7 Unique Anniversary Ideas Worth Packing a Bag for. Spoiler: we’re one of them!

Anniversaries can be tricky (just ask Ed or Dom!). So what do you get a partner that has everything? We’re fans of creating memorable and unique anniversary experiences rather than just giving things - and we believe our little patch of West Dorset has everything you need for a special celebration, away from the routine of your normal day-today. So ask Google for directions to Bridport and pack a bag. We’ll be waiting here at our Farm Hotel holding a cocktail with your name on it. 

Anniversary Idea 1.

Sunset Picnic On West Bay Beach

Tucked along the Jurassic Coast, West Dorset offers windswept cliffs, cozy countryside pubs, and unexpected luxury - without the crowds or clichés. And at the heart of it? A place called Bridport. Quirky, creative, and just the right level of off-the-radar (aka: just the right place to spend an anniversary break). Just outside of Bridport, you’ll find the harbour of West Bay (made famous by the ITV drama, Broadchurch) with its two wonderful dog-friendly beaches. Head to East Beach with a picnic hamper in hand just before the sun goes down (we can help you pack a locally-sourced hamper) and find a romantic spot. From here you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast stretching all the way to Lyme Regis in one direction and Portland in the other. NB: Please don’t sit under the cliffs though; sections are prone to collapse.  

Bonus move: Add a bottle of local Furleigh Estate wine or bubbly for your toast.

East Beach in West Bay, Dorset.

Anniversary Idea 2.

Wine Tasting at Furleigh Estate, Dorset

Just a 15-minute drive from Outbuildings, Furleigh Estate is a true Dorset treat: a working vineyard set in the rolling hills near Salway Ash. This award-winning local producer (and proud Outbuildings supplier) crafts elegant English still and sparkling wines that are every bit as romantic as the landscape they’re grown in.

If you're looking for a grown-up anniversary idea that feels indulgent without being over the top, a wine tasting at Furleigh hits the sweet spot. You can book a guided tour and tasting experience where you’ll wander through the vines, explore the winery, and then taste five of their signature wines — including their internationally celebrated English sparkling.

We love Furleigh Estate wines and, when you stay at Outbuildings, you’ll find their wines waiting for you at our on-site restaurant The Cart Shed or served to your room thanks to our Text for a Tipple SMS waiter service!

Anniversary Idea 3

Romantic Escape with our All-Inclusive Love Rules Stay

Your anniversary should be a special affair, whether you’re celebrating one year or 20! It’s the reason we’ve created an exclusive anniversary package - Love Rules - so you can mark your day with unapologetic luxury here at our Dorset Farm Hotel!

You’ll enjoy a 2 night stay in one of our glamorous rooms, cabins or huts, along with the finest local food (and cocktails) at our restaurant, a private woodland hot tub experience with Champagne. And in the mornings, we'll serve you a delicious Dorset breakfast. 

Bonus idea: Add a private cinema experience so you can cuddle up with a movie at our quirky Hay Barn Cinema. 

The Hay Barn Cinema experience at Outbuildings

Anniversary Idea 4

A Coastal Walk & Hidden Pub Surprise

The South West Coast path runs along our stretch of the Jurassic Coast so if you love walking, you’ve numerous places to hike. We enjoy the walk from West Bay to Seatown (around 3 miles) which boasts a lovely coastal pub, The Anchor. It’s just one of the many local pubs that we’re lucky to have in this part of the world. Of course, you can always drive to The Anchor from Outbuildings (it only takes 20mins) and save your legs for a shorter walk to one of these country inns not far from our door. 

The Anchor Pub at Seatown, Dorset

Anniversary Idea 5

Chef’s Menu Dining Experience

Bridport has a great range of places to eat - and (if we may be so bold) we are one of them. Book in for our Chef’s Selection Dining Experience and we’ll reserve a special candlelit table for you at our intimate on-site restaurant. 

First you’ll enjoy a glass of award-winning local wine from Furleigh Estate, it’ll then be followed by 4 delicious dishes, created by our head chef. We pride ourselves on working with local suppliers and championing seasonal local or homegrown produce, so you can be sure this anniversary treat will tickle your tastebuds.  

The Chef's Selection at Outbuildings

Anniversary Idea 6

Browse Bridport’s Vintage Markets & Independent Shops Together

Spend a lazy Saturday holding hands and hunting for quirky finds at Bridport’s street market. The market is well-loved by visitors and locals alike thanks to its huge range of stalls selling everything from clothing and furniture to bric-a-brac and skincare. 

Be sure to look out for Oleo, who make fantastic award-winning vegan products. We worked with Oleo to create our own-brand hand wash and body lotion products (which you can buy to take home when you stay). 

If you’re both book worms, head for The Book Shop or Bridport Old Books - two independent Bridport shops  where you can pick up a souvenir to take home.

Bridport's market is superb for treasure hunting

Anniversary Idea 7

Take the Water Taxi to Lyme Regis

It’s easy to lose your hearts to Lyme Regis! Just a 25-minute drive from Outbuildings (although we recommend going by water), this iconic seaside town brings all the romance for an anniversary break: colourful Georgian houses, historic fossil cliffs, and the sweeping curve of The Cobb, Lyme’s famous harbour wall (where that famous scene from The French Lieutenant’s Woman was filmed). 

A fossil hunting walk along the Jurassic Coast is a must whilst in Lyme (you can book guided walks at the Lyme Regis Museum.) Best of all, you can catch the water taxi from West Bay Harbour to take you to Lyme operated by Lyme Bay RIB Charter. It runs from Easter to October Sun, Tues and Thurs.

The Cobb at Lyme Regis, Dorset

Happy Anniversary!

The Outbuildings Team