West Bay

When Bridport’s own harbour silted up in the early 1700s, the townspeople built a new one at the mouth of the River Brit but retained the name Bridport Harbour. During the 19th century, hundreds of ships docked here every year, and Bridport Harbour had its own shipbuilding industry until 1879. The harbour was renamed West Bay when a railway station opened here in 1884. The little town never became a fashionable resort but the beach, backed by 100 feet high sandstone cliffs, is much enjoyed by holiday-makers, and there’s still a stall at the little harbour where you can treat yourself to a tub of cockles. From the harbour you can take a mackerel boat (West Bay Charters) round the bay or go for the deeper waters in search of cod, conger, skate or pollock – and keep a lookout for one of the playful dolphins.

Close to the harbour is the Bridport Arms Hotel, a historic old thatched building that in parts dates back as far as the 1500s. The inn’s picturesque qualities — it has been used as a film location — make it a excellent place to stay.