Caught in time: a mini-break by the sea

Out in the countryside, where the fields are stubbled and the sea can be glimpsed twinkling in the distance, there is a windmill.

Last weekend, we load up the car and go there. The place sleeps a lot of people. There are 15 of us: 10 grown-ups and four children. Thrifty Baby is the littlest.

It is warm and cosy, but with a September chill in the air. A giant boiler roars into life and keeps us toasty. There are sofas, and books and boardgames.

As you go further up the windmill, the round rooms became smaller. Finally you climb up a ladder, pull yourself through a hatch in the ceiling and you are at the very top.

We go to the seaside, play crazy golf and eat chips on the promenade.

We go to the sandy beach a little further along the coast, paddle in the shallows and look for fish.

Then we return to our base. What a great weekend! And it isn’t just because of the company, and it isn’t just because the cost of the long weekend, including all food, drink and outings, comes in at just over £100 for the three of us. Caught in time, filled with happy memories, there is something more than a little magical about this part of the world.