Chideock, Seatown, Morcombelake and Eype
Chideock is a beautiful, widely thatched village with two very popular pubs, The George Inn and The Clock House Inn, as well as a village shop, and a tea house. You’ll be well placed in Chideock to explore the beauty and serenity of West Dorset, with country and coastal walks a plenty.
Pound Cottage is 15 minute pleasant walk to the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline, with Seatown beach and Golden Cap (the highest point along the south coast) just down the bridlepath from the middle of the village. The Anchor Inn at Seatown has tables for food and drink overlooking the dramatic coastline and the hills on the South West Coastal Path.
Just up the hill, westbound from Chideock, is Morcombelake with the award winning Felicity’s Farm Shop and Food to Go. Here you’ll find an eclectic selection of local products and vintage gems alongside the best fresh local fish and meat.
Walking eastbound from Chideock is Eype; with the well hidden Downhouse Farm Garden Cafe where you can stop mid walk for a cream tea or a home cooked lunch. Eype also has a dog friendly beach and a great village pub, The New Inn.
Bridport
A few minutes drive or a short bus ride away is Bridport, with arguably the best Saturday and Wednesday market in West Dorset. Food can be found for all tastes in Bridport. Try out the Soulshine Café, the Red Brick Café, the Beach and Barnicott or the Bull Hotel. St Michael’s Trading Estate, is home to the Arts and Vintage Quarter of Bridport, a fun place to browse.
Lyme Regis
The popular seaside town of Lyme Regis with Cobb harbour, made famous in the film ‘French Lieutenants Woman’ with Meryl Streep, has a seafront with colourful beach huts and a choice of pebble or sand beneath your feet. Grab some fish and chips and take a tour of the Town Mill to discover its fascinating history.
West Bay
West Bay is a quaint, bustling fishing harbour with many boats and an opportunity to take the children crab fishing. Wander into Sladers Yard or the Customs House for food, drink, open mic, children’s play area and 3 floors of arts and crafts and gifts to buy.
As you walk around East Cliff and West Bay certain landmarks may look familiar, West Bay and the surrounding area was the location for filming the ITV Drama, Broadchurch.
Just along the road in Burton Bradstock, is Hive Beach with the very popular fish restaurant, Hive Beach Café. Be sure to arrive early to get a table.
Charmouth
Charmouth offers a family friendly, gently sloped beach, world famous fossils and active Heritage Coastal Centre. For a fun day out hire a hammer and search for your own piece of history or join a rockpooling ramble and learn all about this precious coastline.