The Local Area

Bridport is a market town in Dorset, located near the coast at the western end of Chesil Beach. The River Brit, Asker and Simene run through Bridport, it originally thrived as a fishing port and rope-making centre. The port is no longer in existence although the harbour at West Bay is a mile away.

One and a half miles from the town centre and within the town's boundary lies West Bay, a small fishing harbour known as Bridport Harbour until the arrival of the railway. West Bay was the scene for the opening shot of The Life & Times of Reginald Perrin & the 1950s film of The Navy Lark was also shot here. Bridport has been subject of articles where it was nicknamed "Notting Hill on Sea" but is also known to locals as "Bridders".