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VIEW TO GOLDEN CAP FROM CHARMOUTH

Places to visit in West Dorset

There’s lots to see and do in West Dorset and certainly something for everyone.  Experience the joy of finding a  fossil on one of our jurassic coast beaches or stroll around our many beautiful towns on the coast and inland.  

You will be spoiled for choice with the many lovely cafes, pubs and restaurants in this well-known foodie corner of Dorset.

BEACHES

WEST BAY (4.5 miles)
West Bay is a small fishing village with a lovely harbour. The TV series Broadchurch was filmed here and is a perfect place to spend the day, especially with children.
EYPE (5 miles)
Situated westwards along the coast from Bridport, Eype boasts a stunningly attractive beach at Eype’s Mouth. This beautiful sand and gravel beach is backed by magnificent cliffs.
SEATOWN (6 miles)
A pebbly beach with views of Golden Cap and good fossil-hunting potential. Enjoy lunch at the Anchor Inn, Seatown, a pub right on the beach.
COGDEN (7 miles)
Perfect for dog walking. Long beach east of Burton Bradstock, to West Bexington just off the B3157.
CHARMOUTH (9 miles)
Charmouth beach is one of the best places along the 152-mile Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site to find fossils. Dogs welcome although time restricted.

SEATOWN BEACH

LYME REGIS

TOWN AND VILLAGES

BRIDPORT (3 miles)
Bridport is a bustling market town with a regular market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Lots of independent shops to wander around.
BURTON BRADSTOCK (6.5 miles)
Ideal for families, Burton Bradstock is a pretty coastal village with beach and ample parking. Wonderful cliff top walks can be taken from both sides of the beach. The Hive restaurant is right on the beach front with large outdoor eating area meaning that parents can keep an eye on exploring children.
BEAMINSTER (7 miles)
Standing at the head of the Brit Valley, Beaminster is becoming an increasingly popular and fashionable small town. There are charming boutique shops where you can browse and sample the local fayre.
ABBOTSBURY (13 miles)
A picturesque village which is a delight to wander around with small shops, tea rooms, The Swannery and Sub-Tropical Garden.
LYME REGIS (13 miles)
The picturesque seaside town of Lyme Regis is dominated by the Cobb – its famous 13th century harbour. It is the perfect place to visit for a day – browse the local shops, eat at one of the many restaurants, relax on the beach, take a fishing trip or play crazy golf.

DAYS OUT

HORSE RIDING
Jo Forsey Riding School is here on Bidlake Farm. Jo is great with all ages including small children and complete novices. There is an indoor school or hacking out for the beginners or more confident riders.
Website: Bidlake Stables
WINE TOUR
Just a few miles up the road, Furleigh Estate offer wine tours from the beginning of May to the end of October.
Website: Furleigh Estate
SUB TROPICAL GARDEN
A magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country.
Website: Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden
GUIDED FOSSIL HUNTING
Great fun for kids and adults and Lyme Regis and Charmouth offer the best places in the world for fossils. Group or private hunting walks available.
Website: Fossil Walks
DEEP SEA FISHING
The sea fishing is fantastic all year round from West Bay and Lyme Regis. Great for families with children who want to catch some great tasting fish for the BBQ. Mackerel fishing is exhilarating and the easiest fish to catch.
Website: West Bay Charters

BIDLAKE STABLES

SYMONDSBURY KITCHEN

EATING OUT

SHAVE CROSS INN
The nearest country pub with good food and ale, beautiful garden and skittle alley.
Website: Shaves Cross Inn
ILCHESTER ARMS
Excellent country pub with garden and skittle alley serving traditional pub food 7 days a week.
Website: Ilchester Arms Symondsbury
SYMONDSBURY KITCHEN
Symondsbury Kitchen offers a selection of seasonal, locally sourced, home cooked food. Independent shops nearby too to browse around.
Website: Symondsbury Kitchen
DOWNHOUSE FARM
Good organic food from this organic farm situated in a fantastic countryside and beach location. Access via rural footpath making a good reward after a long walk from West Bay. Serves coffee, afternoon tea, cakes and lunches.
Website: Downhouse Farm
THE BULL INN Well worth a visit for coffee, lunch or dinner. Open 7 days a week so a good choice for Sunday and Monday evenings.
Website: The Bull Inn
ST CATHERINE’S CHAPEL, ABBOTSBURY

Stay Coastal Dorset

CAROUSEL COTTAGE | THE STABLE | THE FIELD SHELTER

Bidlake Farm Cottages, Broadoak, Dorset DT6 5PY