THE VILLAGE

Symondsbury is a quiet little village off the main A35 road (See map link below for directions) which boasts its own Pub, Tithe barn, School and Pottery. The l6th century cottages and pub are made of local yellow stone, the roofs are of thatch.

A stream wanders through the village coming from a spring that is believed still to have healing properties and people from miles around came to bathe their eyes, that were usually healed. An old road leads from the sea through the village, that used to take pilgrims to the shrine of St Whit at Whitchurch Canonicorum and this ancient track as well as several other walks reveal the ancient face of the Dorset countryside.

The principal house in the village is the Manor House. The Manor House has had many distinguished owners and is believed to have been at one time a monastery. Thomas Hardy and William Barnes were regular visitors.

The entire area is designated as being of outstanding natural beauty and is ideal for long walks or a relaxed seaside holiday. This area is part of the coast which has just been awarded World Heritage Site Status for its internationally important geology, fossils and geomorphology. It's England's first natural World Heritage Site, this award puts this coast alongside sites such as the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. It is about a mile and a half to the sea and there are a variety of beaches to choose from ranging from sandy beaches at West Bay and Lyme Regis to small coves at Eype and Chideock. (See links page for more information about our "Jurassic Coast").



Bridport, the nearest town, is a mile and a half away and has large street markets twice a week of fruit and vegetables, antiques, bric-a-brac and local crafts. Bridport Leisure Centre is well equipped for indoor swimming, squash, badminton, weight training etc and there are golf, horse riding, sailing and diving facilities within easy reach. There is a wide choice of restaurants and good pubs including one in Symondsbury only one hundred metres from the Manor.