dinner as we sat down at 4:30pm; not that the time mattered, the meal was absolutely delicious. We dined at The Ivy as suggested by two lovely ladies we met last night at the Kings Arm in Weymouth. As locals they thoroughly enjoy their sea swim every day of the year and trust me when I say that the waters are chilly even in summer, can you imagine winter!

 

 

 

Anyway back to our meal –  as a starter, Tempura Nobashi Prawns served on citrus pickled fennel, yuzu mayonnaise, sesame seeds and coriander cress. For a main Geoff ordered the Ivy Classic Shepherd’s Pie, slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash, rosemary and red wine sauce, whilst I enjoyed the Roasted Lamb Rump served with crushed peas, broad beans, sun-blushed tomatoes, pine nuts, pesto and red wine sauce. Rather traditional, but delicious. For dessert, a Wimbledon Celebratory Bombe, served as a tennis ball and filled with strawberries and creamy meringue. Yum.

A long walk after dinner and we still managed to be indoors before the sun went down at 9:30pm.