Holiday rentals and lettings in Bridport

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental in Bridport?
• Holiday rentals in Bridport: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Bridport: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Bridport?

• Varied places to stay: Choose from traditional cottages, coastal boltholes and family homes sleeping large groups, many with gardens, conservatories and Jurassic Coast sea views.
• Best areas to stay: Base yourself in the lively market town for shops and dining, or in relaxed West Bay for beachfront calm and the South West Coast Path.
• Getting around: Bridport sits on the A35 in west Dorset; the nearest railway stations are at Dorchester and Axminster, with regular coaches serving the town.
• Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn brings the warmest weather and the buzz of the Wednesday and Saturday markets; the shoulder seasons are quieter and better value.
• Top things to do: Walk the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, hunt for fossils, sample Palmers ales and Furleigh wines, or paddle a canoe from West Bay.

Bridport's holiday rentals suit every kind of trip, from cosy boltholes for two to spacious houses with room for the whole family. You'll find traditional stone properties with light-filled conservatories, walled gardens and snug lounges, alongside modern coastal apartments near West Bay. Prefer to explore other nearby areas? Browse holiday cottages in Bridport, or venture further west for cottages in Cornwall and camping in Devon. Popular amenities include:

• Wi-Fi throughout
• Private gardens and patios
• Pet-friendly facilities
• Off-street parking

Many properties boast impressive sea views over Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast, just what you need for a relaxing break.

What are the best areas to stay in Bridport?

The best area depends on your plans: Bridport town centre keeps you close to the markets and independent shops, while West Bay puts the beach on your doorstep. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests consistently praise Bridport holiday rentals for their warm welcomes, spotless interiors and unbeatable positions close to the coast. Many highlight how easy it is to reach the beach at West Bay and the walking trails of the Jurassic Coast, returning to comfortable, well-kept homes after a day exploring.

Bridport is a historic market town in west Dorset, set just inland from the Jurassic Coast between Lyme Regis and Dorchester, with the little harbour of West Bay as its seaside gateway.

✈️What is the best way to get to Bridport?

Getting to Bridport is straightforward, with options by road, rail and coach. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• By car: Most visitors arrive by car. From the east, follow the A35 in from Dorchester; from the west, the A35 runs down from Honiton and the M5 (junction 25 near Taunton). The town is roughly three hours from London via the A303 and A35.
• By train: There is no station in Bridport itself. The nearest railway stations are Dorchester West and Dorchester South, about 25 minutes away by road, and Axminster to the west. Both have direct services from London Waterloo, with connecting buses and taxis running on towards the coast.
• By coach:For a low-coast option, National Express coaches serve Bridport on south-coast routes, and regular local buses link the town with Dorchester, Weymouth, Lyme Regis and West Bay.

🥗Where to eat in Bridport?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, the Riverside Restaurant is the best-rated restaurant in Bridport. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Emma and James recommend Symondsbury Kitchen in Bridport: they loved its seasonal, home-grown menu of herbs, vegetables and edible flowers, plus the homemade jams and chutneys to take home after a countryside walk.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Bridport is from late May to September, when the weather is warmest, the beaches at West Bay come alive and the Jurassic Coast paths are at their finest. For fewer crowds and better rates, the shoulder months of April and October are lovely, with mild days ideal for walking.

Spring

• Best for: Walkers and garden lovers
• Weather: Mild, breezy days with the occasional shower
• Atmosphere: Quiet and fresh, with the coast path bursting into bloom

Summer

• Best for: Families and beach days
• Weather: Warm and sunny, the year's finest
• Atmosphere: Lively, with busy markets, festivals and full beaches

Autumn

• Best for: Fossil hunters and foodies
• Weather: Cooler, with crisp, clear spells
• Atmosphere: Calm and golden, ideal for coastal walks and cosy pubs

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Bridport local hosts recommend heading to the harbour at West Bay for golden hour, then walking up onto East Cliff for sweeping views along the Jurassic Coast. Ask your host for their favourite fossil-hunting spots and the quieter beaches nearby.

1. Explore the Jurassic Coast
2. Hunt for fossils along the shore
3. Sample Palmers ales and Furleigh wines
4. Paddle a canoe from West Bay
5. Follow a route of historic castles

1. Explore the Jurassic Coast

   The Jurassic Coast is a spectacular 95-mile World Heritage site, and Bridport sits right at its heart. From West Bay you can walk up to Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast of England, for breathtaking views across Lyme Bay. The South West Coast Path continues for miles in both directions, so keen walkers often pair a Dorset break with the cliffs around cottages in St Ives further west in Cornwall.

2. Hunt for fossils along the shore

   The beaches below Bridport reveal life dating back 185 million years. Join a guided fossil walk led by a qualified Mountain Leader to learn about the geology of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous cliffs, or simply comb the shingle after a storm. Charmouth and Lyme Regis, a short drive west, are among the finest fossil-hunting spots in the country and make a rewarding day out for families.

3. Sample Palmers ales and Furleigh wines

   Bridport is a true hot spot for food and drink. Palmers Brewery is the oldest thatched brewery in Dorset, offering tours and tastings before you take a few bottles home. Nearby, the Furleigh Estate produces award-winning English sparkling wine in the rolling hills; book a vineyard tour, sample the range in the old barn tasting room and choose your favourite to enjoy back at your rental.

4. Paddle a canoe from West Bay

   For a couple of hours of family fun, take a guided canoe trip along the river with West Bay Canoes. A friendly paddle instructor plans the route and shows you how to twist and turn from the wide water into narrow, winding creeks. Reward yourself with an ice cream back at the harbour. For a longer outdoor break, the region's campsites and camping in Cornwall make a natural next stop.

5. Follow a route of historic castles

   The countryside around Bridport is dotted with reminders of the past. Explore the Iron Age hillfort on Eggardon Hill, the ruins of Sherborne Old Castle, and the National Trust's Lambert's Castle with its far-reaching views. Coney's Castle and Chideock Castle add to the trail, making a fine afternoon for anyone who loves history, big skies and a gentle walk between the sites.