There’s a reason why so many people love coming to the Bridport and West Bay area for their holiday.
There’s plenty to do and see!
With World Heritage status, the Dorset Jurassic Coast is renowned for its natural beauty and pre-historic geology.
The below locations (near to Southfield) are just a few of the great places to visit whilst you are visiting West Dorset.
If you’re looking for a lovely day out, West Bay is definitely worth a visit! This charming fishing village has something for everyone. You can try your hand at crabbing at the harbour, relax on the beach, or admire the stunning cliff top views.
The cafes, pubs and restaurants are all very good too or if you are looking for something quick and easy, try the kiosks that line the harbour offering everything from ice cream to gourmet seafood.
West Bay has gained popularity in recent years due to its appearance in the hit TV show, Broadchurch. It’s not hard to see why it was chosen as a filming location, with its picturesque landscapes and delightful choice of eateries. Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying longer, West Bay is a must-visit destination.
West Bay is easily accessed from Southfield via the little pathway over the road.
West Bay
Bridport
Did you know that Bridport is only a short 10 minute walk from Southfield? It’s a lovely market town with lots of independent shops, cafes and pubs to explore. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out Visit Dorset’s guide to Bridport for more information!
One thing you’ll notice when walking around Bridport is that it has a really ‘arty’ and charming vibe. The town has a thriving arts scene and you’ll come across some incredibly talented artists who call it home. Be sure to catch a show or event at the Bridport Arts Centre or The Electric Palace – both are great spots for live music, art exhibitions, theatre productions and more.
With a twice weekly market lining the streets on a Wednesday and Saturday often accompanied by live music in Bucky Doo square, you’ll soon get a feel of lovely Bridport!
The picturesque coastal town of Lyme Regis nestles in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the point where the dramatic West Dorset and East Devon coastlines meet – right at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Jurassic Coast.
With its charming thatched-roof cottages and stunning views across the town and out to sea, Lyme Regis is the quintessential English seaside destination.
The town is regarded as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’ and is renowned for its natural beauty, fossils, literary connections and extraordinarily rich heritage.
Whether admiring the breathtaking scenery, exploring the attractive maze of narrow winding streets, immersing yourself in the history of the place or just chilling out on the beach, you’re sure to fall in love with Lyme Regis.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the town’s famous locally-caught seafood, or simply relax on the sandy beach and enjoy the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
Lyme Regis
Seatown
Seatown is a popular, scenic coastal hamlet just a 15 minute walk from the village of Chideock and 3 miles west of West Bay. The beach, which is privately owned, is popular among fishermen, fossil hunters, and walkers who enjoy its views and location in Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Seatown is frequently the starting point for coast path walks in both directions to Charmouth in the West and West Bay in the East.
You can reach the beach on foot via a bridleway country lane which is a lovely walk from Chideock.
Despite its small size, Seatown has a large car park (often better to walk if you don’t want to pay the high price!), an excellent foodie pub, The Anchor, as well as a pizza and ice cream ‘shed’. The pub provides an ideal setting for outdoor dining with Golden Cap (the highest point in the south of England) in the background.
The beach at Seatown is especially known for fossil hunting from the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods.
Burton Bradstock is a charming village located along the Jurassic Coast, just a couple of miles from Southfield, and boasts stunning sandstone cliffs that mark the beginning of Chesil Beach. With wonderful amenities such as pubs, tearooms, and cafes, you’ll never want to leave.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the unique geology of the area and see fascinating fossils during rock falls. Take a stroll down to Hive Beach, accessible through a break in the cliff formation, and enjoy stunning views of the Jurassic Coastline. Make sure to stop by the Hive Beach Cafe for some delicious seafood, and check out the Spring Tide Food Festival in May.
The B3157 coastal road from Burton Bradstock to Weymouth is an exceptional scenic drive you won’t want to miss.
Burton Bradstock
