Best Bridport Pubs to Visit This Autumn: A Cosy Guide with Walking Routes
- Outbuildings
- 23 hours ago
- 5 min read
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 lots of shapes and sizes, perfect for autumn: from traditional coaching inns to modern gastropubs offering you a blend of history, atmosphere, great food and lovely pub gardens for when the sun shines.
In fact, many of the pubs in and near Bridport date back centuries once serving rope-makers and seafarers (fun fact: our family used to be Bridport publicans, running the Greyhound on East Street before we started our Outbuildings adventure!). Today, Bridport's pubs are still community hubs where locals and visitors gather for good conversation, hearty meals, and local ales.
No article about Bridport pubs is complete, however, without mentioning Palmers Brewery. Founded in 1794, Palmers still brews traditional ales just a short stroll from the town centre. Many local pubs proudly serve Palmers’ beers, giving visitors a true taste of Dorset heritage.
Fortunately, we are within walking distance of some of Bridport's excellent (dog-friendly) country pubs here at Outbuildings, so you will be able to get to them on foot easily, with the right directions.
To help you go safely on your wandering, we’ve plotted routes to 5 of our favourite Bridport pubs for you to download and use, with our compliments. Cheers!
The Pymore Inn | 15min walk, countryside, easy | Dog-friendly
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, low-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, home-made beef or chicken burgers and ‘proper pies', alongside delicious contemporary dishes such as stuffed aubergine and a Tapas range that includes Lyme Bay whitebait. The menu changes regularly with the seasons so be sure to check the latest details.
The bar serves regular guest ales, alongside local real ales and ciders, as well as the usual range of spirits and mixers. 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.
Wednesday – Saturday:
Food available: 12pm -3pm and 5.30pm – 8.30pm, pre-booking advised.
Bar open: 12pm – 10.30pm
Sunday:
Food available: 12pm -3pm, pre-booking advised.
Bar open: 12pm – 5pm
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Wednesday Night = Quiz & Pizza night, Friday Night = Steak Night offer
The Loders Arms | 30 min walk, countryside, gentle | Dog-friendly
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 this family run pub 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 alongside innovative dishes of venison or spinach & ricotta Malfatti – 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, as well as special ‘Feast’ menus for parties of 10 or more.
Wednesday - Sunday
Wednesday: Fish & Chips from 6pm-8.30pm
Thursday: Drinks only
Friday: Dinner from 6pm-8.30pm
Saturday: Lunch 12pm – 3.30pm Dinner 6pm – 8.30pm
Sunday: Lunch from 12pm – 3.30pm
The Tiger Inn | 45 min walk, town, moderate | Dog-friendly
Go for the central location 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 guest beers, real ales and local ciders.
It’s a lively, friendly place to hang out during the summer and when the nights draw in, with two good-size bars 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.
Open: Sunday 12noon – 9pm, Monday – Saturday, 12noon – 11pm
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: Wednesday to Sunday
Wednesday to Saturday 12pm – 3pm and 6pm – 10pm,
Sunday 12pm – 9pm
The Marquis of Lorne | 90 min walk, challenging | Dog-friendly
Go for the post-card pretty scenery
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 Bridport-brewed beers on pump, plus a seasonal, local menu in the cosy bar for laid-back lunches and delicious evening meals.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Open: Mon – Sun, 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8pm (7.30pm Sunday & Monday)
Happy Walking!
The Outbuildings Team
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