This site was produced by: LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLISHING
Publishers for local authorities throughout Great Britain. View more Official Guides at www.officialguides.co.uk

Bridport Museum in South Street was donated to the town in 1931 by Captain Codd. He stipulated that the building, then known as the Old Castle, should be used as a museum and art gallery. Captain Codd was a keen amateur artist and the museum holds a collection of his paintings.

The museum opened to the public in 1932 and was administered by Bridport Borough Council and later by West Dorset District Council. Throughout this time the local community were generous in donating various items of local interest.

In 2000 the building was refurbished and in 2002 after many years of ownership by West Dorset District Council the building and its collections were handed over to the Bridport Museum Trust.

The museum tells the story of the town’s history from Saxon times to the present day. It displays a variety of artefacts with local connections, including Roman finds from Waddon Hill and items relating to the town’s unique rope and net industry. Temporary displays of paintings, photographs, Doctor Roberts cure-all, dolls and other thematic displays also reflect Bridport past and present.

Bridport Arts Centre in South Street is the venue for a variety of national and regional productions - dance, music and theatre. It hosts regular town events and activities including the annual creative workshops for children, productions by Encore Theatre group and Bridport Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society. It is also the venue for the Bridport Film Society.

The Arts Centre is the home of the annual Bridport Prize. The Prize is awarded for two categories of literature, a short story and a poem. This competition is recognised internationally for the quality of its entries. The one day award ceremony has now extended to encompass a week of events and activities in celebration of literature.

Exhibitions are held in the foyer, café and the Allsop Gallery and the building is the venue for the monthly Farmers’ Market held on the second Saturday of the month.


Bridport Leisure Centre is situated on the southern outskirts of the town in Brewery Fields off Skilling Hill Road. It is administered by the Bridport and West Dorset Sports Trust.

The Centre offers a wide range of recreational facilities and activities for all ages. There is a multi-purpose sports hall, a 25 metre 6 lane swimming pool and a 12 metre teaching pool.

The fitness suite has a range of cardiovascular and weight resistant equipment and there is an exercise referral scheme run in consultation with local medical practices.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden.