Things To Do
Get on your bike
There are lots of cycle routes around Bridport that make most of the countryside, but the Bike Trail and Skills Park in nearby Symondsbury is a little bit special. You’ll be tired, muddy and happy when you arrive back to the Manor Yard. Follow the trail up and down valleys and hills and splash your way through the fords. Practise your cycling skills and show off your prowess on two wheels to impress your friends and family.
Head to Bucky Doo Square
Bucky Doo Square is the place to hang out on a Saturday morning. If one area showcases the vibrancy of the cultural community in Bridport this is it. You’ll find concerts and buskers performing all sorts of live music in the square and surrounding streets. Listen to the music as you take in your picks from the array of international food vendors available in the bustling street market, or nose through the fascinating offerings from market stalls offering arts, crafts and bargains left, right and centre.
Bridport Arts Centre
Combining a gallery, a theatre and other entertainment in this converted Wesleyan Chapel. Workshops run throughout the holidays for children to make and create in a stimulating environment. Live concerts and theatrical productions are regular evening events so make sure you check out what’s on during your stay. With the constantly evolving and ever-changing art exhibitions on show, the Arts Centre is a calm space to spend an afternoon admiring the latest artistic works.
Mangerton Mill, Mangerton
Take a trip out to this working mill, and indulge in a light lunch while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of this perfectly unpolished setting. Nearby, a fishing lake offers opportunities for a delightful waterside walk. A little craft shop sells unusual presents for the folks back home. At certain times you can even explore inside the mill itself.
Eat And Drink
Riverside Restaurant, West Bay
Heralded as Dorset’s premier seafood restaurant The Riverside Restaurant doesn’t disappoint. Their daily specials menu depends on the local landings and fresh market produce and showcases plates such as pan fired Lyme Bay scallops and hot and cold shellfish platters. Dress up and reserve your place in this popular light and spacious restaurant. A varied children’s menus will be sure to appeal the fussiest of little eaters.
www.thefishrestaurant-westbay.co.uk
The Pursuit of Hoppiness, Bridport
This quirky micropub is a wonderfully unique space brimming with character, having been bought back to life by the current owners after years of neglect. With its range of the best ales and ciders from the South West’s finest microbreweries and an equally impressive wine list The Pursuit of Hoppiness is a must do to add to the list when visiting the area. While a full meal can’t be found here, a tasty antipasti board will provide you will something to nibble on.
www.hoppiness.co.uk
Rachels, West Bay
For a real seafood treat pop on down to Rachels, harbour side in West Bay. This hut in West Bay may look cute but ultimately unimpressive from the outside however just a glimpse at the meals that are served from that hatch to the picnic tables outside are anything but. Fresh lobster salads, seafood platters, steaming bowls of hearty chowder, Bajan fish curry and an ever changing ‘fish of the day’ choice are just some of the treats on offer. Wrap up warm, enjoy the view and indulge in some of the tastiest dishes to be found.
The Green Yard Café, Bridport
This delightful coffee shop and restaurant has heaps of tasty cakes, eclairs, carrot cupcakes and lemon curd victoria sandwiches to name just a few. If your stomach is rumbling for a big breakfast or your hankering for a sandwich the Green Yard Café has exactly what you’re looking for. The owner has just won ‘Best Front of House’ in Bridport’s Food Festival Awards 2017, so you can guarantee a warm welcome and attentive service throughout your visit.
Events & Festivals
JANUARY
Wassailing in St Mary’s Community Orchard
www.bridportcommunityorchard.org.uk
FEBRUARY
Community Fair in the Town Hall
www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk
MAY
Ropewalk Fair at the Millenium Green
www.ropewalkfair.co.uk
West Bay Pirates Day
www.westbay.co.uk
JUNE
Bridport Food Festival, Asker Meadows
www.bridportfoodfestival.co.uk
Bridport Beer Festival, Asker Meadows
www.bridportroundtable.co.uk
West Dorset Vintage Tractor Rally, Melplash Showground, West Bay
www.wdvtsec.com
JULY
Jurassic Fields Music Festival, Asker Meadows
www.jurassicfields.com
RNLI Raft Race, River Brit, West Bay
Bridport Jurassic Coast Run, West Bay, Eype
www.bridport-runners.co.uk
AUGUST
Carnival & Torch Light Procession, Bridport/West Bay
www.bridportcarnival.co.uk
West Bay Fun Day, West Bay
www.westbay.co.uk
Bridport Folk Festival
www.bridportfolkfestival.co.uk
West Bay Day with Candles on Jurassic Pier
www.westbay.co.uk
Melplash Agricultural Show, Melplash Showground
www.melplashshow.co.uk
SEPTEMBER
Hat festival
www.bridporthatfestival.co.uk
Bridport Open Studios
www.bridportopenstudios.co.uk
OCTOBER
Bridport Prize Award, Arts Centre
www.bridportprize.co.uk
Bonfire by the Beach with fireworks, West Bay
www.westbay.co.uk
NOVEMBER
Round Table fireworks, Leisure centre
www.bridportroundtable.co.uk
Bridport Literary Festival
www.bridlit.co.uk
DECEMBER
Christmas Tree Festival, United Church
www.bridport-team-ministry.org
Christmas Concert, United Church
www.bridportchoral.wordpress.com
Christmas Cheer, Late night Christmas Shopping
www.bridportchristmascheer.co.uk
Christmas Tree lights switch on, West Bay
www.westbay.co.uk
Boxing Day swim, West Bay
www.bridportroundtable.co.uk
Shop Til You Drop
Bridport Market
The best shopping can be found in the lively markets that are famous to Bridport. You can find everything from gadgets and gizmos to artisan cheeses amongst the stalls. Wander and find yourself a bargain or two.
Explore the Art & Vintage Quarter
Avoid the commercial shopping areas and immerse yourself instead in the rambling beauty of the vintage shops and craft makers that make the most of this Quarter. Pick out some pieces for your art collection back home and chat with the artists themselves.
Clocktower Music
For the music aficionado, especially those embracing the vinyl revival, you can find this shop down in the Vintage Quarter. A diverse range of music memorabilia lines the walls and the owner is more than happy to help you track down that limited edition album featuring the track with the amazing guitar riff you heard back in the 70’s.
