Bridport

Rope walks through the heart of this old market town tell a story that goes back centuries. Bridport built its reputation on hemp and flax, weaving nets that would catch fish in waters from here to Newfoundland. The main street still has that proper working town feel - none of your touristy frippery here.

West Bay sits just two miles south, where the River Brit meets the English Channel in a dramatic clash of golden cliffs. The harbour made famous by Broadchurch draws the crowds, but venture beyond the car parks and you'll find some cracking coastal walking. Golden Cap towers above at 191 metres, the highest point on the south coast and well worth the climb for views that stretch to Devon on clear days.

Inland, the countryside rolls away in gentle folds towards Beaminster. Quarry Hill offers another good vantage point, while the ancient woodlands of Filcombe Wood and St Gabriel's Wood provide proper rambling territory. The ruins of St Gabriel's Chapel sit hauntingly among the trees - a medieval reminder of when monks walked these paths.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The A35 runs right through town, connecting Bridport to Dorchester in the east and Axminster to the west. Trains serve nearby Dorchester South, about 20 minutes by car. Bridport itself has kept its market town character intact - weekly markets still fill the streets, and the local brewery keeps several pubs properly supplied.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area puts you perfectly placed for both coast and countryside. Parkdean Resorts West Bay Holiday Park sits practically on the beach, while Golden Cap Holiday Park offers easier access to the dramatic cliff walks. Either way, you're never more than a few minutes from either the sea or the rolling Dorset hills.