Worth getting out of bed for
There are seaside and countryside walks aplenty from Bridport: borrow the resident spaniels and go for a sea‑breezy walk on the beach; inland, follow the Brit Valley Way, which starts at West Bay. Otherwise, enjoy gently ambling through town and wobbling from gastropub to antiquarian bookshop to tearoom. You're at the official Gateway to the Jurassic Coast, so fossil hunters are occasionally rewarded with rock-bound treasures uncovered along the strand. To see the spectacular coastal and countryside views with ease, try a electric bike tour with an experienced local guide from Marshwood Trails (+44 (0)7796 135256; www.marshwoodtrails.co.uk).
Local restaurants
In West Bay, The Riverside Restaurant (+44 (0)1308 422011) serves up the very best fresh fish in a charming seasidey setting; you’ll need a reservation. On Saturdays and during school holidays, Bridport’s Electric Palace (+44 (0)1308 428354) provides family‑friendly meals, although it’s no longer the proper brasserie it once was.
Local bars
Beach & Barnicott is a grade II‑listed gastropub in Bridport and a fine place for a cosy drink – with good food, too (01308 455688).
Local cafés
Have lunch or cream tea at the Hive Beach Café (+44 (0)1308 897070) in Burton Bradstock, an alfresco favourite with award‑winning ice creams and smashing seafood. Bella’s (+44 (0)1308 424343) at 7 South Street in Bucky Doo Square serves delicious home-made cakes, soup and sandwiches.
Diary
Late June/early July Bridport’s annual Food Festival punches well above its weight, gathering top-notch regional producers, chefs and farmers together for a celebration of all things edible (www.bridportfoodfestival.org.uk).
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Smith extra at The Bull Hotel
A glass of champagne each with dinner
