Discover the Area

Bridport, Dorset

Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Bridport and its stunning surroundings, the area offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. The region unfolds a captivating tapestry of rolling hills, quaint villages, and awe-inspiring coastal views, giving you the opportunity to lose yourself in nature's grandeur. But there's more to Bridport than just its scenery. The town pulsates with life, and nowhere is this more evident than at the renowned Bridport markets. A kaleidoscope of colours, aromas, and sounds, these markets provide a snapshot into the community's beating heart. From local produce to artisan crafts, there's an array of treasures waiting to be discovered.

Don't miss out on this truly authentic experience that brings Bridport's character to life. As you explore, you'll quickly understand why Bridport's charm is as irresistible as its landscapes. Welcome to a place where nature and culture intertwine, where every corner is a testament to discovery. Enjoy Bridport, a gem to be savoured!

The Market Town

Bridport is a bustling market town steeped in a history of rope-making, artistry, and culture, offering an exciting array of events and gourmet experiences. This town boasts an arts centre, an independent cinema, and a lively music venue, ensuring there's never a dull moment.

A blend of unique shops, inviting cafes, and delightful restaurants imbue the town with a warm and welcoming ambiance. The heart of this activity lies in Bucky Doo Square, where the friendly team at the Bridport Tourist Information Centre reside, eager to provide expert advice for making the most of your Bridport visit.

The spirit of the community shines through in the weekly Wednesday and Saturday markets, sprawling across Bridport's main streets from early morning until mid-afternoon. These markets offer an impressive variety of stalls where you can find everything from food to clothing, hardware to art, books to tech, and beyond.

The unique appeal of Bridport's market is enhanced on Saturdays when the lower South Street comes alive with numerous antique and bric-a-brac stalls, making it a treasure trove for vintage and novelty item enthusiasts.

Colmer's Hill

Setting off on an exhilarating trek up Colmers Hill from our location is an adventure in itself. This moderately challenging walk, spanning approximately 30 to 40 minutes, ushers you to the summit of this unique hill. Upon reaching the peak, you'll be rewarded with a spellbinding, panoramic vista that stretches from the expansive sea to the gentle, rolling hills of the Dorset countryside - a spectacle that captures the unspoiled beauty of this region.

To fully immerse yourself in the enchanting landscape, we highly recommend visiting our Trails page. Here, you'll find a handpicked collection of the region's most striking walks, each carefully curated to ensure you experience the very best of what Dorset has to offer. These paths are not only great exercise, but they also serve as a path to discovery, leading you to spectacular viewpoints and memorable scenic experiences.

Symondsbury Village

Just a brisk two-minute walk from Ernie's Plot lies the quaint village of Symondsbury, a civil parish situated 1.5 miles west of Bridport. This village is home to The Ilchester Arms, a pub steeped in family history. It has been in our family since 1916 when my great-grandfather became the licensee, with the mantle passed on to my grandfather in 1929. The barn at Ernie's Plot, once a destination for my grandfather's cows post-milking, stands as a testament to this rich heritage and can still be seen today.

Symondsbury also boasts a pottery and a primary school. The village's picturesque charm is hard to resist, and we wholeheartedly recommend a visit. And of course, don't miss the chance to enjoy a pint at The Ilchester!

West Bay & East Cliff

East Cliff Beach is a mesmerising shoreline adorned with delicate ridges of fine shingles, transitioning to soft sand as it meets the water's edge. While East Beach has RNLI Lifeguard supervision from July through September, coinciding with the school summer holidays, please note this coverage does not extend to East Cliff Beach. For your safety, we advise maintaining a safe distance from the base of the cliffs to protect yourself from potential rockfall. Enjoy the beach responsibly while appreciating its natural allure.

Golden Cap

Golden Cap, an imposing hill and cliff, proudly stands on the Jurassic Coast, nestled between Bridport and Charmouth. Boasting a height of 191 metres, it holds the distinction of being possibly the highest point on Great Britain's south coast, offering vistas that stretch for miles along the coastline.

Langdon Hill serves as an ideal launchpad for a trek to Golden Cap. It also caters to those seeking a shorter exploration with its circular woodland walk. This journey meanders through a serene blend of Scots pine and larch, offering glimpses of the Dorset countryside and perspectives of Golden Cap itself.

Just four miles from Langdon Hill, you'll discover Stonebarrow Hill. This location also provides an excellent starting point for your adventure to Golden Cap, marking another gateway to this iconic landmark. To make the most of your experience, don't forget to check out our Trails page. Here you'll find a selection of the best walks to Golden Cap, each designed to provide unforgettable views.

So, gear up and get ready to witness the majestic panoramas that these treks have to offer.

Eype

Eype Beach, a picturesque pebble-strewn hideaway, is nestled along Dorset's renowned Jurassic Coast. Only a brief 5-minute car journey or a leisurely 25-minute walk from Ernies, this tranquil haven offers a respite from the hustle and bustle, inviting you to unwind while basking in the expansive sea views and coastal vistas.

Embodying the quintessential charm of West Dorset's coastline, Eype Beach features a shelved shingle bank that is beautifully framed by soaring cliffs stretching into the horizon. Its status as a lesser-known gem amongst the area's beaches can often mean fewer crowds, lending it a serene tranquility even during the peak summer season. Embark on a visit to Eype Beach and seize the opportunity to soak in the peace and quiet while delighting in the unspoiled beauty of the surroundings.

Abbotsbury & Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach, a significant shingle beach in Dorset, England, extends for 18 miles from West Bay to the Isle of Portland, with areas reaching up to 15 metres in height and 200 metres in width.

Abbotsbury, a historic village on the Dorset Jurassic Coast, lies nestled in a warm microclimate within a secluded valley beneath the Ridgeway hills. Known for featuring in several Thomas Hardy films, including the recent adaptation of 'Far from the Madding Crowd', the village also hosts Abbotsbury Swannery, an 11th-century monastery site now home to 600 mute swans.