The Bull Hotel

A colourful coaching inn serving local food and fantastic cocktails in the heart of coastal Bridport

While it’s often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Jurassic Coast’, we prefer to think of Bridport as geography’s answer to surf’n’turf. Flanked by 2 rivers which lead to West Bay, it’s a charming rural market town with over 1,000 listed buildings (including this 17th-century coaching inn), where even the town centre offers verdant West Country views. And its dual appeal isn’t limited to the immediate vicinity either; miles of dramatic coastline and endless Dorset countryside provide ample opportunity for a weekend's rambling.

In Bridport’s midst sits the imposing, inky-blue exterior of The Bull Hotel. Bought by Nikki and Richard Cooper in 2006, it promptly underwent a stylish makeover and emerged with 19 eclectic bedrooms, their décor ranging from Art Deco mirrors and floral Cole & Son wallpaper, to antique Mongolian dressers and brushed-brass beds. In the evening, guests dine on fresh seafood in the main restaurant or Dorset-themed stone-baked pizzas in The Stable before invariably ending up in the convivial Venner Bar for a sloe gin fizz or a flaming Mai Tai. Most guests are couples, but it’s good for families too and kids can run around the ballroom, play table football in the Ostler room or even enjoy a workshop with children’s author-in-residence.

Highs

• Fab for foodies: the hotel has 2 excellent restaurants and the River Cottage Canteen is a short drive away in Axminster
• A vibrant area where the adventurous relish the water sports, the genteel wander the higgledy-piggledy villages and, in summer, families descend for staycations by the beach
• The Venner Bar's original recipe cocktails and sumptuous furnishings make it destination in itself
• Nikki and Richard designed The Bull to fulfil their own expectations as parents: friendly staff, spacious bedrooms and plenty of toys and games
• West Bay is just 2.5km away and is great for a traditional seaside day out with a sandy beach, pretty harbour, dramatic cliffs and retro beach huts serving fish 'n' chips

Lows

• The Petite and Single Rooms are small (7-8 sq.m.) and best suited to those who plan to be out for most of the day
• Some details have been overlooked (e.g. no conditioner/body lotion) and our room had very low water pressure in the shower (however the hotel assures us that this has now been fixed)
• You’ll need a car to explore the surrounding area; the beach is 2.5km away (approx. 1.5 miles)
• Please note: there is a strict cancellation policy and during Bank Holidays peak weekend rates apply