Bridport Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Bridport Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Bridport packs a lot into a small area. The town itself has a thriving arts scene with galleries, studios and the Bridport Arts Centre (9 South Street, DT6 3NR) hosting exhibitions, films and performances throughout the year.

West Bay (1.5 miles south) is a must-visit with its dramatic golden cliffs and harbour. It scored 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from over 2,000 reviews. The beach is great for fossil hunting - I've found several ammonites there myself!

Bridport Museum (South Street, DT6 3NR, open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) tells the story of the town's rope-making heritage and is free to enter. The museum underwent a £1.3 million renovation in 2017, making it well worth a visit.

For walkers, the South West Coast Path offers stunning routes in both directions. Head east to Burton Bradstock (3 miles) or west to Charmouth (7 miles) for more spectacular scenery. The views from Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast at 191m, are absolutely worth the climb.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Bridport! Many local beaches welcome pets year-round, including Eype Beach (2 miles west) which has no restrictions. West Bay's East Beach allows dogs from October to April, while the section west of the harbour is dog-friendly all year.

The Stable (Customs House, West Bay, DT6 4EN) is a great pizza place with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. They do amazing local ciders too - over 50 varieties last time I checked!

Washingpool Farm Shop (North Allington, DT6 5HP) has a lovely café with dog-friendly outdoor seating and water bowls. Their sausage rolls are legendary among locals.

For a longer walk, try the circular route from Bridport to Symondsbury (about 4 miles) which takes you through woodland and past the distinctive Colmer's Hill. The Ilchester Arms in Symondsbury welcomes dogs and serves good pub food - perfect for a mid-walk break before heading back to your hot tub cottage.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Bridport

Bridport Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8am-3pm) transforms the town centre into a bustling hub of activity. With over 100 stalls selling everything from local produce to antiques, it's been running since 1253. The street food options are excellent - try the wood-fired pizzas or local seafood. One visitor called it "the best market in Dorset" on TripAdvisor.

The Jurassic Coast at West Bay (DT6 4EN) features those iconic sandstone cliffs as seen in Broadchurch. The beach is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding or just relaxing. The harbour has several fish and chip shops - we recommend trying The Watch House Café right on the beach. A recent visitor wrote: "The cliffs are breathtaking, especially in evening light."

Bridport Arts Centre (9 South Street, DT6 3NR) hosts films, theatre, comedy and music in a converted chapel. Their programme features both mainstream and independent productions. The café serves excellent coffee and cake. Check their website before your visit as many events sell out, especially during the Literary Festival in November.

Is Bridport good for families?

Yes! Kids love fossil hunting on the beaches and the Leisure Centre (Brewery Fields, DT6 5LN) has a pool with dedicated family swim times. The playground at West Bay is excellent and many cottages with hot tubs have enclosed gardens where children can play safely.

When is the best time to visit Bridport?

Summer offers the best weather for beaches, but spring and autumn are less crowded and still offer mild temperatures. The Bridport Hat Festival in September is great fun - the whole town wears creative headgear for the weekend!

Can I get around Bridport without a car?

The town centre is walkable and buses connect Bridport to West Bay every 30 minutes. For exploring further, a car is useful, though local taxi services are reliable. Some cottage owners offer bicycle hire.

Where's the best place to eat in Bridport?

The Station Kitchen in West Bay (DT6 4EW) is set in an old railway carriage and serves outstanding seafood. For casual dining, Dorshi on South Street offers Asian-inspired dishes using local ingredients. The market has excellent street food stalls on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Is Bridport suitable for a winter break?

Absolutely! Winter brings dramatic coastal scenery and cosy pubs with roaring fires. The hot tub at your cottage becomes even more magical when there's a chill in the air. The Electric Palace cinema shows films year-round.

What should I pack for a Bridport holiday?

Walking shoes are essential for coastal paths. Bring swimwear for the beach and hot tub and a windproof jacket as the coast can be breezy even in summer. Binoculars are useful for spotting coastal birds and enjoying the views.

1. Visit Dorset's Official Bridport Guide
2. Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Information
3. South West Coast Path Walking Routes