The 10 Best Free Things to do in Bridport, England

Artwave West, with its stylish open plan viewing space, specialist museum lighting and crisp uncluttered décor provides a superb place to enjoy looking at and contemplating artworks. The gallery has established itself as one of the principal independent contemporary art venues in the Southwest, by carefully selecting artists and attracting professional practitioners with impressive national and international exhibiting profiles. A number of regular Artwave West artists are frequently nominated for prestigious exhibitions and awards in cultural capitals such as London, New York and Venice. A lively programme of frequently changing exhibitions together with a large stock of additional artwork guarantees there is always something new to view. This year has seen the addition of a teaching Academy next to the gallery where a wide selection of Art Courses take place run by Exhibiting Artists and professional tutors.

Clocktower Music offer New & Re-Issued Vinyl Records alongside buying & selling pre-loved vinyl records of all types and styles. Based in Bridport's Historic Industrial & Vintage Quarter, it's one of the secret jewels of Dorset. Clocktower Music Bridport is based in an area that stretches back more than 200 years. The area was a key part of the pioneering West Dorset net and rope making industry, providing equipment for Nelson’s fleet as well as South West Coast fishing fleets and later for the UK Lawn Tennis Association and the UK Football Association. Bridport has a thriving outdoor Street Market on Wednesday and Saturday, weather permitting alongside well established Artist Studios, Music Venues. The are well known festivals held during the year including Literary, Film, Food, Beer, Hat and a Torchlight Procession to West Bay. The surrounding area has appeared in many TV Series and Films, including Broadchurch, if the had a Record Shop it would probably be Clocktower Music.

A treasure trove of information about West Bay in a beautifully restored Methodist Chapel on the beach. There is something to interest all ages and the interactive activities are particularly popular with families. A fun way to learn about the Jurassic coast, forces of nature, shipbuilding, tourism, local industry, trails and walks and information about the filming of Broadchurch. We have a range of visitor information and a small gift shop that includes quality local products. We are operated by a local charity and mainly run by volunteers, admission is free but donations are invited to help with our running costs. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE/FACEBOOK FOR WINTER OPENING HOURS

The Centre provides information on fossils, fossil hunting and the local coastal and marine wildlife. Facilities at the centre include interactive computers, hands on displays, marine tanks and a video microscope, all of which can help you to discover more about our stretch of the coastline. You will always find a helpful warden or volunteer who can help you identify your fossil finds. The Centre also has disabled access. Our Jurassic Theatre shows a short film on 'The Jurassic Coast and Finding fossils at Charmouth' (adults £1, children 50p). We also have a shop stocked with books for all levels, including some of our own publications, toys and souvenirs. Throughout the year we run guided fossil hunting walks and rockpooling walks along the local coastline. The Centre also has an extensive education programme. For information about the activities we have to offer to school groups please see our Primary Schools and Secondary Schools sections.