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Location

For countryside or coast, Bridge House, Beaminster couldn't be better placed. Situated just six miles directly inland from West Bay, the hotel is a ten minute drive from England's only natural, World Heritage Site - the Jurassic Coast.

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Fossils

With easily found fossils, stunning coastal scenery and extraordinary geology, a walk along the Jurassic coast is like a 185 million year journey through time. Highlights include Portland and Chesil Beach, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and the fossil hunters Mecca of Charmouth and Lyme Regis where regular fossil hunting events are organised. (Ask Reception for details).

Sweet Be’mi’ster, that bist a-bound
By green and woody hills all round
Wi’ hedges, reachen up between
A thousand vields o’ zummer green.

William Barnes

Hardy Country

Just a few miles inland from the sea takes you into the heart of Thomas Hardy's Wessex - and home to the Bridge House Hotel - Beaminster - where Angel Clare's father was vicar of the village, referred to as Emminster in 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles'. And it's where Tess walked 15 miles from Flintcoombe-Ash to Emminster on a frosty winter's Sunday, desperately seeking support after Angel had left her.

Hardy's land is Dorset where he lived for most of his life and was the inspiration for much of his work. From the hotel you can take in Bridport (Port Bredy), Dorchester (Casterbridge), Stinsford (Mellstock), Puddletown (Weatherbury), Cerne Abbas (Abbot's Cernal) and, of course Hardy's birthplace at Higher Bockhampton (Upper Mellstock).

Beaminster

The hotel is situated just 50 yards from Beaminster square on the Bridport to Crewkerne road. Here a wealth of small, independent shops, pubs and cafes make it lively and interesting and a great place just to wander, browse and enjoy the traditional, Dorset, hamstone buildings.

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Homes & Gardens

West Dorset also boasts a wealth of historic houses and places to visit all within easy reach of the hotel. Just a mile away is Mapperton House, with it's unique valley garden, that surrounds the Jacobean manor house. Athelhampton House is one of England's finest Medieval homes. To the north-west of Beaminster is Forde Abbey - the most complete Cistercian monastic building to survive as a home in Britain. And at Sherborne, visit its two castles, magnificent abbey and beautiful Medieval town..

Nature

For the nature lover, nearby Abbotsbury is a must with its world famous swannery where the young hatch from mid-May to end of June, and its sub-tropical gardens and childrens' farm.

And for those who would like a true taste of Dorset, there's the Moore's Biscuit Bakery, at Morcombelake or a tour of Palmer's of Bridport, Britain's oldest thatched brewery.

Dorset Seaside

BridgeHouse is also the perfect base to explore Dorset and east Devon's spectacular coastline. From Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove to Sidmouth, there's a plethora of coastline places to see. Among the most popular are Lyme Regis with its famous Cobb sea wall immortalised in the French Lieutenant's Woman. Golden Cap – the highest clifftop on the English coast; Beer with it's great art galleries, The Hive Café, Burton Bradstock, Weymouth beach for bucket and spade fun. Portland for breathtaking views across Chesil Beach.

Dorset Attractions

For those looking to entertain their children, there's host of attractions near the hotel. At West Bay there's a fabulous 'rope' park open to all ages. Haynes Motor Museum with its go-karts, special events and amazing museum is usually a hit for all the family. Also, close by, is the Royal Navy Air Museum at Yeovilton. Continuing the Forces theme, there's the Tank Museum at Bovington. For model train lovers there's Pecorama at Beer. The Sea Life Centre at Weymouth is also well worth the drive. Seaton has a wonderful tramway while for more serious 'karters' there's Southern Counties Leisure Centre at Evershot.

West Country Restaurants

West Dorset is now established as a definite foodie destination. While we would always proclaim our food is the very best, we understand that sampling what the area has to offer can be fun. We are surrounded by award winning pubs and restaurants and so it's impossible to mention them all. However, the ones we recommend are:
Pubs: Chetnole Inn – Dorset Dining pub of the year;
The Half Moon, Melplash
Restaurants: The Riverside (seafood), West Bay;
The Wild Garlic (rustic), Beaminster;
River Cottage (rustic), Marshwood Vale;
Mark Hix, Lyme Regis (seafood);
The Stable (pizza), Bridport;
Lula's (Mediterranean), Bridport;
Crab Shack, Wyke Regis Café
The Green Yard, Bridport;
The Hive, Burton Bradstock
Culinary courses:
Lesley Waters Cooking School, Minterne House

And for those who would like a true taste of Dorset, there's the Moore's Biscuit Bakery, at Morcombelake or a tour of Palmer's of Bridport, Britain's oldest thatched brewery.