Corfe Castle tea room, just a moment from the village square and at the base of the imposing castle, has to be one of the most perfect spots for lunch I know. For the best vantage point, head through the tea room to the tiny garden at the back.

It’s no doubt a popular spot, but tucked away from the main seating area, a handful of steps lead you to a couple of tables on a sheltered terrace where an oasis of calm awaits; a perfect place to sit and take stock. Every hour or so, for a brief moment, the peace is punctuated by a whistle from the steam train as it winds its way along the Swanage heritage line towards the coast.

In summer, the garden is awash with colour; busy bees gathering nectar from the lavender and poppies, flowering chives swaying gently in the warm breeze. Come autumn the surrounding hills turn a gorgeous burnt orange colour, the crowds disappear and the sky seems bigger than ever.

The tea room serves the most English of fare; traditional cream teas, homemade cakes and sandwiches cut into triangles. Most apt considering the idyllic setting; the castle ruins soar high above, surrounded on all sides by the rolling Purbeck hills.

Images by Charmaine Beaumont-Rixen