Nestled in glorious Dorset countryside and home to a vibrant selection of independent shops, eateries and heritage, Bridport is a charming market town situated just a short drive from iconic West Bay. We’ve collated our guide to 24 hours in Bridport, including our personal favourites and cool places to eat. Enjoy!
Morning
Our day started on the Dorset coast with an early lunch at The Cornish Bakery, just off the harbourside at West Bay. Famed for its towering sandstone cliffs, majestic Golden Cap and of course Broadchurch, this idyllic spot is a mere five-minute drive away from bustling Bridport and the perfect way to start a day of exploring. The Cornish Bakery serves a good selection of pastries, snacks and hot drinks, a popular choice for both visitors and locals alike. And, whilst you are there, pop into the artisan gift shop Sea Purlane, bursting with gorgeous homeware, we guarantee you won't leave empty handed!
After a quick stroll to the beach to take in the wonderful views, we headed inland ready to hit the many independent shops and cafes of Bridport. South Street offers an eclectic assortment of independent shops and first on the list was The Book Shop, home to a plethora of literature, from local authors to much loved classics, the perfect place to lose track of time, for a while at least!
For quirky gifts and local artwork try Inspired By, or Cilla and Camilla on East Street and Waste Not Want Not for some recycling inspired products.
Afternoon
Mid afternoon and time for afternoon tea refuelling. We took advantage of the sunny weather and headed for Symondsbury Estate, just a few minutes’ drive away. Situated in the heart of the stunning Dorset countryside, this spectacular estate is home to a fabulous café, visitor centre and a variety of excellent shops, bursting with nature-inspired books, wonderful earthenware and local inspired gifts for home and garden.
Afternoon tea of delicious homemade cakes consumed sitting on the terrace amongst the prettiest flora and fauna, we headed out to explore the estate further climbing Colmers Hill with panoramic views in every direction and a stunning display of wildflowers.
A variety of walks take you around the estate through wooded glades and across open pastures. And for the adventurous, head for The Hollways, consisting of Shute’s Land and Hell Lane, sunken roads with walls covered in ivy, gnarled tree roots and covered in tree canopies. If you look carefully, you will find intricate carvings etched into the earth.
Late afternoon and we headed to The Old Mill, a stunning barn conversion with many original features and stylish contemporary furnishings, lovingly restored by the owners and situated in beautiful countryside. With a myriad of wildlife quite literally surrounding you, including deer, rabbits, elusive king fishers and even swallows nesting in the mill, this wonderful property is simply perfect for a couple’s retreat or romantic getaway. There’s even a small herd of friendly sheep in the field next door.
Evening
Early Evening and back to Bridport where there’s a good choice of places to dine, from traditional pubs to fine dining. The Bull Hotel is home to a stylish, contemporary bar and dining room offering a menu created using fresh, seasonal ingredients. We chose a mouth-watering selection of small plates and a Greek Meze sharing platter bursting with flavour and fresh ingredients.
If you are inspired to explore the charming county of Dorset for a family holiday or short break, take a look at our collection of holiday cottages in the area and start planning your escape to the country or coast.
