Holiday homes & rentals in West Bay

Alternately known as Bridport Harbour, the charming settlement of West Bay is just three hours from London. Bustling Bridport is where locals flock for their artistic, culinary, and shopping pursuits. West Bay/Bridport is an ideal base to explore Britain's South West Coast Path and the world-famous Jurassic Coast. Enjoy it all with West Bay cottages and other accommodations.

Fish and views

Ambient West Bay harbour is where locals have their dose of fish and chips while watching the boats unload the evening catch. With idyllic river and ocean views, award-winning Riverside Restaurant is one of the top seafood restaurants in the region. Pick from dishes such as steamed mussels, Thai red curry, deep-fried calamari, or braised pork belly.

The easygoing Watch House Café attracts diners with its outdoor seating and expansive coastal views. Try their smoked kippers, crab sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas. Alternatively, the Hive Beach Café excels in homemade biscuits, cakes, and seafood preparations. Enjoy your meal with views reaching out to Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach.

Art and culture

A good start to unravelling the region's past would be at the Bridport Museum, whose displays date back to Jurassic times. The region's rope-making industry is well brought out through exhibits of ropes and nets. Slader's Yard, a private art gallery dealing in contemporary British art and crafts, hosts exhibitions and art-related events all year round. Meanwhile, the Bridport Arts Centre hosts regional and national productions in theatre, dance, and music, as well as readings, talks, and film screenings.

Culture travellers will love Bridport, 'Dorset's Eventful town', for its farmers' and antique markets held every Wednesday and Saturday. Pick up local bric-a-brac and fresh produce, and indulge in some people-watching. Locals are friendly and love to chat you up. For a change from the beaches and coastal walks, stroll down West Bay's harbour by sunset, and then head to local theatres and bars hosting comedy, concerts, and live theatre most nights of the week. West Bay's cultural calendar is packed with events ranging from the traditional to the offbeat.

Jurassic wonders and more

West Bay sits at the mouth of the Brit River, perfectly geared to recreational visitors looking to unplug and unwind. Breathe in fresh sea air at Dorset's beaches, which linger on for miles. For some action, head to the 1891-established Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club, which boasts a full 18-hole course and resplendent views of the coast.

West Bay is the gateway to the prehistoric Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site comprising 95 miles of jagged coastline, and ancient fossils and rocks that stand testament to 185 million years of the Earth’s existence. The region is also a hiker's paradise, thanks to circular walks dotted with scenic lookouts and diverse wildlife.

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