Wanting to relocate somewhere progressive & Rural... Suggestions? Bridport?

[jessiebear88]

Sick of the London commuter bubble and looking to move to a new area/town with the following things:

• progressive / liberal / conscious community
• close to lots of countryside for walks with sea or rivers
• Rural oppose to city vibes
• Near to a few active community/towns

We thought we had found this in Bridport, Dorset but starting to get cold feet after some bad luck, we had originally found a house which we loved but unfortunately fell through due to a sketchy seller and started getting concerned about traffic and parking there... Would love any feedback about any town ideas or anything that can gain faith back in Bridport. Been racking our brains and researching for months, so just needed a little help?

Totnes?
Just a suggestion - apart from holidaying close by a couple of times I know nothing about it really other than it would seem to meet at least 3 of your requirements.

Aberystwyth, Hebden Bridge, Buxton?

Keswick, Frome, Southwold?

Stroud?

West bay ! We have family in Bridport it is so lovely down there ! What about Lyme Regis ?

West Bay
Frome
Bruton
Totnes
Lovington
Langport
Lyme Regis
Glastonbury

wow, thank you, really taken back by all these replies! Really appreciate you all taking the time to send us suggestions, and great ones at that! My husband and I have some holiday booked with no plans next week so will go and explore some of these places. From just first glance Frome, Totnes, Hebden Bridge, Stroud and West Bay have caught our eye. Will keep you updated!

So we did a visit of a few of the places, I will just tell you about the ones that stuck out as otherwise it will turn into an essay.

• Hepden Bridge, which is I have to say is a very special town, the best I saw on the trip. it was visually beautiful with a river running through it, active community spirit, friendly people, great shops, cinema and park, commutable to Leeds & Manchester via train. It felt like an island in the fact it seems the only one of its kind in the area - but would very much consider this as an option.

• Totness was another really great town, looked like great community vibes, all the basic shops and more, loved the surrounding areas too which had similar vibes spreading out also, commutable to Exeter - Would really consider this one also.

It was a really great trip seeing so many towns around the UK, there are so many beautiful hidden gems and makes me want to explore more of our country. There is only so much you can gain from a day somewhere so it felt like first impressions is all we could judge upon and the feel we got from somewhere... a few others we saw were Glossop, Cirencester, Tiverton, Ashburton, Taunton, Stroud, Buxton, Dulverton & Frome - They all seemed really great also!

The conclusion we came to was that Bridport was the perfect town for us at this particular time in our lives, but would not rule out considering Hepden Bridge and Totness in the future once more comfortable being further from family. Its easy to think the grass is always greener, but its really what you make of a place. I can rest easy knowing we made the right choice for us. We will be moving next week - Thanks again everyone for your suggestions.

We moved to Bridport three years ago now - shout if you need any tips/advice

Bridport is good. A growing community of progressive / liberal / conscious humans of child rearing age. So if this is you, I totally encourage you to join us!

Moved from a big city a few years ago. PM me if you have any questions or if you go through a WTF have I done stage. It’s a small world here and can be an adjustment if you’ve never lived somewhere small.

All the best to you

Oh just to say re traffic and parking, if you’re coming from London I don’t think you will be too shocked by traffic jams. But you might be shocked by gloriously clean air (everywhere except on high st itself).

Also traffic is only really meaningful in summer hols so learn local side routes to avoid holidaymaker traffic.

Update: moved to Bridport 3 months ago and very happy with our choice!

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone could let me know how it is living in Bridport with kids? I'm a single mum with a soon to be 8 year old and the last few years we've been living in Ubud Bali. I miss the UK (I'm from the midlands originally) and am currently looking at Dorset to relocate as I'd like to be by the coast. At the moment I work from home so this means I'm flexible on where i live right now, and I'd like an area where we could make friends with the local community as we don't know many people in the Dorset area. I recently visited Bridport briefly and loved the feel of the town. I'm worried there isn't much for kids there? My son needs lots of activities to keep him busy! Also not sure about which primary schools are good and whether they are hard to get into as we'll be joining mid point? It's also a bit more remote than perhaps places like Dorchester or Poole area, what are peoples advice / opinions on Bridport? Would also love to connect with other families living in the area to gain more insight. Thanks sorry for the long post!

That sounds like a big change, I do not have kids so cannot help you in that respect, but I know lots of people who enjoy raising their families here. It might be worth joining the local facebook groups: "Bridport Banter" for more information about activities and ask questions. I feel that technically Bridport is more rural than Dorchester but can feel like there is more going on, they are both great choices - depends on your life style preferences.

Hi @ljo7611 I got your inbox message but unfortunately every time I tried to reply it wouldn't let me with a pop-up box that's blank. Not sure if its broken. I hope all is going smoothly!

Hi @jessiebear88 that's odd maybe I haven't set up my account correctly I'll double check. I'm still in the research stages but am going to Bridport for a couple of days this week to get more of a feel for the area. I'll also stay in Dorchester to compare. Thank you for your help though much appreciated! Do you live in Bridport or somewhere else in Dorset?

That's a great idea, you will know what vibe is more 'you' when you visit. I take solace in knowing that there really is no 'right' answer and to trust what feels right at the time.

I live in the middle between Bridport and Dorchester in a village. I tend to prefer Bridport for leisure and Dorchester for bigger shops. Wishing you a lovely visit, are you visiting anywhere else?

Sorry to dig up an old thread...

Wondering if anyone can help me with advice on Bridport and the surrounding area. Am at the start of a separation and moving area with three children. My eldest has a place at colyton grammar in September and I’m looking to move nearby (or commutable !) with a fantastic primary for my younger two. Would also like a conscious, thoughtful community that we can become a part of - Bridport seems like it fits the description in a lot of ways but wondering about schools.. Any advice?
Thanks :)

Hi I live in the area you are interested Diddle so please PM me if you want a general chat about the area. I'm childfree though so cannot help with child-related questions though sorry!