Bridport

Bridport lies to the west and is Europes biggest producer of ropes. Rope and net making has been the main industry here for over 1,000 years and while most of the product was applied to nautical uses, some of it was used for the hangmans noose, which became known as a Bridport dagger.

The local trade had a curious and pleasing effect on town planning; in Bridport the largely Georgian Streets are at least 10 ft wider than the norm, leaving enough room for rope makers to twine great lengths of flax into shape.

To the east of the town is Chesil Beach an eighteen-mile stretch that finishes at the Isle of Portland, near Weymouth. The beach is hazardous for swimmers and sailing ships with even on a calm day the sea breeze is strong. You can walk on the beach at Burton Bradstock.