Brilliant, independent Bridport shopping for
original gifts and thoughtful finds
We’re so lucky here in Bridport because we have some of the best independent shops in the county, making our high street a lot more interesting than most. Even if we do say so ourself!
Yes, we have names that you’ll recognise (like WH Smiths, Boots, Timpson and M&Co) but in-between the familiar brands are smaller, alternative retailers and long-established family shops where you can pick-up original and thoughtful gifts that you won’t find elsewhere.
From quirky antiques shops and book shops loved by locals, to fabulous artisan food and drink suppliers. There are also the brilliant, creative traders who rock up to Bridport Market every Wednesday and Saturday – and always have a smile on their face.
To kick start your Bridport shopping trip, here are our favourites
that are worth a visit when you stay with us. Ps: we also have a
little shop of our own on-site selling gift sets from the local
suppliers we work with. Happy (shopping) days.
Bridport Shops
Our Favourite Vintage and Retro Rockstars
Tucked away near the centre of Bridport (on St Michael’s Trading Estate) is an
amazing antique hub called the Art & Vintage Quarter – open 7 days a week,
from 10am. The warehouses here are filled to the rafters with quirky and
unique collectables, memorabilia and objet d’art from the 1700s right
through to the swinging 40s, 50s and 60s. Be prepared, you can easily lose an
entire day looking through the treasures!
Alongside the shops, you’ll also discover artist studios and galleries, a
fabulous record shop (Clocktower Music) and a lovely café (Red Brick Café) so
you can grab a bite to eat. Whilst you’re shopping here for all things vintage
(or elsewhere in Bridport), don’t miss:
The Alleyways – Over 50 retro and antique traders under one roof with
constantly changing stock, so there’s always something new to discover. Expect period and industrial reclaimed furniture, unique works of art, retro clothing and fabulous jewellery. Unit 51, 52 & 53 St. Michaels Trading Estate, Bridport, DT6 3RR.
Old Albion MADE - A menagerie of bespoke lighting, neon signs, British and
American iconic light boxes, and much more! Unit 54C, St Michaels Trading Estate, Bridport, DT6 3RR.
Sarah Gee Ceramics – a magical pottery studio home to the amazing talented
Sarah Gee. We love her earthy, handmade cups, bowls, plates and vases. Unit
2A, St Michael’s Trading Estate, DT6 3RR.
Bells and Whistles Antiques – a regular at Bridport’s Saturday market, selling
all sorts of unusual period antiques and vintage items. We’re often seen
chatting and browsing in this sweet spot!
Bridport Shops
Our Favourite Food and Drink Heroes
Bridport is well-known for its fabulous food and drink. In fact, Bridport
is what’s known as a ‘Beacon Town’ due to the quality and variety of its local
food – much of which makes it into our Food & Drink offerings here at Outbuildings.
You can sample the delicious local food at the many and varied places to eat in Bridport, including the cosy street-side cafes and warm and welcoming Bridport pubs which are dotted around the town. Some particular foodie favourites of ours to check out when you are here are:
The Fridge Cheese Shop – A veritable Aladdin`s cave of award-winning
speciality local cheese. With over 100 cheeses in store to cut from fresh, you
are not going to be disappointed. West Street, Bridport, DT6 3QP.
Selected Grapes – An independent wine shop that sells wines from around
the world, both old and new. Also home to a great range of natural, organic,
biodynamic and sulphite-free varieties. Unit 88, St Michael’s Trading Estate, Bridport, DT6 3RR.
Bayside Bakery - This brilliant family-run artisan bakery makes the most
deliciously gooey, award-winning chocolate brownies. You’ll find them at Bridport Market (where you may also find Ed or Dom tucking into a Heavenly Honeycomb, Dark Chocolate and Ginger, or Bayside Blondie!).
RJ Balson and Son - Britain’s oldest family-run butcher shop, established over 500 years ago! It’s our family favourite selling seasonal game and local, free range meats. 9 West Allington, Bridport, DT6 5BJ.
Bridport Shops
Our Favourite Market Trader Titans
Bridport market is an absolute must-visit whilst staying at Outbuildings. Twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday from 8am till the afternoon, pavements fill with traders in front of Bridport’s shops.
You can find just about everything here: clothing, furniture, flowers and plants, food vendors, bric-a-brac and a whole lot more. In fact, Bridport has five markets which take place regularly in the town. The other three are the monthly farmer and vintage markets, and the pop-up markets that hit the streets buzzing with atmosphere.
We are big fans on Bridport market, so don’t be surprise if you bump into us whilst browsing. Our top recommendations are:
Oleo – Olivia of Oleo Skincare hand makes award-winning, vegan products in Bridport. And we love them! So much so that we worked with Oleo to create our own-brand hand wash and body lotion products for Outbuildings (which you can buy to take home when you stay).
Eleanor Terry Garden Design – If you’re a bit of a green fingers, then get yourself along
to this stall run by the Eleanor Terry. She sells some lovely plants and flowers and is always happy to answer your horticultural questions.
Red Van Man – Head to the Electric Palace in Bridport and just outside you’ll see a stall packed with quirky antique treasures. We love hunting through the bric-a-brac to pick up a steal – and Mark, the man who runs the stall is always happy to cut you a good deal.
Bridport Shops
Our Favourite Gifting Gods
Bridport’s shops spread out in three directions along South, East and West
Streets, so taking a slow stroll around the town is a great way to get to know them. If you’re on the hunt for a gift to bring back from Dorset for loved ones, you’re sure to go home with something original in your suitcase, trust us.
For something unique and individual, make sure you pop along to these Bridport shops:
Chilli by the Sea – An enchanting den of handmade crafts, textiles, restored and collectable items for around the home, vintage tools and equipment and plants (including chilli plants – naturally!). 18 South St, Bridport, DT6 3NQ
Cilla and Camilla – Right in the middle of the town (on East Street), are two CiIlla & Camilla shops facing each other: No.4 and No.11. No 4 is a gift shop with an incredible range of greetings cards. No 11 stocks a great selection of cooking equipment. No. 4 and No. 11 East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LF.
Gemma’s Flowers – the fresh blooms included in
many of our gifts and packages comes from this
wonderful family florist in Bridport. The colours and scents inside the shop are dreamy – and we find it almost impossible to not go inside when we’re in town! 45 East Street, Bridport, DT6 3JX.
Smith & Smith – Step back in time to when men wore suits and the Germans were the enemy. This traditional 'Gentleman's Outfitters' has been trading since 1884, but don't be fooled by its traditional facade and old fashion British service. This place is filled to the brim with suits, socks and even underwear for every occasion, even for the most modern of gentlemen! No.8 West Street, Bridport, DT6 3QP
South Street Sally – a fashionista’s dream, especially if pre-loved, upcycled,
quality clothing is your bag. From quirky pieces to practical wear, Sally has it
all! 24 South St, Bridport, DT6 3NQ.
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