Our Dorset Life

Whether you’re planning a weekend break on the Jurassic Coast or a family holiday in Dorset, Bridport and West Bay offer the perfect mix of beaches, countryside, great food, and things to do. From sunrise strolls along the cliffs to cocktails at sunset, there’s something here for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

-When to visit & how to get here

-The best things to do in Bridport & West Bay (for families, couples & solo trips)

-Where to eat & drink (including sunset spots you can’t miss)

-Where to stay

-Our tried-and-tested family beach packing list

And if you are still looking for inspiration after that check out our Dorset Trip Planner for more…

When to Go

Bridport and West Bay shine in summer, with long days and vibrant events, but spring and early autumn are just as magical, think quieter beaches, golden sunsets, and cosy pub evenings. Winter has its own charm too, with dramatic coastal walks and roaring log fires.

How to Get There

By Car: Bridport is just off the A35, around 3 hours from London and 1.5 hours from Exeter.
By Train: The nearest stations are Axminster (25 mins by car) and Dorchester South (30 mins).
By Bus: Local buses connect Bridport with Lyme Regis, Dorchester, and Weymouth.

Parking is available in multiple pay-and-display car parks in both Bridport and West Bay.

Things to Do in Bridport & West Bay

1. West Bay Beach & Adventure Playground

Perfect for families; skim stones, paddle in the shallows, and explore rock pools. Right next to the beach (near the long stay car park) you’ll find a brilliant playground with climbing frames, slides, and picnic benches.

2. West Bay Discovery Centre

A small but fascinating attraction inside a converted chapel. Hands-on exhibits about the Jurassic Coast, wildlife, and history. Free entry. Find out more here.

3. Bridport Market & Bridport Museum

The market runs every Wednesday and Saturday, a treasure trove of local produce, antiques, and crafts. The museum (free entry) tells the story of Bridport’s rope-making heritage.

4. West Bay Canoes

Take a guided canoe trip along the River Brit. Suitable for beginners and kids aged 4+, all equipment provided.

5. Seal’s Cove Soft Play & Climbing

Indoor fun with soft play for younger kids and bouldering for older ones. Great coffee for parents.

6. Viking Village

Family-friendly axe throwing, Nerf battles, table tennis, and AR darts in a themed space. Find out more here.

7. West Bay Museum

Packed with stories of shipwrecks, lifeboat heroes, and seaside life.

8. Jurassic Fun Centre at Freshwater Beach

Indoor waterpark with slides, pools, and soft play. Open to day visitors outside school holidays. Freshwater Beach is a favourite of ours!

9. Fossil Hunting & Coastal Walks

Famous fossil-hunting spots nearby include Charmouth and Lyme Regis, but keep an eye out around Burton Bradstock and West Bay too.

10. Vurlands Animal Farm

Meet alpacas, wallabies, donkeys, meerkats, and more — plus a brilliant café.

Family-Friendly Walks We Love

• West Bay to Eype Beach – Dramatic cliffs, sea views, and a great picnic stop.
• Burton Bradstock & Hive Beach – Flat, scenic, and National Trust family trails in school holidays.
• Langdon Hill Loop – Peaceful woodland with views to Golden Cap.
• Thorncombe Beacon from Seatown – Steep climb, epic views.
• Bridport to West Bay via the Old Railway Line – Flat, buggy-friendly, and ends with ice cream.

Coffee & Treat Stops

Coffee is always needed as a parent of three active one’s – here are the best places!

• Soulshine, Bridport – Relaxed, plant-filled café with great coffee and veggie options.
• Goose & Badger, Bridport – Cosy atmosphere, locally roasted beans, wine bar in the evening.
• Rise, West Bay – Waterfront views, fresh feel-good food, and a log burner for winter days.
• Cornish Bakery, West Bay – Quick coffee, pastries, and pasties to go.

Best Sunset Drinks in West Dorset

• Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock – Happy hour 4–5pm: 2 drinks for £12 (Aperol spritz, house wine, or cocktail of the day). DJ every Wednesday.
• Watch House Café, West Bay – Beats on the Beach every Thursday 5–8pm with DJ Pete Healey.
• Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock – Sophisticated terrace with sweeping views.
• Swim, Lyme Regis – Friday night live music & 2 for £16 cocktails right on the beach.
• Coastal Vibe Cruises – Sunset cruises and themed events like Boachella and Afterchella.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning to base yourself in Bridport or West Bay, there’s a wide range of places to stay, from family-friendly holiday parks with plenty of activities, to cosy B&Bs and apartments with picture-perfect harbour views.

Freshwater Beach Holiday Park (Burton Bradstock)
One of the most popular family options in the area. Freshwater has indoor and outdoor pools, evening entertainment, a bowling alley, on-site dining, and direct access to its own private beach. You’re also right by the South West Coast Path, making it easy to walk into West Bay or Burton Bradstock. The Jurassic Fun Centre here is a big hit with kids.

Charming B&Bs in Bridport & Burton Bradstock

• The Bull Hotel, Bridport – A stylish boutique hotel right in the heart of Bridport, combining historic charm with modern touches. It’s perfect for couples’ getaways or a weekend with friends, with an excellent restaurant and cocktail bar.
• The Tiger Inn, Bridport – A characterful 18th-century coaching inn with individually styled rooms and a friendly pub downstairs.
• The Bridge House, Bridport – Elegant, centrally located, and great for exploring the market town.
• Oxbridge Farm, Netherbury – Peaceful countryside setting with a warm welcome and family-friendly touches.
• Chesil Beach Lodge, Burton Bradstock – Coastal views and an easy stroll to Hive Beach.
• The Loft at Seacroft, West Bay – Cosy and well-reviewed, with easy beach access.
• The George, West Bay – Just steps from East Beach, with harbour views and a friendly pub atmosphere.

