The Parlour
26622.3 miles W of Bridport / Sleeps 5 + cot
7 Nights from £442
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearest pub
The George Inn (¼ mile)
Enjoy a (not so) swift pint by the cosy log fire in winter or out in the patio garden in summer at this 17th Century thatched country inn. Lunch and dinner menus include locally sourced seafood and meats. You can enjoy a locally brewed pint of Palmers ale while the kids play on the giant Jenga. Booking is advisable in summer.
Mrs Butler September 2017
The George
Welcoming pub, tasty food. dogs are accommodated in bar areas. Advised to book for Sun lunch.
Mr Grainger August 2016
Superb!
The first thing that strikes you about the George is the friendly welcome from the staff nothing is too much trouble, they welcome dogs with open arms.
The food is excellent and good value for money and the Palmers' ales are a delight, be brave and try the "georgeous" ploughman's it is huge and gorgeous!
Mrs Walker September 2011
Excellent pub food. Thursday night is pizza night and its advisable to book.
Mrs Penney January 2009
welcoming with excellent food
Often in the area and find the George welcoming and reliable for a good meal, be it a bar snack or something more substantial, highly recemmended.
January 2009
Sunday Roast at The George
After a breathtaking walk along the spectacular Jurassic Coast on a Sunday afternoon there is nothing more needed than a fabulous Sunday roast. We were a little late in arriving at The George however and when everywhere else had turned us away The George were very friendly and provided a well needed refuel stop before continuing our walk. Traditional and cosy atmosphere, in a pretty thatched pub, good food, beer and service.
November 2008
Great all-rounder
Great food served here, with a huge choice to choose from and a good selection of Palmers ales. The staff and proprietor are very friendly and make you feel very welcome. As well as the bar/drinking area and restaurant there is a lovely snug with an open fire for cooler days/nights. Would definitely recommend.
Nearest beach
Seatown Beach (¾ mile)
A privately-owned beach, Seatown Beach sits to the east of Golden Cap. Backed by soaring cliffs, the beach is a popular spot for fossil hunters looking to find prizes hidden within the shingle. With a steep shelf and no lifeguards on duty, swimming is not advised, however the beach offers a lovely spot to sit and watch the waves rumble and roll along the shore.
September 2009
A favourite fossil hunting spot. Apparently there are beds of fossilised brittle starfish nearby as well as beds of belemnites. There's a free car park by the beach and you can walk up Golden Cap from here too, Dorset's highest spot, where the views are amazing.
Nearest walk
Golden Cap (1 ¼ miles)
Hailed as one of the Ramblers 'Top 50 walking routes to Britain’s best views', the Golden Cap which is the highest cliff on the south coast of England, offers stunning views from its 191 metre summit. During your holiday we highly recommend a walk from either Charmouth or Seatown along the coastal foot path or through Langdon woods to the top of the Golden Cap. Once you’re there relax and enjoy the stunning views along the Jurassic coast.
Read our blog of the quick walk up the Golden Cap.
Mr Ludnow January 2014
Stunning Views
I love this place, the breathtaking views down across the coast are amazing, it is worth taking a picnic, take your time and enjoy the view. I followed this walk http://www.classic.co.uk/nas/classic-blog/guest-experience-a-cheat%E2%80%99s-walk-to-golden-cap-155.html
Mrs Swainston July 2012
Misty & no View
We set out to walk but unfortunately when we go to the top of the hill it was very misty and no views to be had which was disappointing so sorry for low rating. Also we found some of the footpaths were nothing more than mud baths with no way to get around other than to cling on to fern stems while balancing on tufts of none muddy grass.
Nearest town
Seatown (¾ mile)
Easy to get to off the A35 between Lyme Regis and Bridport, it's worth a trip to experience a smuggler's way of life in your descent down to the beach. Spy abandoned loot in the foot rocks of the Golden Cap from your stronghold at the Anchor Inn as you sift through the day's fossil pickings.
