The Jurassic Coast

The West Dorset area is renowned for it’s Jurassic coastline and much of it is designated as an outstanding area of natural beauty. Breathtaking views are provided by countless rolling hills including: Golden Cap (the highest point on England’s south coast), Thorncombe Beacon, Lambert’s Castle Hill, Pilsdon Pen, Eggardon Hill, Hardy’s Monument and Maiden Castle.

Chideock

Chideock is a delightful village, 3 miles west of Bridport, with pretty thatched cottages, two excellent pubs, a shop and two churches. The village has narrow country lanes leading to the beach at Seatown where the coastal path takes you to the Golden Cap, the highest point on the Jurassic Coast.

Seatown

The hamlet of Seatown, with shingle beach, is a 20 minute walk from Greenwich Cottage via winding lanes with just a few houses and thatched cottages (image to the side by local photographer, James Loveridge). Lovely coastal walks can be started here across the cliffs to Golden Cap on one side of the beach and Eype and West Bay to the other. The recently refurbished Anchor Inn, situated right next to the beach, is always a welcome landmark for thirsty walkers! The Anchor Inn was where Julia Bradbury finished her popular Dorset walk with a view on ITV.

Bridport

The bustling market town of Bridport is 3 miles away from Chideock with many small independent retailers, restaurants, pubs and cafes. As well as a number of supermarkets, it has a thriving street market on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

West Bay

West Bay (main image above) is a busy working harbour about a mile away from Bridport. The small resort is nestled between the spectacular East and West cliffs. There is plenty to do and see with numerous bars, retaurants and entertainment for all the family. The popular TV program, Broadchurch, was filmed here in West Bay.

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is a beautiful seaside town approximately 7 miles from Chideock. Walk along the famous Cobb harbour or visit the many small boutique shops each side of the steep main street that runs through the town. Recent renovations to the promenade and public gardens have made Lyme Regis a really lovely place to visit.

Charmouth

Charmouth, approximately 3 miles from Chideock, is world famous for its fossils formed within Jurassic rocks 200 million years ago. The best finds can be found around the cliffs but check out the small museum above the fossil shop for good advice and tips on fossil hunting.

A little further afield

Dorchester

Dorchester is the county town of Dorset, and lies on the banks of the River Frome and is the location of the nearest acute district hospital to the cottage. It is approximately 20 miles from Greenwich Cottage with a good range of both independent and chain shops. Recently, a lot of investment has been made in the town, notably with the pioneering architectural new town of Poundbury, and with the new leisure area, Brewery Square with shops, cinema, and large number of eateries.

Exeter

The cultural city of Exeter, to the West in Devon, is the nearest city to Greenwich Cottage (approximately 35 miles) with a beautiful cathedral in the heart of the old town which seamlessly sits alongside the new retail shopping area, Princesshay, with stores such as Apple and John Lewis. You’ll also find antiques, arts and crafts, water activities and other attractions in the historic Quayside area with numerous shops and cafes.

West Dorset Area

The Jurassic Coast