THE AREA

This area has been one of the best kept secrets – until recently. Now its stunningly beautiful countryside and coastline, friendly people, charming towns and villages, magnificent country houses, churches and gardens, museums and nature parks are being appreciated by more visitors than ever before. The coastline has been granted ‘World Heritage’ status, ranking it alongside natural wonders such as the ‘ Grand Canyon ‘ and the Great Barrier reef ‘.

Even before the ‘World Heritage’ award, the West Dorset tourist guide had become the most requested guide in the West Country region (including Devon , Torbay , Cornwall and Somerset ). So the secret is out but the unspoilt charm remains. The great man himself Thomas Hardy, who lived and wrote most of his novels based in this region, would surely not be unhappy with West Dorset today. The feeling is still that of being ‘far from the madding crowd’. Long may it continue.

Bridport/West Bay – Formerly one of the main towns in the country for rope and net making Bridport is now a charming, unpretentious market town with a bustling and friendly West country charm. The town is at its best on market days (Wednesday and Saturday) where an endlessly interesting range of stalls offer everything from high quality antiques and jewellery to bric-brac and locally produced food. West Bay, formerly Bridport Harbour, was given a separate identity early this century. It is a busy, working, tidal harbour where fishing and pleasure boats of all descriptions dart in and out past the magnificent new Jurassic pier.

Surely the most picturesque section of coastline in the south of England , the majestic West Bay cliffs tower above the sea, on either side of the harbour, and present a stunning view to visitors, no matter how many times they come back. On one side is the awesome Golden Cap (the highest point on the South Coast ) to the left is the jagged East Cliff with a million years of history told in its fossilled face.

Walking – This area is truly a walkers paradise with any type of walk, for any level of fitness, starting right from the hotel. Apart from the coastal path there are some extremely picturesque inland walks which can be circular or point to point. A favourite walk is from the hotel to Lyme Regis eight miles away along the coast path.

Houses and Gardens – Within an hours drive there is an array of fine stately houses, gardens, ancient monuments, castles, wildlife centres and museums. Favourites include Forde Abbey, Montecute, Mapperton Gardens , Bicton Gardens , Abbotsbury Swannery, Sherborne Castle and Athelhampton.

Pottering and Park Ups – Not everyone can or wants to hike the coastpath. There are some lovely spots to park up and potter around however and perhaps have a cream tea or a spot of lunch at a beachside café or pub. Put up the deckchair by the car where the heather meets the beach and take in the scenery and watch the gulls and the waves crash in. Take one of our packed lunches with you!

Golf – Bridport Golf Club is a classic links course to test the best of golfers. It is a par 72, 6,400 yard course with a number of memorable cliff top holes including the signature hole par three 6th which requires a 130 yard shot to the green 150 feet below the tee!. There is a similar course at Lyme Regis.

Fishing – West Bay is a major centre for sea angling and supports two angling centres. The fishing is good from the shore (beach and jetty) and from the numerous boats that go out every day.

Horse Riding – There are no riding centres in Bridport but guests seem to enjoy trips to several centres situated within a fifteen mile radius.

Watersports – There are a wide range of boats now available for cruises and short trips around the coast. West Bay is also a major centre for divers.

If there is any other type of activity which you would like to pursue, ask us we may be able to help.