Also nearby
Hix Oyster and Fish House (5 ¾ miles)
Overlooking the fishing port of Lyme Regis and The Cobb, Hix Oyster and Fish House is blessed with uninterrupted views of the Jurassic Coast. Simplicity of food is key here. The very best ingredients are used; make your choice from the blackboard of the day's landings and a small menu of house dishes. Award-winning restaurateur Mark Hix mastered his trade in London restaurants such as The Ivy. Just 45 covers means it is advisable to book.
Mrs James May 2013
Hix Oyster and Fish House
We ate at Hix twice during our week at Sea Glympse. The fish was delightful - one of the highlights was the grilled whole fish. Oysters were delicious. Staff very friendly. The first time we ate inside - the weather was not very good - and the second time we had lunch on the terrace and took Dusty our Jack Russell. Dusty was made very welcome and the waiter even brought her a bowl of water without us asking. There was nothing to criticize on either visit. Also, I was readily offered 10% discount when I mentioned that we were staying in a Classic cottage!
Anna H November 2012
Our Wedding Anniversary
Our visit to the HIX Oyster & Fish House proved to be much more than just a lovely Sunday lunch out. Two things struck us as soon as we walked in - Lyme Bay stretching out as far as the eye can see and the truly friendly atmosphere. Everyone was enjoying being there, staff and guests alike. It was very lovely and very unusual to chat naturally with the people sitting at the tables closest to ours. Some guests were local, some had driven for miles to treat a friend, it was our 29th wedding anniversary.
Then came the food - I am not a food critic but am determined to do justice to it! We started with a Hix House Cocktail to set the scene – Somerset cherries soaked in Apple Eau de Vie and topped up with Nyetimber – an English fizz to compete with most Champagnes. For starters my husband had the partridge on Yorkshire toast – yes it IS the Fish House but you can choose a locally reared beef steak too! – and I had deep fried sprats with watercress and caper mayonnaise ( even though we had already had the restaurant’s own smoked salmon with our cocktails ), then the most deliciously creamy House Fish Pie and the most incredible ‘real’ fish fingers on crushed fresh peas with mint. I didn’t know which wine to choose and so gave that responsibility to Assistant Manager Tom Cook who chose a gorgeous soft La Flor, Sauvignon Blanc. My husband, a veteran cider drinker, had Julian Temperley’s Somerset cider – in a lovely ceramic flask made by a local potter – what a great touch. I am afraid that pudding just had to follow – burnt cream with its crispy glazed top and a Hix Fix jelly to bring back the taste of that champagne!
We loved meeting the Chef, Phil, who showed us the kitchens and the KitchenTable where guests can sit to watch the kitchens in full swing and really savour the commitment here. Phil explained that The Fish House has a licence to bring fresh fish straight from the boats in the harbour below to the kitchen. This restaurant really ‘belongs’ there.
The feel-good factor of eating delicious food with a panoramic view of the Jurassic Coast will last for a long time. We had a lovely sunny day but it would be pretty exciting to eat here whilst watching a wild stormy sea battering the historic Cobb.
We will be going back again.... and again !
Miss Hamshere August 2012
We had a really enjoyable meal. The location is so beautiful, and every table enjoys the views out over the harbour. Its well worth coming early evening or for lunch so you can really appreciate the views, as as it got dark I felt I was missing out! The food was really special, we had a great spelt rissotto to share. Our starters were delicious, I had a plate of oysters. The champagne cocktails weren't bad either. They offer great lunch deals which I want to try next time. Would go back every week if I could!
September 2011
Food: Excellent
Service: Very attentive
Value: Not cheap or bountiful but the quality made it worth every penny!
Ambience: Very pleasant
Situation: Superb views over the sea
October 2010
Great restaurant and hopefully I will still be able to get a table now it has been voted the 27th best restaurant in the country at the National Restaurant Awards 2010
Mr Brazendale February 2009
Simply sumptuous!
