This past weekend, my daughter Elsie (aged 4) and I set off on an adventure around Bridport and West Bay, on a mission to track down the fabulous elephants of Stampede by the Sea! And let me tell you, it was a magical day.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, Stampede by the Sea is an incredible art trail featuring beautifully painted elephant sculptures, each designed by talented local artists. The trail stretches across Bridport, West Bay, and Lyme Regis, running from 28th March to 27th May 2025, and it’s all in support of Weldmar Hospicecare. We knew we had to get involved – and what better way to do it than by hopping on a First Bus to explore?
Getting Around with First Bus
Now, I have to say, we’re big fans of public transport when it comes to days out. It takes the stress out of parking, and Elsie absolutely loves the excitement of getting on a bus (it’s all part of the adventure!). First Bus, who have partnered with Weldmar Hospicecare as the official Transport Partner for Stampede by the Sea, made our travels super easy. We grabbed a Dorset Group Day ticket for just £15 on the First Bus app, which meant we could hop on and off all day without a worry.
The app was a breeze to use – I booked our ticket in seconds, and we simply scanned it on my phone each time we got on board. Plus, the Group Saver Tickets are such great value when you’re travelling as a family – for £10 (Weymouth) or £15 (Dorset), you get unlimited travel for the day. Perfect for elephant spotting across multiple locations!
The Elephant Hunt Begins
Elsie was obsessed with the app that let us ‘collect’ each elephant as we found them. Every time we spotted one, she’d excitedly entered the code, adding another colourful creation to our virtual collection. Each sculpture had its own unique design – from bold, bright patterns to intricate scenes telling stories of the local area. Seeing her little face light up with excitement every time we discovered a new one was just priceless.
We started our hunt in Bridport, weaving through the town’s historic streets and stopping for a little café break (because elephant spotting is hungry work!). Then, we jumped on the bus and headed to West Bay – and wow, what a gorgeous spot.
West Bay Wonders
Even though I’ve lived in Dorset my whole life, there’s always something new to discover. West Bay was simply stunning – with its golden cliffs, picturesque harbour, and lovely sandy beach. We treated ourselves to ice cream (because, let’s be honest, no day out is complete without one!), played on the beach, and even had time for a run around in the park. It was one of those perfect days where you just soak up the moment.
And the best part? Thanks to First Bus, getting around was effortless. No stressing over parking, no long walks back to the car – just hop on, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Why You Should Get Involved
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to explore more of Dorset, Stampede by the Sea is an absolute must. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors, celebrate local creativity, and support an amazing cause – all while keeping the kids entertained! And with First Bus making travel so simple and affordable, you can explore every corner of the trail without a hitch.
The Stampede by the Sea trail is running until 27th May 2025, so there’s plenty of time to get involved. Grab your Group Saver Ticket on the First Bus app, hop on board, and start your own elephant adventure. Who knows – maybe you’ll find a new favourite spot in Dorset along the way, just like we did!
Happy hunting!
*Sponsored post.
