West Bay, Dorset – Jurassic Coast Harbour Village
A dramatic Dorset harbour village on the Jurassic Coast, famous for golden cliffs, a working fishing port, and its role in the TV drama Broadchurch.
West Bay is a picturesque fishing harbour village on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, famed for its golden cliffs, twin shingle beaches, and role as the filming location for the TV drama Broadchurch. Nestled at the western end of Chesil Beach, it offers dramatic coastal scenery, a working harbour, and easy access to the South West Coast Path. Visitors enjoy crabbing off the pier, boat trips, fossil hunting nearby, and relaxed seaside walks along the promenade with views of the cliffs and sea. The harbour area has cafes, kiosks, and the West Bay Discovery Centre, making it a popular destination for families and coastal explorers.
A brief summary to West Bay
- West Bay, GB
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the day or in shoulder seasons to avoid the busiest crowds, especially around the harbour and pier.
- Check tide times if planning to walk along the beach or explore the rocks; low tide is best for beachcombing and rock pooling.
- Dogs are not allowed on the main beaches from May to September, so plan accordingly if travelling with pets.
- Combine a visit to West Bay with a walk along the South West Coast Path to Eype or Burton Bradstock for stunning cliff-top views.
- Stop by the West Bay Discovery Centre to learn about the village’s fishing and shipbuilding history and the geology of the Jurassic Coast.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By car
From Bridport, follow West Bay Road (B3157) south for about 3 km; the road leads directly into the village with pay-and-display car parks near the harbour and beaches. Parking can be limited in peak season, so arrive early or consider using nearby overflow lots.
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By bus
The X53 Jurassic Coaster bus runs regularly between Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport and West Bay; the journey from Bridport takes around 15–20 minutes. Services are frequent in summer but less so in winter, so check the timetable in advance.
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On foot
From Bridport town centre, it’s a 30–40 minute walk south along West Bay Road, mostly on pavement, with clear views of the cliffs ahead. The route is flat and suitable for most walkers, making it a pleasant option for those staying in the town.
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By train and bus
The nearest mainline stations are Dorchester South and Dorchester West; from there, take the X53 bus to Bridport and then another X53 to West Bay, or a direct taxi. Journey time from Dorchester is about 45–60 minutes including the bus connection.
West Bay location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about West Bay
Gateway to the Jurassic Coast
West Bay sits at the western end of Chesil Beach on Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast, where dramatic golden cliffs of Bridport Sands rise above the sea. These 43-metre-high cliffs, formed around 175 million years ago, showcase striking geological features like faulting, jointing, and differential erosion, with evidence of recent landslips. The village, once known as Bridport Harbour, was rebranded West Bay by the Great Western Railway in the 19th century in an effort to promote it as a seaside resort. Today, it serves as a lively gateway to one of the world’s most famous coastlines, drawing geologists, walkers, and TV fans alike.A Working Harbour with a Seaside Heart
The heart of West Bay is its working fishing harbour, where boats still land their catch alongside pleasure craft and tour vessels. A promenade wraps around the harbour, lined with benches, kiosks, and cafes where you can pause with a drink or ice cream while watching boats come and go. The Jurassic Pier extends out into the bay, offering a unique vantage point over the harbour mouth and the cliffs on either side. The harbour’s layout, with piers, sea walls, rock armour, and beach nourishment, also provides a textbook example of coastal management in action.Beaches and Coastal Walks
West Bay has two main beaches. East Beach, a wide shingle beach flanked by the iconic East Cliff, is ideal for beachcombing, picnics, and bracing coastal walks. The smaller beach west of the harbour has rock groynes that make the water shallower, offering safer conditions for paddling and swimming in calmer weather. Both beaches are patrolled by lifeguards in summer, and dogs are welcome outside the main season. The village is a key point on the South West Coast Path, with trails leading east towards Burton Bradstock and Hive Beach, and west towards Eype and Charmouth, all offering spectacular cliff-top views.Life in the Village
Modern West Bay blends its fishing heritage with a thriving tourist scene. The harbour area has amusement arcades, a children’s playground near the Spar shop, and a range of places to eat, from fish and chips and pasties to seafood restaurants and cafes with sea views. The West Bay Discovery Centre, housed in a former Methodist church, tells the story of the village’s shipbuilding past, fishing industry, and tourism development, with interactive displays suitable for all ages. Nearby Bridport, just a couple of miles inland, provides additional shops, markets, and services, making West Bay a convenient base for exploring the wider area.From Screen to Seaside
West Bay gained wider fame as the primary filming location for the ITV crime drama Broadchurch, with its golden cliffs and harbour featuring prominently in the series. Fans often visit to recognise familiar scenes from the show, but the village’s appeal extends far beyond its TV fame. Whether you’re here for geology, coastal walks, boat trips, or simply a relaxed day by the sea, West Bay offers a classic Dorset seaside experience with a dramatic backdrop and a strong sense of place.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nunney Castle
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Birnbeck Pier, Weston-super-Mare
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Bath Quays Waterside
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Chapel Arts Centre
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Green Park Station
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Thermae Bath Spa
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Hetling Pump Room
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Westgate Buildings
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The Cross Bath
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Old Theatre Royal
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Bath Masonic Hall
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Elton House
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St John The Evangelist's Church
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Bath World Heritage Centre
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Herschel Museum of Astronomy
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Unmissable attractions to see
Symondsbury Estate
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Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
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Free fossil museum and guide to one of England's most productive Jurassic Coast hunting grounds.