The Hix Oyster house is a must visit eatery - book a babysitter and get a really good evening out. And don't worry, you don't need to like oysters, but you might be missing a trick if you don't even try just one!
Charmouth West Beach (4 miles)
Charmouth West Beach runs the mile and a half from the mouth of the river Char all the way to Lyme Regis. Although hammering at the cliffs is not allowed, the shores of Charmouth West Beach are well known for their fossils and often keen-eyed visitors are rewarded with a treat. With the gentle slope of the beach and natural sea pools forming in certain conditions the beach lends itself nicely to paddling and swimming. A heritage centre, cafe and shops are nearby, although there are no lifeguards on duty.
August 2019
Charmouth beach
Lovely not too busy beach, such fun finding fossils, beautiful sand when the tide is out, and great rock pools
Miss Battrick July 2017
Lovely beach, brilliant for fossil hunting
Mrs Avis January 2010
Take a fossil hunting guided walk or boat trip. No sand but plenty to keep the kids amused.
November 2009
The hours seem to have a habit of slipping by while you're wandering along hunting for fossils on this stretch of coast. The kids love the excitement of finding an ammonite or debating the authenticity of possible 'dinosaur bones'. Great way to spend an afternoon.
The Jurassic Coast (4 ¼ miles)
It would be remiss not to mention the pleasures of walking the Jurassic Coast here; a good way to combine a little exercise with a history lesson is to join one of the organised Fossil Walks from Charmouth.
Mrs Swainston July 2012
Charmouth Beach & Fossil Hunting
Had two good walks down there from Stone Barrow Lodge, the first time we walked down the right hand side of the beach and collected many unusual pieces of drift wood.The second time we walked the left hand beach and found lot of fossils.Not knowing what to look for and no tools to search the clay slides we meandered to the shoreline and hey presto found a fossil being washed by the incoming tide, we then went on to find many more, all quite small but some perfect specimens. Easy to spot in the water/sand as they were in pyrite which made then stand out from the other stones and pebbles, some have a Bronze tinge and some a rusty coating. It later turns out we were in just the right place, on the shoreline and a few hundred yards from the river (which is apparently the best place to find them). Have to say the tide got us most of the time but an enjoyable time nevertheless.
Mrs Alexander June 2011
Charmouth and the delights of fossil hunting!
One of the best beaches to try your luck at fossil hunting. We found the best way was as the tide was ebbing - you are more likely to find ammonites washed up on the beach - you just need a good eye and a lot of patience! Other fossils are found in the clay which has subsided from the cliff face. The excitement of finding a fossil for the first time (young or old) is an experience you will never forget and will want to do time and time again!
Mrs Avis January 2010
World Heritage Coast
So many delightful coastal resorts and quiet beaches, great cliff walking - with a bus service to get you back to your start point and car .
Taj Mahal Restaurant (2 ¼ miles)
Offering the finest Indian cuisine, freshly prepared on the premises with the flexibility of dining at the restaurant or taking it away to the comfort of your home!
Mrs Alexander July 2011
This restaurant has been given 4* status by the local Council. The menu is varied and the cuisine is excellent. You can either eat in or have a take-away; the staff are very friendly, polite and obliging. This is a restaurant that I would highly recommend and if you love Indian cuisine then the Taj Mahal is certainly worth a visit when in Bridport.
Hive Beach (3 ¾ miles)
Take in the views and let the salty sea air whip your worries away. Found near Burton Bradstock, Hive Beach is a sweeping sandy strip backed by regal golden cliffs. With parking nearby and a celebrated café, Hive Beach is a lovely destination for a day's wandering and relaxing. Eagle-eyed visitors may even be so lucky to spot some fossils hidden along the beach.
Helen August 2010
Hive Beach Cafe serves superb food suitable for all the family from an informal premises right on the beach. Get there early as it's very popular, but even when busy the service is usually reasonably quick.
Mrs Evans July 2009
Brilliant place; so popular you may have to wait! Food is more top-class restaurant quality than cafe.
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