This summer our wonderful friend Tim Blore (renowned actor, poet and cat-lover) got a part in an open air theatre at the Valley of Rocks so we took the opportunity to have another roadtrip and headed to Devon.

Of course we went in the mini, so it took us many many more hours than Google predicted to arrive at the Sunny Lyn campsite. We hadn’t booked but the lovely lady on reception looked at our small tent and even smaller car and decided she could fit us in.

We met Tim in Lynton and got the train down to Lymouth. Not just any train. A cliff railway that has the UK’s only fully water powered train. It was built in 1888 and is the world’s highest and steepest fully water powered railway, and one of only three in the world. All 862ft of the steep tracks were terrifying, but it was also very cool.

Lymouth was beautiful, although this might have been an opinion influenced by the weather we were fortunate enough to enjoy. Plus, it’s home to Esplanade Fish Bar, and like my Nanny always says – there’s nothing better than eating chips out of the newspaper on the seafront.

The next day we had a few hours to kill so Tim suggested we visit Charlie Friday’s for a coffee. We spent a good couple of hours in there; reading, sketching and chatting. They offer an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, and the place has the kind of warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like a local in no time.

In the evening we got to head to the Valley of Rocks, a spectacular valley to the west of Lynton, the stage for the Pleasure Dome Theatre Company‘s adaptation of Lear. We didn’t want to be late (as we usually are for Tim’s performances) so we headed out half an hour early, and then stopped for snacks which made us late (sorry Tim).

Tim was, of course, spectacular and his range of accents and facial expressions did not disappoint. There was also some nice singing, and I was pleasantly surprised that I could hear every word despite being outside. However, it turns out that Lear is a very long and complicated play that was written way before the 90s. Therefore, despite the playscript being considerably shortened for the performance, I was completely lost for most of the time. Didn’t matter though, cos Tim was in it. Loads.

Best bit – Getting to go on a roadtrip to a beautiful town to see our best friend do acting.

Worst bit – Realising approximately halfway through the play that the actors were each playing multiple roles – and becoming even more confused.