Bridport -West Bay - Seatown

Bridport describes itself as 'a delightful West Dorset town' which seems fair enough. It is primarily a market town, situated a half a mile from the coast. West Bay is nearly part of the town of Bridport but is located half a mile to the south on the coast. It  is a pleasant small resort and harbour area overlooking Lyme Bay. 

The town of Bridport can trace its history back to Elizabethan times when it was first granted the right to hold markets. Since then its history has been entwined with Britain's maritime industries in the shape of rope and cable making for the Royal Navy. It now combines its rural market traditions and fishing with tourism to give an interesting experience for the visitor. Care should be taken if bathing from the main beach at West Bay as this is steeply shelving - the water becomes deep within a few yards. Another word of caution; there have been several cliff falls along this section of coast recently so keep clear of the cliff edge and while walking on the beach. 

                                                                           West Bay is the location for the ITV drama - Broadchurch

Seatown

Seatown is a tiny resort which lies 3 miles to the west of West Bay in a fold between the sandstone cliffs on either side. More village than town there are a few shops and cafes here and a nice pub - The Anchor Inn. Also there is a very nice sandy beach and car park nearby. Perhaps the main claim to fame of Seatown is its proximity to Golden Cap - which is the highest point on the south coast, towering 618 feet above the beach. There is a well marked path (currently diverted - see signs) up to the top of the famous sandstone cliff. The views from the top are spectacular and well worth the effort. The coast path leads on to Charmouth and Lyme Regis in the west. 

                          Golden Cap from Seatown                                                   West Bay harbour 

Places to visit at Bridport - West Bay and nearby

The beach and cliff tops.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre - All about fossils and the heritage coast - The Foreshore, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6LL Tel: 01297 560772

Sharky's Play & Party Warehouse - Kids indoor play area - 9, Custom House Quay, Old Harbour North, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8BG Tel: 0871 2225760

Diggerland Ltd - JCB diggers to drive and ride on! - Verbeer Manor, Willand, Cullompton, Devon EX15 2PE Tel: 0870 0344437

Map of Bridport and West Bay

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