Explore Bridport town’s history on foot, with a heritage walking trail from Bridport Town Council. There’s 3 to chose from –

The Saxon Loop – explores the town’s historic roots; from a Saxon settlement to a thriving market town and important centre for the manufacture of sailcloth, rope and nets.

The River Loop – a trail which explores the rivers that brought trade to the town and were harnessed by local industry. Along the way, enjoy the wildlife and rich riverside corridors.

Both these routes are accompanied by downloadable podcasts, so you can discover the history of shipbuilding in the harbour, women workers in the net & rope industry, the town’s boozy past and illustrator & sign writer George Biles.

The Green Route – an easy going 3 mile walk taking in many of the valuable green spaces that define the town and developed with input from volunteers from local health and access groups. This is a circular walk, so you can join it at any point and just keep going in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction until you reach your start point again.

The routes / podcasts can all be downloaded from Bridport and West Bay website or pick up a printed copy from the Bridport Tourist Information Centre.

The sculpture trail along the route was initially instigated by Bridport based and Royal College trained artist Isla Chaney, by placing some of her work in public spaces. This was so well received it was expanded in September 2020 with grant assistance from Dorset National Landscape  60th Anniversary Grant Fund.   You will find sculptural work clambering up trees, nestled amongst plants, and over the river. For a map of the sculpture trail please click here

The sculpture trail is managed and curated by Cleo Evans from The Arts Development Company on behalf of Bridport Town Council. Each year, new works will be chosen to enhance the natural beauty of the green spaces.