Pictures of Bridport

About Bridport

This is a pretty resort and market town forming part of the gateway to the World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

Bridport can be classed as having everything to please the holiday maker, it has a strong nautical atmosphere born of its long association with the sea, and its history as a flourishing rope making town during the great age of sailing ships. Rope making can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when King John requested the townsfolk to work "night and day to make as many cables as you can", this industry formed the back-bone of the economy with the prosperity of the town continuing into 18th and 19th century.

The town is also renowned for its net making industry which has existed for over 700 years. Nets from Bridport are used all over the world, the range of users is as diverse as fishing fleets of all countries, America's Space Shuttle, Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Club and international airlines.

In Bridport the eye is immediately drawn to its wonderful old buildings, quintessential thatched cottages stand behind lush hedges. Mostly the character of the town lies in its distinctly Georgian buildings, especially the handsome town hall with its graceful columns and pediment. The medieval parish church with its lovely chantry is a "must see" so too is the Tudor museum. You should also try to visit the Arts Centre.

The centre of the town has plenty of attractive shops, antique shops and galleries rub shoulders with modern chain stores and supermarkets. A feature of Bridport is its lively open-air market held on Wednesday and Saturday. Another feature is the band entertainment held in the colourful High Street, there really is something about browsing whilst listening to the stirring strains of a brass band! It also has sufficient restaurants, cafe's and pubs to satisfy the most discerning visitor.

On the southern edge of the town beside the river, lies one of the town's most important buildings, the picturesque thatched brewery - Palmers of Bridport. This is the only thatched brewery in England, noted for its excellent brewing skills, beautiful spread of buildings, and its splendid Victorian copper equipment proudly kept in superb condition. The brewery once relied heavily on its waterside position for both transportation of its beer and for power. The river is no longer navigable, beer is transported by road, but plans are in place to restore the ancient water wheel back to its former glory.

Close to Bridport is West Bay and Eype. The soft sandstone cliffs west of Eype are of a rugged appearance which is constantly being changed by the gales sweeping in from Lyme Bay.

This is a glorious area to explore, you get the very best of several worlds all entwined to ensure tourists take away happy memories of a vibrant market town, magical coastline, picturesque river banks and mile after mile of lovely pastoral countryside.

Interesting & Historical Facts about Bridport

In 1651 after losing the battle of Worcester, Charles II stayed in Bridport before fleeing to France.

Bridport facts | Dorset facts