Bridport

Bridport is a delightful market town in West Dorset. It is often referred to as ‘Nottinghill-on-Sea, thanks to the vibrant mix of independent stores that can be found along the bustling high street.

On Saturdays Bridport is home weekly market, which is a must visit during a stay at our holiday park in Charmouth. Some of the best makers from across the county descend on the town to sell an excellent selection of artisan bakes, handmade jewellery and colourful crafts.

As you walk the streets, you’ll be able to pick up a range of delicious produce to eat on your return to the park, including locally grown vegetables, fresh bread and cakes. There’s also a wide selection of antique furniture and vintage curiosities, if you’re looking for a souvenir to commemorate your visit. 

Things to do in Bridport

Palmers Brewery Tour

No trip to Bridport is complete without a tour around Palmers Brewery. Owned by the Palmer’s family, for more than 200 years – this much-loved word, is a real stalwalt of the town. Spend the morning browsing the historic building (the oldest thatched brewery in the UK) and learning what goes on behind the scenes to brew their fantastic beers. You’ll be joined by the head brewer, who will talk you through the process. You’ll even get to sample some at the end!

Tours run from Easter to October and take roughly 2 hours. Pre booking is essential.

Bridport Museum

Bridport Museum is one of our favourite cultural attractions in the area. The small museum delves deep into local history and showcases an interesting collection of local artefacts dating back to the Roman times.

Bridport once had a thriving net and rope making industry. Much of the museum is dedicated to this art form, with a small selection of machinery – still in full working order!

Bridport Arts Centre

Despite its small size, Bridport has a flourishing arts community with plenty of exhibitions and workshops taking place throughout the year. Bridport Arts Centre is at the core of this movement. The Grade II listed building has a popular theatre, gallery and cinema.

Bridport Events

Bridport Hat Festival (September)

Every year, Bridport plays host to a selection of exciting events, which are extremely popular with visitors and locals. One of our favourites is the quirky Bridport Hat Festival, where attendees are invited to wear an unusual hat to help raise funds for head related charities. On this special day the town is awash with colour as people show off their unusual designs. There’s usually a range of live music performances and plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.

Bridport Carnival (August)

Another, must see event is Bridport Carnival and torchlight procession. Thousands take to the streets to carry a lit torch to nearby West Bay where a bonfire is lit. The evening culminates with a firework display over the water!

Bridport Electric Palace

The Electric Palace is the towns premier entertainment venue. Here you can see some of the best musicians and comedians in the country as they tour the south west. The intimate venue is one of the finest in the area. It has retained much of the art deco features, including velvet tipping seats and stunning murals.

Getting to Bridport

Bridport is situated just 15 minutes’ drive from Newlands Holidays and is well worth a stay during your camping or caravan break in Dorset. It is possible to travel to Bridport by bus, if you’d prefer to use public transport. There is a bus stop outside our grounds, where you can pick up the x53 Jurassic Coaster. This popular route follows the length of the Jurassic Coast, allowing you to explore the local area with ease.

Bridport is situated just 1 mile away from West Bay – a historic fishing village with quaint harbour and beautiful cliff views. We highly recommend combining the two, if you’re looking for a fun-filled day out from our caravan and camping park.

Header photo credit: Stephen and Helen Jones, Flickr