Seaside Apartments with Harbour Views
If you want to wake up to the sound of waves, choose one of West Bay’s harbourfront apartments.

• West Bay Harbour View – A period property with direct beach access.
• Harbour View Apartment – Light and airy first-floor apartment with panoramic harbour views.
• Jurassic View, Pier Terrace – A historic top-floor flat with sweeping coastal views.
• Harbour View Apartment (Lyme Bay Holidays) – Spacious, modern, and perfect for families.

Where to Eat & Drink in Bridport & West Bay

From cosy cafés and harbourside kiosks to stylish restaurants with sea views, Bridport and West Bay are full of places to refuel after a day exploring the coast. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and casual or a special meal to remember, here are some of our favourites.

Casual Bites & Coastal Cafés

• West Bay Harbour Stalls – Ideal for a quick, scenic bite. You’ll find fresh seafood chowder, crab sandwiches, classic fish & chips, and ice cream kiosks dotted along the harbour – perfect for enjoying as you wander.
• Symondsbury Kitchen – Just outside Bridport, this countryside café has a pretty courtyard, friendly service, and a menu full of homemade cakes, fresh salads, and light meals. It’s a great place to stop after a walk up Colmers Hill. 📍Manor Yard, Mill Ln, Symondsbury, Bridport DT6 6HG

• Rise, West Bay – Perched right by the river with floor-to-ceiling windows and a relaxed, modern vibe. They serve great coffee, fresh seasonal dishes, and brunches worth travelling for. Dog-friendly and perfect for warming up by the log burner in winter or enjoying the sunny terrace in summer. 📍 West Bay, DT6 4EZ (just over the bridge)
• Soulshine, Bridport – A vibrant, plant-filled café in the heart of town, serving great coffee, fresh breakfasts, and wholesome lunches. Known for its vegetarian and vegan options, it’s the perfect mix of relaxed and stylish. 📍 Address: 76 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NN

Seafood & Pub Dining with a View

• Platform Restaurant, West Bay – Housed in a beautifully restored railway carriage, this award-winning restaurant serves creative seafood dishes and seasonal plates with a relaxed, modern feel. 📍adjacent to West Bay railway station

• Watch House Café, West Bay – The only café right on East Beach, serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, hearty brunches, and great coffee. There’s also a cider shack next door, and the sunset views are hard to beat.

Pubs & Relaxed Restaurants

• Bridport Arms Hotel – A friendly pub right by the beach offering hearty meals in a cosy, coastal setting.
• The George, West Bay – A traditional pub with a garden terrace and two welcoming bar areas. Great for a pint and a casual meal after a beach walk.
• The Tiger Inn, Bridport – A welcoming pub in the heart of town with a menu of classic favourites and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. 📍14–16 Barrack Street, Bridport, DT6 3LY
• Beach & Barnicott, Bridport – A charming bistro-style restaurant in a historic building, offering seasonal, locally sourced menus in a warm, welcoming setting. 📍6 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NQ
• The Sundorbon, Bridport – A long-standing favourite for authentic Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine, with friendly service and generous portions. 📍68 South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NN

Elevated Dining Experiences

• Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock – A beautifully styled restaurant and hotel overlooking the sea. Expect fresh, seasonal menus and a terrace perfect for long, lazy lunches. 📍Cliff Rd, Burton Bradstock, Bridport DT6 4RB

• Dorshi, Bridport – A hidden gem tucked down an alley, known for its bold, Asian-inspired small plates, dumplings, and inventive cocktails. 📍6 Chancery Lane (alley beside The Bull Hotel), Bridport, DT6 3PX

• The Bull Hotel, Bridport – A boutique hotel with a lively bar and an excellent restaurant serving creative dishes made from local ingredients.📍34 East Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3LF
• The Ollerod, Beaminster – Worth the short drive from Bridport, this stylish restaurant in a beautiful old coaching inn blends seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with global influences. A real treat for a special night out.📍3 Prout Hill, Beaminster DT8 3AY

• Outbuildings, near Bridport – More than just a place to stay, Outbuildings hosts unforgettable dining experiences, from outdoor feasts under the stars to intimate supper clubs showcasing Dorset produce.📍Broad Road Farm, Bridport DT6 3TS

Our Family Beach Day Packing List

We’ve learnt the hard way that Dorset beach days with kids need a little planning. Here’s our list (with affiliate links to our favourites):

• Pop up Beach Tent: Easy setup, mesh windows, great for shade and seagull protection.
• Kids’ Wetsuits & Swimwear: Mountain Warehouse Kids Wetsuit – Keeps them warm in the sea.
• Life Jacket: 50N-rated Kids Life Jacket – Essential for paddleboarding.
• Beach Wagon: Timber Ridge Festival Trolley – Game-changer for shingle beaches.
• Sand-Free Towels & Ponchos: Dock & Bay Microfibre Towel | Dock & Bay Kids Poncho – Shake off sand, dry quickly.
• Reusable Water Bottles: Hydro Flask Kids | Chilly’s Bottle | Ion8 Leak Proof – Keep drinks cold all day.
• Folding Beach Chair: Lightweight Folding Chair – Comfort without the hire cost.
• Cool Bag: perfect for picnics
• Dry Robe: Dry Robe – Great for warming up after swims.

Final Tips

• Always check tide times before beach walks.
• Pack spare clothes and towels for the kids.
• A small hand broom is perfect for brushing off sand before getting in the car.
• Dorset weather can change quickly, bring layers even in summer.

What’s your favourite thing to do in Bridport and West Bay? Drop it in the comments, we might just feature it in our next post.

Love Sarah x