For those of you who love an autumn stroll – especially when there’s a pub at
the end of it – you’re in the right place. Bridport pubs come in many shapes and sizes, perfect for autumn: from those near the sea, to those nestled in the Dorset countryside.
Best of all, some of the cosiest Bridport pubs are within walking distance of us here at Outbuildings, so getting to them on foot is a cinch, with the right directions. To help you go safely on your wandering, we’ve plotted routes to 7 of our favourite Bridport pubs for you to download and use, with our compliments. Cheers!
The Pymore Inn | 15min walk, countryside, easy
Go for the historic charm and fish and chips
Real ales, superb modern food, and a roaring log fire – The Pymore Inn really is the ideal spot to laze away autumn hours on a weekend. Set amongst the rolling fields and hills of West Dorset, The Pymore Inn has been a pub for over 200 years (originally built as a gentleman’s residence in the 18th century). Which means its brimming with Dorset character: wood panelled walls, long-slung beams, and a cosy bar filled with countryside charm and a warm welcome. There’s also a large walled garden with an outside bar, pizza oven and firepit for long, hot sunny evenings.
The food menu is fabulous, and it’s all homemade using local ingredients. You’ll find traditional mains such as fish and chips and steak and ale pie, alongside delicious contemporary dishes including butternut and blue cheese risotto and Lyme Bay sea bream. The menu changes regularly with the seasons so be sure to check the latest details.
You’ll find this wonderful creeper-clad Bridport pub just a mile north of Bridport off the A3066. To get there by foot, simply download our directions below.
Mon and Tues, no need to book, first come first serve basis
Wednesday – Sunday, per-booking advised
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Open: Mon – Tues, 12pm – Close; Weds – Sat, 12pm – 10pm
Sun, 12pm – 8pm
The Loders Arms | 30 min walk, countryside, gentle
Go for the views and Sunday lunch
Another historic Bridport pub with charm seeping from every nook and cranny and green Virginia creeper covering its thick stone walls. Built in the 17th century, The Loders Arms is a home-away-from-home where you can sit by the crackling fire with a pint from local brewery Palmers or come to with the kids for delicious evening meal.
Inside, the décor is neat and tidy and the friendly staff are a breath of fresh air. Outside, there’s a lovely, quiet beer garden with views of Boarsbarrow Hill and the surrounding countryside
On the menu, you’ll find fresh fish and seafood – but definitely pay this Bridport pub a visit for its fabulous traditional Sunday roasts! Walking to The Loders Arms takes you through the pretty village of Loders, a couple of miles north of Bridport. To get there by foot, simply download our directions below.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Open: [TBC]
The Tiger Inn | 45 min walk, town, moderate
Go for the micro-brewery and a spot of shopping
This traditional Bridport pub always serves up a good time. An award-winning grade-two listed free house, The Tiger Inn has plenty to whet the palate, including a cocktail bar, guest beers, six real ales and beers brewed on-site by the Stripey Cat Craft Brewery.
It’s a lively, friendly place to hang out during the summer and when the nights draw in, with a good-size bar and two pretty courtyard gardens. Even in low season there’s always something going on, whether it’s local darts or skittles matches, sports screenings or a sneaky beer festival – but don’t worry, it can also be relaxed and chilled when you want a peaceful pint of good-quality beer.
You’ll find it just off the town centre in Bridport, down a quiet side street (ideal for a post-shopping pitstop). To get there by foot, simply download our directions below.
Only serves breakfast
Open: Sun- Thurs, 12pm – 11pm, Frid – Sat, 12pm – 12pm
The Half Moon | 60 min walk, countryside, challenging
Go for the roaring log fire and real Dorset welcome
With its traditional thatched roof and country-cottage charm, this Bridport Pub has one of the cosiest and friendliest atmospheres we know. It’s also one of the oldest, dating back to 1600 with a historical reputation for being the brainchild of the much-loved and popular Melplash Show.
Packed with old-world charm (and a roaring log fire), The Half Moon serves good local beer from Palmer’s Brewery and award-winning food inside or outside in its large garden. Including traditional British classics, sourced from local suppliers, with a cheeky Dorset twist.
The Half Moon at Melplash is only a 3-minute drive from Outbuildings but we recommend the 45-minute walk through the stunning valley. Because once you’re there, you won’t regret your efforts.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Open: Wed, 5pm – close, Thurs – Sat, 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – close
Sun 12pm – 6pm
The Marquis of Lorne | 90 min walk, countryside, challenging
Go for the scenery and the epic bonfire display
If ever there was an award for ‘prettiest Bridport pub’, the Marquis at Lorne
would win – in our opinion. Tucked away in Nettlecombe, the pub itself
hasn’t changed all that much since it first welcomed weary travellers in the
16th century (with the exception of the children’s outdoor play area, which
arrived in the 20th century).
Step inside to the bustling, dog-friendly main bar with its log fire, mahogany
panelling, old prints and photographs and neatly matching chairs and tables.
There’s also a quintessentially Dorset welcome waiting, Palmer’s-brewed
beers on pump, plus a seasonal, local menu in the cosy bar for laid-back
lunches and delicious evening meals.
If you’re staying with us around bonfire night, The Marquis
Has one of the best displays in the region! So, lace up your walking boots and
set off on a scenic West Dorset walk – with a mighty fine reward at the end of
it.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Open: Mon – Sun, 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 9pm