Bridport
Bridport from Botham Hill (Photo GRH)
Bridport lies just over a mile inland from the coast at West Bay where the River Brit flows out to the sea. It nestles among the hills of West Dorset and is one of the Gateway Towns giving access to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site. Bridport is a Beacon Town in recognition of the quality and diversity of its locally produced foodstuffs. Many local producers trade at the Farmers Market in the Arts Centre on the second Saturday of the month and also trade on the Wednesday and Saturday street markets.
Four views of the Farmer's Market at the Arts Centre and South Street Market. (Photo GPH)
A vibrant historic market town with a strong artistic and literary community, Bridport's Open Studios weekend at the end of August and the May Dorset Arts Week provide showcase opportunities for the many artists who have their studios in the town. The Fra Newbery collection of paintings is on permanent display in the Town Hall. www.franewbery.co.uk The Bridport Prize is internationally acclaimed and celebrated with a November week of literary events.
Bridport Arts Centre (Photo GPH)
Community organisations and voluntary groups play a key role in the life of the town, as is evident from the wide range and number of events and activities that take place throughout the year.
Details of many of these organisations are on the Clubs and Organisations pages on this website. The What's On page lists many of the town's events, including the key events - Food Festival, Carnival, Melplash Show, West Bay Day, Open Studios, Bridport Prize & Christmas Festival.
National, international and independent businesses are found in the main streets and on the trading estates, supplying services to the community and visitor alike. A number of Bridport manufactured products are distributed countrywide and internationally, some being particularly specialised.
Mountfield', Bridport Town Council Offices. (GPH)
Bridport Town Council www.bridport-tc.gov.uk is the parish authority for the town of Bridport. The population of the parish is approximately 7,300. The Town Council, whose offices are at Mountfield, is responsible for the Wednesday and Saturday street markets, (see Bridport Market - top left) Bucky Doo Square, the cemetery, allotments, playing fields and play areas around the town. The Council buildings - the Town Hall and Mountfield - are owned by the Council and rooms can be hired by local groups and organisations. The Salt House at West Bay is leased by the Town Council and is also available for hire.
West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council provide all the other services in and around the town.
'Bucky-Doo' Square (GPH)
See Town History for further information about the town, its historic buildings and its heritage.
The new Town Guide can be viewed at www.officialguides.co.uk