Discover Bridport: Art, history and walking trails

Bridport can be considered from several specific perspectives when planning a trip: its cultural programme, architectural history, walks and a brewery visit. This lets you shape your stay around the topics that interest you most.

Cultural programme and architectural history

Bridport Arts Centre offers a year-round programme of music, film, theatre, dance, comedy, spoken word and exhibitions. The selection therefore ranges from performing arts and film to spoken-word events. The Arts Centre’s architectural history also has a specific historical connection: it was originally a Wesleyan Methodist chapel and schoolhouse built in 1838.

Downe Hall includes pleasure grounds and a park dating from the late 18th century, as well as formal gardens designed by E. S. Prior in the early 20th century. These different periods can help guide you if you are interested in historic garden and park design. Another chapter in the area’s architectural history concerns the former warehouse at 40 St Michael’s Lane. It is a Grade II listed building and is associated with Bridport’s net and cordage industry.

Bridport Museum offers the Captain Codd’s Adventure Trail as a family activity. In a July 2022 article, the town council described the Borough Gardens as a peaceful retreat for animals and people. This dated description reflects how the gardens were viewed at the time.

Walking trails and West Bay

The Bridport Heritage Trails comprise four walks. Downloadable leaflets and optional audio commentary are available to help you find your way. Two of the routes described offer different experiences: Trail 1 By the River crosses the river via a footbridge and then follows the riverbank. Trail 2 Across the Fields is a level walk through old water meadows to the sea. You can choose between crossing the river and then following its banks, or walking through the meadows. Check local conditions before setting out.

West Bay lies one mile south of Bridport on the Jurassic Coast. The South West Coast Path runs through it, and walks are possible in both directions. West Bay is therefore a specific coastal option to consider if you are planning a walk along the coast path in addition to the routes mentioned above.

Brewery tours and practical information

Palmers Brewery tours take visitors through the production process for five award-winning ales. They end at the Palmers Wine Store with a tasting of the finished product. The tour combines an insight into the brewing process with the chance to sample the result. Palmers Brewery is the only remaining thatched brewery in the United Kingdom—an aspect in its own right that makes the brewery tour noteworthy for anyone interested in this type of building.

The Bridport Tourist Information Centre can advise you on what to do, where to go and how to get there. If you are still weighing up a cultural event, a walk or a brewery tour, you can get information there about activities and routes.

Discover more destinations: Thorncombe, Wareham, Minchington, Saint Leonards, Winkton, Marnhull, Charmouth, Wimborne.

For the main travel overview: Dorset.