Lower Park lies central to the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site. The whole area is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Jurassic Coast is 153km long, it extends from Orcombe Point (near Exmouth) in the west, to Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck in the east.
The area surrounding Lower Park Farm offers a large number of seaside locations for family holidays. Coastal & countryside walks, cycling, fossil hunting, fishing trips, scuba diving, paragliding, golfing, river boating, boat hire and sailing can all be enjoyed with minimum effort.
Lower Park’s closest village, Whitchurch Canonicorum, is approximately 1½ miles away from the farmhouse, en route to Charmouth. Whitchurch Canonicorum lies at the heart of Marshwood Vale located on the western border of Dorset. The village is 2 miles from the seaside village of Charmouth, 5 miles from the traditional seaside resort of Lyme Regis and 5 miles from the old market town of Bridport noted for it’s antique markets and bistros. The village population is approximately 650 with 10% of the dwellings second homes. Whitchurch Canonicorum is also the burial place of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov. In addition to Westminster Abbey, the village’s church St. Candida & Holy Cross contains the only shrine in Britain accommodating the relics of the female Saint Wite from the Viking era. The church is over 1000 years old.
The village of Charmouth is 3 miles from Lower Park and is easily accessible by car or bicycle and overlooks Lyme Bay. The National Trust owns significant portions of the scenic areas around Charmouth, including the spectacular Golden Cap Estate. The majestic and radiant sandstone-topped cliffs of Golden Cap hill are the highest on the south coast.
East of Golden Cap, along the coast, are the tiny villages of Seatown and Eype both with accessible beaches and parking. Further east, West Bay is a perfect location for crab fishing and a few miles further is Burton Bradstock with a fine beach and The Hive Beach Café which serves great food.
The historic market town of Bridport lies inland from West Bay and is about 5 miles from Lower Park. It is a vibrant town with farmers and street markets. Bridport also offers arts, crafts, antiques and furniture restoration warehouses as well as the familiar supermarkets Waitrose & Morrisons.
Lyme Regis, a very popular traditional seaside town, is 6 miles from Lower Park and lies on the border of Devon & Dorset. Lyme Regis is a stylish and tasteful seaside town, it is a historic unspoilt seaside resort and fishing port on the famous Cobb Harbour. Lyme Regis Golf Course is situated on the top of Timber Hill east of the town and boasts fantastic sea views stretching from Portland in the east to Start Point in the west.
Pilsden Pen is approximately 4 miles from Lower Park, it one one of a number of impressive iron aged hill forts in West Dorset. It is managed by the National Trust and is a popular picnic destination, great for walking and spectacular views across Dorset. Pilsden Pen once housed a medieval rabbit warren. Rabbits are everywhere!
Other walks and picnic locations within 5 miles of Lower Park are:
Lambert’s and Coney’s Castles
Champernhayes Woods
Langdon Woods
Golden Cap
Stonebarrow Hill
Eating and Drinking
West Dorset is blessed with many great places to grab a spot of lunch, a coffee or a rewarding pint.
The nearest pub is the Shave Cross Inn (1.5 mile). The pub is 18th Century with a lovely flag-stone floored bar and fire with a skittle alley for children. It’s an easy 25 minute walk and well worth it for a drink. The Five Bells in Whitchurch Canonicorum (1.5 miles) is friendly, welcoming and serves good Palmers Ales.
Also worth checking out is The Anchor at Seatown (not to be mixed up with Seaton!) A beautiful spot overlooking the sea and a good menu.
Bridport is developing into a foodie heaven with many coffee shops, pop-up eateries and locally sourced farm shops (Felicity’s Farm Shop in Morecombelake). Recommended places to eat are Dorshi, Klin Klans (BYO), Tortilla Cantina and The Olive Tree. The Soul Shine Café does great breakfasts, coffee and cakes (and lunch/evening measl) also the Red Brick Café is simple but charming and very healthy! Two excellent pubs just outside Bridport are the Ilchester Arms at Symondsbury and the Pymore Inn (in Pymore).
Lyme Regis has also a great deal to offer. Our favourites are:
The Lyme Bay, Lilac, The Mill Side Restaurant, Poco Pizza and Lal Qilla (Indian). Two great pubs towards The Cobb are The Standard and Harbour Inn. Outside eating and drinking, the latter particularly good for fish. Swim is good value for families and right on the beach.