Last weekend I went on a family camping trip around Bridport, West Bay and Burton Bradstock, and I was pleasantly surprised by how many gluten free options were available. This part of Dorset on the Jurassic Coast is great for coastal walks, small beaches and charming harbours. Bridport is an eclectic market town, and nearby West Bay features a pretty harbour, plenty of shops and cafes, and lots of places worth exploring.
Our main event was a family barbecue at the campsite in Burton Bradstock, but we still found time to try several gluten free spots in Bridport and West Bay. I was particularly happy to discover how many places offered gluten free ice-cream cones — a small joy when you’re avoiding gluten.
Below are the gluten free places we visited and what I thought of them.
Bella’s, Bridport
Bella’s was our first stop and an excellent introduction to the local gluten free scene. The staff were incredibly helpful and pointed us toward other gluten free places nearby. They offer a variety of gluten free and some dairy free cakes, alongside fresh salads and savoury options. With two coeliacs in the family, I appreciated their clear attention to cross-contamination.
I was kindly given a selection to taste: a gluten and dairy free coffee and walnut cake, a toffee pecan brownie, a Bakewell slice, and a falafel salad. Everything tasted fresh and well made. They tend to sell out quickly, so I recommend visiting in the morning or calling ahead to reserve items.
Rise, West Bay
Rise in West Bay was a highlight — they have a comprehensive gluten free menu and reassuring procedures for coeliacs, including a separate gluten free fryer. We shared gluten free fish and chips and a large plate of gluten free calamari, both of which were excellent. The restaurant’s waterside view and attractive interior made the meal even better, and the staff were friendly and confident about the gluten free options. Highly recommended for a seaside meal.
Granny Gothards, West Bay
This charming ice-cream shop has a wide range of flavours and clear signage about gluten free options. They offer gluten free cones and even several adult, boozy flavours. I debated between peach and prosecco but chose ginger — it was delicious. Eating ice-cream from a gluten free cone by the harbour is an absolute treat; Granny Gothards is worth a stop if you’re in West Bay.
Purbeck Ice-Cream, West Bay
I’d previously tried Purbeck Ice-Cream at Lulworth Cove, so I was pleased to find them in West Bay too. Purbeck label all their ice-creams gluten free, which makes choosing easy, and they offer gluten free cones as well. I had a banoffee scoop with swirls of toffee sauce — rich and indulgent. Purbeck’s variety makes it a great stop for anyone wanting gluten free ice-cream along the coast.
The Stables, Bridport
We considered getting a takeaway from The Stables, but it was very busy and the wait was long. I’m a fan of this chain — we’d recently been to the Bournemouth location where their gluten free pizzas were excellent. The Stables started in Bridport and the same group own Rise in West Bay, so it’s a local favourite and a reliable option if you want gluten free pizza and a large cider selection.
West Bay Tea Rooms, West Bay
We didn’t get the chance to eat here, but West Bay Tea Rooms came up in searches and had signs advertising gluten free options. It’s conveniently located near the long-stay car park on the walk toward the harbour, making it an easy lunch stop if you’re exploring West Bay on foot.
Café Sladers, West Bay
Café Sladers looked inviting and displayed gluten free signage outside. We didn’t have time to go in, but their menu was clearly marked and indicated options for vegans and vegetarians too. It’s a good option to consider when you’re in West Bay and want clearly labelled dietary choices.
Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock
Hive Beach Café is a pleasant 30-minute walk from the campsite and well worth the stroll. It has a decked seating area overlooking the pebbled beach, a great spot to watch the waves. When I checked, they confirmed they usually offer gluten free options, both sweet and savoury, and they serve local ciders — perfect for a relaxed seaside stop.
Any other suggestions?
I hope this guide helps if you’re planning a trip to Bridport, West Bay or Burton Bradstock. If you know of other gluten free places in the area I should add, please let me know. I’m always keen to discover more coeliac-friendly spots along the coast.
