Beaminster

For details of places to stay and things to do in Beaminster, please try the links on the left.

THE small town of Beaminster, lying just north of Bridport, is a prosperous town despite having been devastated by fire three times in its history. The first fire occurred in 1644 during the Royalist occupation and was followed by further fires in 1684 and 1781.


Although just a few of the finest 17th century houses survived, the town's historic centre is, nevertheless, a conservation area featuring over 200 listed buildings.

Beaminster's past can be explored in the town's museum, which is housed in a charming converted Congregational Chapel in Whitcombe Road. Open from Easter to the end of September the museum contains a fine collection of agricultural tools and illustrates the life of the people of Beaminster from medieval to modern times.

Today, Beaminster is a charming place to stop and browse around its unique shops or to sample some of the local fare in its restaurants, pubs and tearooms.

The whole community comes together in early summer to participate in and enjoy the Beaminster Festival, a nine-day celebration of music and arts. Venues all around the town play host to all kinds of music from jazz, folk, classical, steel bands and nationally known bands. A wide range of visual arts is exhibited in various locations around the town and each year guest speakers are invited to talk on a variety of subjects relating to the Arts.

Garden lovers can enjoy the excellent Mapperton Gardens with its 17th century manor house; or Horn Park, which has many unusual trees, shrubs and plants.

Beaminster is perfectly situated to explore the delights of both the countryside and the World Heritage Coast.