2015 Part of the Jurassic Coast Magazine Series PICK ME UP! Jurassic Coast’s worst kept secret Pg8 EVENTS Pg20 GIFT GUIDE Fun Pg32 Pg24 for the kids SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ^ West Bay 2015 @JurassicMags FOOD • CULTURE • ARTS • SHOPPING • EVENTS #JurassicMags The only swing & bench maker licensed by The RHS Come & visit the Sitting Spiritually Garden in Lyme Regis Visit us online at sittingspiritually.co.uk Tel: 01297 443084 Email: [email protected] view online at jurassiccoastmagazine.co.uk Chesil MAGAZINE 2015 discover the soul inside: of West Dorset A week in... | 6 Our quick overview of the best things Welcome to the first ever issue of Chesil to do in the area. Magazine, your free guide to everything this The Garden Café | 8 idyllic area of West Dorset has to offer. Find out about the Jurassic Coast’s worst kept secret... From the bustling street markets of historic Bridport, to West Bay’s iconic Stay a while | 9 cliffs, made famous by televisions ‘Broadchurch’, this section of the Jurassic Coast has a wealth of places to visit and things to do. We hope you enjoy this Some accommodation options for you to choose from comprehensive guide to the best places to shop, dine, relax and explore whilst visiting this remarkable World Heritage Site. Broadchurch | 12 We can’t avoid talking about it... Bucky Doo | 14 So what’s behind Bridport’s square that with the unusual name? Events | 20 cake... The best events in the area. Don’t miss these! events 8 For the dog | 23 The best dog friendly activities. 20 Chesil Magazine 2015 www.jurassiccoastmagazine.co.uk Design & Print: Coastline Creative Ltd [email protected] Photography: Matt Austin Images [email protected] Editor/Features: Lucie Simic [email protected] Features/Social Media: Ross Packman [email protected] pawfect Advertising: Marie Austin [email protected] days out Disclaimer: The information, views and opinions expressed in Chesil Magazine are intended as a guide only. All information is correct at the time of going to print, and the publisher accepts no liability for error, damage or loss. 28 take a 23 stroll 3 CHESIL MAGAZINE 2015 - Our Publications 5 Shipwrecks, Beaches & Ropemaking... Beginning at West Bay, the seaside town which provides the backdrop to ITV’s acclaimed Broadchurch television series, the iconic Chesil Beach offers shelter to the busy market town of Bridport, a wealth of charming stone built villages and a number of popular attractions, including Abbotsbury’s Swannery and Subtropical Gardens. 4 Our Publications - CHESIL MAGAZINE 2015 Read our other titles: www.jurassiccoastmagazine.co.uk 2015 2015 2015 2015 Part of the Jurassic Coast Magazine Series 1 23PICK ME UP! PICK ME UP! 4 PICK ME UP! Part of the Jurassic Coast Magazine Series Part of the Jurassic Coast Magazine Series PICK ME UP! Part of the Jurassic Coast Magazine Series New Sea Defences Pg30 EVENTS Pg42 GIFT GUIDE Fun Pg76 Pg48 for the kids Beavers Saving Lives on the Otter Pg10 Sidmouth Lifeboat Pg26 Seaton < “The Gin Shop” Jurassic Pg8 on The Cobb EVENTS Pg20 GIFT EVENTS Pg20 GIFT GUIDE GUIDE EVENTS Pg20 GIFT GUIDE Fun Pg32 Pg28 Fun Pg32 Pg29 for the kids for the kids Fun Pg32 Pg21 for the kids #LoveLyme SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ^ Budleigh Salterton 2015 ^ Jacob’s Ladder 2015 ^ The beach at Beer, 2015 SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS @JurassicMags @JurassicMags @JurassicMags @LymeMagazine FOOD • CULTURE • ARTS • SHOPPING • EVENTS #JurassicMags FOOD • CULTURE • ARTS • SHOPPING • EVENTS #JurassicMags FOOD • CULTURE • ARTS • SHOPPING • EVENTS #JurassicMags FOOD • CULTURE • ARTS • SHOPPING • EVENTS #LymeMagazine 5 CHESIL MAGAZINE 2015 -FEATURE- A WEEK IN WEST DORSET WORDS: Lucie Simic ead to Bridport to explore superb the Sub Tropical Gardens 250th Anniversary. Hmarkets and the stunning Jurassic This 30 acre garden was described by Alan Coast beyond. West Dorset has some of the Titchmarsh as one of the fi nest gardens he ^ Abbotsbury most unspoilt scenery in Britain and this has ever visited. Sub Tropical has been showcased in the recent hit series Gardens For the brewing enthusiasts amongst you, and Broadchurch, shot in neighbouring West Bay. those over 13, then you won’t want to miss a The scenery and fascinating history of trip to Palmers Brewery. The tour will take Bridport and the surrounding coastline you through historic brewery buildings and won’t disappoint you. Why not take it all in will cover all aspects of the brewing process with a guided fossil walk? Anywhere along as well as the production of Palmers famous this stretch of the coast will turn up some Golden Cap whisky. The Old Brewery has been interesting fossil fi nds. The walks, aimed at all in operation since 