Stafford Mount Garden

A steep climb up from Bridport brings you to Stafford Mount Garden, a proper little nature reserve that rewards the effort with views across West Bay and the surrounding Dorset countryside. It's not massive - you can work your way around the paths in under an hour - but the biodiversity is genuinely impressive for such a compact space.

The garden itself feels more wild than manicured, with native plants thriving on the slopes and plenty of spots where you can actually sit and take in the landscape. Birdwatchers get the most from it; the variety up here is excellent, and on a quiet morning you'll hear far more than you'll see from the coastal paths below. Walkers tackling longer routes through the area often stop by as a bonus rather than a destination in itself.

You'll want to allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're genuinely interested in the plants and wildlife. The paths can be muddy after rain and the gradient is no joke, so it's not ideal for very young children or anyone with mobility issues. Free access, as far as we can tell - though do check locally when you arrive in Bridport, as details can change.

It sits well within a wider Dorset coastal break, particularly if you're based at Seadown Holiday Park or Newlands Holiday Park nearby. Pair it with Golden Cap and the wider West Bay area for a proper day out. Not a must-do, but absolutely worth the detour if you're already in the region.