# Bridport

Bridport is a bustling market town in West Dorset.

## Understand

Bridport is a market town about midway between Southampton and Exeter and about 2 km inland from West Bay. Its charter dates back to 1253. Its staple industry has been rope and net making with King John in 1213 having exhorted the town to work day and night to supply the navy with ropes. In addition to the Royal Navy, its principal markets include the fishing industry including that of Newfoundland and in more recent times nets used in sports. The rope-making tradition is reflected in the saying "to be stabbed by a Bridport dagger" meaning "to be hanged".
In recent times the town has become a popular holiday resort and has a vibrant arts scene.

## Get in

Whether you are traveling by public transport of under your own steam, Bridport is easy to find and easy to get around.
Nearest train stations are at Dorchester, Weymouth, Axminster, Crewkerene or Maiden Newton, all of which have bus services to Bridport.
Travellers arrivng by car from the east or the west can access Bridport using the A35 while the A356/A3066 provide a link with Crewkerne which is on the A30.
Bridport can be accessed by sea using West Bay harbour, about 2 km to the south of the town centre.

## Get around

Whether you are travelling by public transport of under your own steam, Bridport is easy to find and easy to get around.

## See

The Jurassic Coast was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, ranking it alongside the Great Barrier Reef as one of the wonders of the natural world.
Over 40% of the county has been designated an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you can certainly see why!
* 50.732543-2.7579241 Bridport Museum, DT6 3NT. Tells the story of the town's history from its origins to the present day. Includes permanent displays on the local geology, a nearby Roman hill-fort and the rope and net making industries. Find out why it was the country's most important rope-making centre in the 13th century.
* 50.759-2.7252 Mangerton Mill is 17th century and is now used as tea-rooms.

## Do

* 50.732119-2.7579381 Electric Palace, 35 South St, DT6 3NY. Opened in 1926, this historic Art Deco cinema now also doubles as a popular theatre and music venue.
* 50.733073-2.7576872 Bridport Arts Centre. Closed to the public on Mondays.. Arts venue and home of the Briport Prize, a prestigious international creative writing competition. Serves as a focal point for several local festivals.
* Fossil-hunting. Along the Jurassic Coast is a favoured pastime at low-tide, visit Bridport Tourist Information Centre for tide times and fossil-hunting advice.

## Buy

Local produce from one of Bridport's many individually-owned shops selling local fare, or take in the atmosphere at one of Bridport's regular markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays - the perfect place to find a bargain and discover local produce at its best. Farmers' markets are also very popular, and take place on alternate Saturdays - make the most of local, organic and seasonal produce from the region.
Hive Beach Cafe at Burton Bradstock serves seafood Su-Th 10:00-17:00, F Sa 10:00-19:00.

## Eat

Bridport is renowned for its commitment to local, seasonal produce, and regular farmers' markets (held on alternate Saturdays) are the ideal chance to take a little bit of Bridport's delicious produce home with you. Bridport's local produce has been championed by TV chef Hugh Fernley Whittingstall in his River Cottage Series.
Whatever your preference for a great meal out, look no further than some of the great eating establishments in and around Bridport. Tempt your taste buds with some hearty pub grub, elegant high teas, fine cuisine and family-friendly dining. Why not sample a traditional fish and chip supper on the harbour at West Bay, once known as Bridport Harbour?

## Drink

* 50.723-2.8231 Anchor Inn, Seatown, Bridport DT6 6JU, ☏ +44 1297 489215. Daily 10AM-10PM. Pub in great location on coastal path, good bar food, has rooms. (updated Jul 2020)
* Palmers Brewery is one of the few traditional thatched breweries left in England, tours available.
* Furleigh Estate is a large vineyard 5 miles north on the road to Crewkerne, tours available.

## Sleep

* 50.733115-2.7569681 The Bull Hotel, 34 East St, DT6 3LF, ☏ +44 1308 422878.
* 50.808-2.7372 The Ollerod, 3 Prout Bridge, Beaminster DT8 3AY, ☏ +44 1308 862200. Restaurant with 13 rooms - comfy, but it's the food that gets the raves. B&B double £130. (updated Jul 2020)

## Go next

* Dorchester, via the A35.
* To the East villages of West Bay, Burton Bradstock, Swyre, West Bexington, Abbotsbury and Portesham are of interest on route to the larger town of Weymouth and Portland.