A Day Exploring West Bay Dorset and Bridport
Whenever we’re looking for a day out that combines a bit of everything Dorset has to offer, we often find ourselves heading towards West Bay Dorset and nearby Bridport.
Bridport has a wonderfully lively atmosphere. It’s the sort of town where you can happily spend a few hours wandering without any particular plan. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the streets become even busier as market stalls line the wide pavements and locals gather to browse, shop, and catch up over coffee.
We often start our day in Bridport before making the short journey down to West Bay Dorset, which sits on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the county.
Discovering Bridport’s History
One of our favourite stops is the Bridport Museum. Best of all, admission is free.
The museum tells the fascinating story of a town that was once the rope and net-making capital of the world. During our visit we discovered everything from Roman artefacts to vintage dolls and even an example of the infamous Bridport Dagger – better known as the hangman’s noose.
It’s one of those small museums that manages to be both informative and surprisingly entertaining.
Why We Love West Bay Dorset
After exploring the town, we usually make the short journey down to West Bay Dorset.
Famous for its harbour and dramatic sandstone cliffs, West Bay feels completely different from Bridport despite being only a few minutes away. Fishing boats come and go throughout the day, while visitors stroll along the harbour wall enjoying views across the coastline.
The towering cliffs have become one of Dorset’s most recognisable landmarks and are well worth seeing in person. On a sunny day, the colours of the sea, cliffs, and harbour create one of the most picturesque scenes anywhere on the Dorset coast.
If you enjoy exploring Dorset’s historic landmarks, you may also enjoy our visit to the Cerne Abbas Giant, another of the county’s most famous attractions.
Fishing Trips and Family Fun
One of the things we enjoy most about West Bay Dorset is the variety of activities available for visitors of all ages.
On sunny days, fishing trips leave directly from the harbour and offer a fantastic way to experience the coastline from the water. For families, there are plenty of simple pleasures too. The local pitch-and-putt course provides a fun challenge, while adventurous visitors can tackle the climb up East Cliff for spectacular views across the coast.
Whether you’re interested in walking, photography, fishing, history, or simply relaxing by the sea, West Bay Dorset has something for everyone.
Fish and Chips by the Harbour
No visit to West Bay feels complete without something to eat by the harbour.
We’ve enjoyed plenty of fish and chips while watching the boats come and go, and there’s always room for an ice cream along the Esplanade.
On our most recent visit, we stopped at the Watch House Café for a seafood snack and a coffee overlooking the harbour. It’s exactly the sort of relaxed spot that perfectly suits the laid-back atmosphere of the area.
One of Our Favourite Dorset Days Out
For us, West Bay Dorset combines everything we love about the county — beautiful scenery, local history, fresh seafood, and a genuine working harbour.
If you’re staying at Pleasant Spot, a visit to West Bay Dorset is an easy and enjoyable day out that showcases some of the very best scenery on the Dorset coast.
For more inspiration while planning your stay, take a look at our collection of things to do in Dorset.
You can find additional visitor information on the Visit Dorset website.