1794 and production still ages, will bring you up close to the site of some takes place on the original site. of the world’s most infl uential fossil fi nds. Finally, if you’re looking for something a little If are looking for more than a leisurely beach bit different, then the Electric Palace is just stroll, why not experience the South West the place. This art-deco gem, transformed ^ Walk the beach to Burton Bradstock Coast Path? This nearly two-mile walk around from the derelict building a decade ago, plays the village of Burton Bradstock is perfect. The host to prestigious acts on a regular basis. circular walk is a great one if you’re taking your dog with you too as it takes walkers past dog Further information: friendly beaches and one or two pubs. www.southwestcoastpath.com Abbotsbury offers something for everyone. www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk The Children’s Farm will keep the little ones www.palmersbrewery.com entertained for hours, as will the Swannery, www.electricpalace.org.uk which is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting mute swans. 2015 marks ^ Palmers Brewery Tour ^ West Bay and the South West Coast Path 6 CHESIL MAGAZINE 2015 Artwave West is one of the largest Art Galleries in the Southwest showcasing a unique collection of high quality art to purchase for your home. The independent nature of the gallery and its spirited approach to the selection of artists ensures a distinctive presentation not seen anywhere else. An inspiring programme of courses and one day workshops run throughout the year. Please see the website for further details and opening times. artwave west | morcombelake | dorset | DT6 6DY | 01297 489746 [email protected] | www.artwavewest.com 7 The Jurassic Coast’s worst kept secret Forming part of the National Trust’s iconic Golden Cap estate and enjoying incredible views of Lyme Bay and the distant Isle of Portland, Down House Farm offers not only the perfect secluded spot for afternoon tea, but also a truly rustic holiday break. ased on their 380-acre working organic farm, Down House Garden Café was launched by owners Nikki and Dean in 1993, Band has become one of the Jurassic Coast’s worst kept secrets. In addition to the enviable view, the Garden Café offers homemade, unpretentious and wholesome ‘comfort food’, using their own organic meats, herbs and vegetables, as well as a selection of home-baked cakes and scones. What the farm itself cannot provide, the Garden Café sources from local suppliers, with fresh fi sh courtesy of Davy’s Locker, Dorset clotted cream from Leopard Dairy near Blandford and hot beverages provided by Beaminster’s Clipper Teas. All meat is reared on location to exacting Soil Association standards, and the farm’s lush meadows result in exquisite Aberdeen Angus beef, free range pork and lamb. Visitors are encouraged to walk some of the many footpaths that criss-cross the farm, including a striking section of the 630-mile South West Coast Path, to enjoy the wealth of fl ora and fauna that fl ourishes as a result of sympathetic farming practices. Nikki and Dean particularly recommend paying them a visit in May, as Eype Down explodes into a riot of violet, and the garden is awash with the delicate scent of bluebells. Should a day visit not be enough, you can now rent Down House Farm’s beautifully decorated shepherd’s hut. With no electricity and lit by the warm glow of lantern light, you need only open the stable door to enjoy a view of Eype’s green hills rolling down to the sea. Down House Farm’s Garden Café is open Tuesday - Sunday from March until October, from 10am to 6pm Find us at: Higher Eype, Bridport DT6 6AH Visit: www.downhousefarm.org We are delighted to announce that we have taken over the tenancy of the New Inn, Eype with wonderful views of our farm in a picturesque village within an easy stroll of the beach Accommodation - CHESIL MAGAZINE 2015 – HIGHWAY FARM – – CLIFF COTTAGE – on the beach fishing lakes ighway Farm offers quality bed and ne of the delightful quaint pink cottages Hbreakfast or a self-catering cottage Ooverlooking the beach on Lyme’s seafront, located in the countryside by the sea, hearty Cliff Cottage is a treasured seaside ‘home from AGA-cooked breakfasts and comfy beds. home’ for families and couples throughout the year. See the Cobb each morning without Set in a brilliant location from which to explore, getting out of bed, enjoy the scenery from by car, by bus, or on foot. Excellent local pubs the sun terrace and get to the beach with no on our doorstep, one in walking distance plus a hassle, it’s less than a minute away. Perfect feast of gourmet and quirky eating places that for romantic weekends and escaping everyday we are happy to point you to.