With its vibrant weekly markets, incredible arts scene, and fabulous array of places to eat, it’s easy to see why the bustling town of Bridport is one of the best places to stay in Dorset.
Located a couple of miles off the Jurassic Coast and surrounded by rolling English countryside, there are so many things to do in Bridport. Uncover the town’s fascinating rope-making past in its museum, place a round of golf on one of the most scenic courses in the UK or enjoy an ice cream on a glorious local beach.
Our guide to Bridport features activities for couples and families and offers inspiration for things to do on a rainy day, as well as some of the best free attractions. Discover Dorset with a stay in one of our holiday cottages in Bridport and see how many of these exciting days out you can tick off.
Stay in Bridport
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Things to do in Bridport for couples
If you’re thinking of whisking your partner away on a romantic break, then here are some of the best things to do in Bridport for couples.
Go treasure hunting at Bridport Market
Perfect for picking up some locally made trinkets and souvenirs, Bridport Market is a twice-weekly event held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There are three streets lined with independent stalls to wander along and we think it’s sure to be a highlight of your Dorset holiday. Dating back to 1253, the market is a shopper’s paradise, and you’ll find everything here, from fresh local produce to vintage clothing and unique crafts.
Tee off at Bridport Golf Club
Couples who are feeling a little competitive on their romantic holiday in Bridport should head to Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club and see who can get a hole-in-one. Perched on the top of East Cliff, the 18-hole golf course enjoys breathtaking views across the Jurassic Coast, and one of the holes features a spectacular 27-metre drop. The club is open to visitors, and there is a restaurant and bar for refreshments.
Enjoy a tipple at Palmers Brewery
Palmers Brewery has been brewing fine cask ales in Bridport since 1794, and you’ll find their award-winning ales in many of Dorset’s best pubs. If you fancy going behind the scenes and witnessing the centuries-old brewing process in their original thatched brewery (one of the oldest in the UK), then book one of their fascinating tours. After the tour, you’ll get to quench your thirst with a pint, and you can even purchase some to take back to your Bridport holiday cottage.
Things to do in Bridport for families
There are so many family-friendly things to do in Bridport; here are some of our favourite fun-filled activities.
Have some family fun at Seal’s Cove
At Seal’s Cove Adventure Centre, there’s endless fun for kids of all ages. One of the best family days out in Bridport, this indoor adventure centre boasts an adrenaline-pumping range of activities. Little ones can burn off some energy in the soft play, with its tunnels, slides, and interactive zones, while older children and adults can test their nerve in the indoor climbing centre. There’s also a café which offers personalised lunch boxes for kids to keep them refuelled during their escapades.
Join an event at Bridport Arts Centre
Whatever time of year you choose to have a family holiday in Bridport, there’s sure to be something exciting happening at the Bridport Arts Centre. This multi-arts venue in the heart of the town is home to a cinema, theatre, and art gallery. Throughout the year, this hub of creativity hosts a plethora of events, including film festivals, live performances, art exhibitions, and children’s activities.
Check out the West Bay Discovery Centre
Another popular family attraction in Bridport is the West Bay Discovery Centre. Featuring interactive exhibits about the local area, this is a great place to learn more about the history and wildlife of this glorious pocket of the Jurassic Coast. Special events run throughout the year, including activities for children in the school holidays. And best of all, entry is free so it’s perfect if you’re looking for free things to do in Bridport.
Things to do in Bridport on a rainy day
If the weather’s not on your side, then don’t worry, we’ve found some great things to do in Bridport when it’s raining. For further inspiration across the county, you can also read our guide to the top 10 things to do on a rainy day in Dorset.
Get active at Bridport Leisure Centre
Escape the drizzle and experience a host of activities at Bridport Leisure Centre. Enjoy a family swim in the 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, burn off some holiday calories in the gym, or have a lively game of badminton, squash, or table tennis. There is more than enough to keep you busy here if the heavens open.
Watch a film at Bridport Electric Palace
A dreary day offers the perfect excuse to treat yourself to that film you’ve always wanted to watch. Bridport Electric Palace is no ordinary theatre though, this Art Deco cinema is an architectural gem, flaunting many of its original 1920s features, such as plush red velvet tipping seats, moulded swags, and colourful murals – it’s a living time machine. Get yourself a drink from the upstairs bar and soak up the atmosphere as you settle in for a film screening, some live music, stand-up comedy, or a theatre production.
View the exhibits at Bridport Museum
When the rain is pouring, head undercover into one of the town’s oldest buildings and delve into Bridport’s incredible past. At Bridport Museum, you can discover why the town became world-famous for ropes and check out some of the intriguing fossils found on the nearby beaches. Among the museum’s vast collections, you’ll find intricate Roman jewellery, fine art paintings, exquisite textiles, natural history displays, and even a collection of dolls.
Things to do in Bridport for free
The local landscape surrounding Bridport is simply stunning, offering mile upon mile of some of Dorset’s best coastal walking trails and natural landmarks to explore. So, if you’re looking for free things to do in Bridport, head for the great outdoors.
Hike to the top of Golden Cap
Featured in our guide to 20 fun things to do in Dorset, a hike to the summit of Golden Cap is one of our favourite things to do near Bridport for free. Cared for by the National Trust in Dorset, Golden Cap sits between Bridport and Charmouth and is the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain. Standing at 191 metres high, it’s a bit of a climb to the top, but the panoramic views across the English Channel are well worth it.
Enjoy a picnic with a view at Colmer’s Hill
Another iconic local landmark is Colmer’s Hill. While it’s not as tall as Golden Cap, with its cone-shaped peak reaching 127 metres, it’s one of the most recognisable sights in West Dorset. Pack a picnic, make your way to the cluster of trees at the top and drink in the rolling vistas. If you’re visiting Bridport in the spring, this whole hill becomes awash with a sweetly scented sea of bluebells.
Relax on one of the local beaches
Finally, when it comes to free Bridport activities, nothing beats a day on the sand. Surrounding this wonderful market town are some of the most beautiful beaches in Dorset, the closest being just under 2 miles away in West Bay. Although technically a separate village, West Bay feels almost a part of Bridport and was originally known as Bridport Harbour. Its golden sand-and-shingle beach is so alluring that it starred as a filming location in the British TV series, Broadchurch. Other local beaches include Eype Beach (2.5 miles), Seatown Beach (3.5 miles), and Charmouth Beach (7 miles).
Map of the best things to do in Bridport
Discover the top things to do in Bridport on our handy map.
Self-catering holidays in Bridport
If you’ve been inspired to stay in one of our favourite places along the Jurassic Coast, then take a look at our self-catering accommodation in Bridport by clicking the button below.
From romantic retreats to big houses for the whole family, our holiday cottages in Bridport are the perfect setting for a memorable Dorset holiday.
Browse our Bridport cottages