Chalice Well
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White Spring
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A mystical Victorian water temple at Glastonbury Tor, honoring sacred calcite-rich waters with shrines, healing pools, and timeless spiritual energy.
St Margaret's Chapel
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Glastonbury Tor
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An iconic hill of myth, legend, and breathtaking views, Glastonbury Tor invites you to step into England’s mystical past and spiritual heart.
Glastonbury Abbey
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Explore the evocative ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, where history, myth, and spirituality converge in England’s richest medieval monastery.
Glastonbury
48.6 km
Glastonbury: Where ancient legends, spiritual mystique, and vibrant festival culture converge in the heart of Somerset.
Scaplen's Court Museum and Garden
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Coastal Cruises Poole
54.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Poole's coastline with Coastal Cruises, offering unforgettable boat tours for every traveler.
RNLI Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
55.1 km
Discover the heroic history of Poole’s lifeboat service at the RNLI Old Lifeboat Museum, nestled in the historic 1882 station on Fisherman's Dock.
Shepton Mallet Prison
55.4 km
Step inside England’s oldest prison for immersive tours, escape rooms, and ghost hunts steeped in over 400 years of history and haunting tales.
Brownsea Island
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Poole Park
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The Bishop's Palace & Gardens
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Essential places to dine
Prezzo Italian Restaurant Bath
79.3 km
Authentic Italian dining in Bath’s historic Brunel Square, serving classic pizzas, pasta, and inclusive menus in a unique railway tunnel setting.
Tapas Revolution.
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Lively Spanish tapas and cocktails in central Bath – perfect for sharing, socialising and a taste of Iberian flair.
Noya's Kitchen
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Experience authentic Vietnamese home cooking in a charming Grade II listed Georgian setting in the heart of Bath.
Bar + Block Steakhouse Bath
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Experience expertly hand-cut steaks and vibrant British flavors in the heart of Bath at Bar + Block Steakhouse.
Green Park Brasserie
79.5 km
Historic railway charm meets live jazz and seasonal local cuisine in Bath’s vibrant Green Park Brasserie.
Bouvardia Restaurant
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Experience Bath’s finest fine dining with exquisite British and European cuisine in an elegant, luxurious setting at Bouvardia Restaurant.
Yak Yeti Yak
79.6 km
Authentic Nepalese cuisine and Himalayan hospitality in a vibrant basement gem.
Thai Balcony Restaurant
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Authentic Thai dining with a charming balcony view in the heart of Bath’s vibrant Seven Dials district.
Las Iguanas - Bath
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Experience bold Latin American flavors and vibrant cocktails in the heart of Bath’s lively Seven Dials district.
OAK Restaurant
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Discover OAK Restaurant in Bath: exquisite vegetarian small plates crafted with local, seasonal ingredients in a cozy, historic setting.
The Elder Restaurant
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Experience refined modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal wild game in Bath’s elegant Georgian setting.
Tagine Zhor
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Sotto Sotto
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Amarone Restaurant
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Experience authentic Italian cuisine and elegant ambiance in the heart of historic Bath at Amarone Restaurant.
La Perla
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Luca & Fig
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Discover unique gifts and stylish home furnishings in Bath’s charming Luca & Fig boutique, where creativity meets quality.
My Small World Toy Store
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A charming boutique toy store in Bath offering handcrafted wooden toys, unique books, and exceptional personal service for all ages.
Urban Outfitters
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A vibrant lifestyle store in Bath offering on‑trend fashion, accessories, and quirky homewares in a creative, youth‑oriented space.
The Bath Independent Market
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Discover Bath’s vibrant independent makers beneath the iconic glass roof of Green Park Station every Sunday.
Hauslife
79.5 km
Discover unique artisan homewares and gifts in a warm, inviting boutique nestled in Bath’s historic Abbeygate Street.
Bath Retro Store
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Discover quirky gifts and nostalgic treasures in Bath Retro Store, a charming independent shop nestled in historic Abbey Green.
The Roman baths shop
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Discover unique Roman-inspired gifts and souvenirs in the heart of Bath’s historic city center.
Hidden Store Bath
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Discover ethically made artisan gifts and homewares that celebrate Bath’s rich heritage and creativity in a warm, curated boutique setting.
Pinkart
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Topping & Company Booksellers of Bath
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A beloved independent bookshop in Bath offering rich literary selections, live author events, and a welcoming atmosphere daily until late evening.
Jacks of Bath
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Discover authentic Bath souvenirs in a charming boutique nestled in the historic Abbey Churchyard, perfect for unique gifts and keepsakes.
Fudge Kitchen Ltd - Bath
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Nām
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Fancy That of London
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Bluebells of Bath
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Be At One - Bath
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Juno Bar and Kitchen
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The Dark Horse
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The Crystal Palace, Bath
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The Grapes
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The Hideout
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ArtBar
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Vino Vino
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Sleight Magic Bar
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All Bar One Bath
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Fidel Rum Bar
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Coeur De Lion
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The Bath Distillery Gin Bar
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The Raven
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The Botanist Bath
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly