Cottage rentals in Bridport, Dorset, England

The historic market town of Bridport is an ideal cottage holiday base for those wishing to explore the Dorset and east Devon coastline. Surrounded by rolling hills, the Jurassic coast, quaint villages and superb landscapes, Bridport provides visitors with some excellent coastal, cultural and historical experiences.  

What Bridport offers for Self-Catering Breaks

 
Bridport has a rich history and nowhere is this better illustrated than in the town’s museum.  Once a busy port the town became the centre for England’s rope making industry due to the abundance of hemp and flax in the area. Many of its 1,000 special listed building are associated in some way with the industry that supplied the English navy from the 13th century, until cheaper imports started to appear in the 19th century. Perhaps there was a lesson to be learned even then! It was around the same time that the harbour’s ship building industry went in to decline.  To get a real feel for the town’s history whilst on holiday we recommend that you visit the museum to learn more.

There is still a small harbour and marina at West Bay today that has two holiday beaches, and the town continues to hold a large street market twice a week. You can source all your fresh, good quality, home grown provisions here in Bridport, just as was done in the original TV series ‘River Cottage’. There is much scope to enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment at the local arts centre whilst on a self-catering break.

One of Dorset’s top attractions has to be the Jurassic coast and Bridport is one of the gateway centres for this 95-mile long special stretch of coastline which is a World heritage Site. For the most spectacular view of the rugged, ancient coastline whilst on holiday you can take a boat trip from West Bay. Walkers can take to the South West Coast Path for some stunning views and although the path runs for the whole distance of the Jurassic coast, it is probably advisable to do bit by bit. To help with this there is the Jurassic coast bus service that connects at Bridport, so you can walk to your chosen destination and take the bus back. While there are no buses to pick you up there is still some interesting scenery to be found on a walk from Bridport to West Bay, alongside the river Brit. There is also some great fishing to be had.

A short way down the A35 at nearby Lyme Regis there is a most interesting and unusual way to see the Jurassic Coast – as it was. Climb aboard the Jurassic Airlines 737 cabin and experience a flight like no other. After a short briefing you’ll be embarking on virtual travel, travelling in excess of 300,000 years per second over the coast and sea on your way to ancient Pangaea, flying alongside dinosaurs and other pre-historic beings.

This part of the West Country offers some unique and fascinating attractions.  Staying in self-catering accommodation can be a good choice when it comes to value for money and convenience.  Available choices include romantic cottages, log cabins and pet-friendly cottages.  Whatever you choose, we hope you have a top time.

Book a Bridport cottage and look forward to discovering some of the best of Dorset on holiday.