West Bay Accommodation
Stunning Jurassic coast geology at West Bay
The Esplanade at West Bay makes for an easy stroll and on to coastal walks
West Bay's kiosks selling sweets and snacks
West Bay's busy harbour at the centre of the town
Boat trips available from West Bay harbour
The shingle beach at West Bay continues to the Isle of Portland as Chesil Beach
Plenty of harbourside snacks at West Bay
The Old Salt House in West Bay sometimes has exhibitions on display
West Bay Tourist Information
West Bay is a popular harbour village on the Jurassic Coast in West Dorset. It originated as a port for Bridport and was known as Bridport Harbour. However, it has become much more popular for its beaches and coastal walks in recent times.
The cliffs at West Bay are stunning both for views and geology. Steep yellow sandstone cliffs back the shingle beaches that then stretch for miles to the Isle of Portland as Chesil Beach.
Featured Dorset Accommodation
The Old Coastguards Holiday Cottages - Abbotsbury
4 star Dorset cottages by the sea with 17 miles of beach at the end of the garden. Family friendly. Short breaks.Walking, fishing, bird watching. Sleeps up to 8
£495 to £1405 Per Week (depending on cottage capacity and season)
West Bay Tourism Guide & Attractions
West Bay is another of the Jurassic Coast Gateway towns. Being south of Bridport it was once known as Bridport Harbour, but now has its own identity and was the location for a BBC drama "Harbour Lights".
West Bay gives you access to the South West Coast Path and to some beautiful fine shingle beaches, excellent for family summer holidays. The old railway line is now open as a walking route that takes you into Bridport and Palmer's Brewery for a beer tasting!
West Bay harbour is a popular day out and there are restaurants, pubs, cafes and refreshment kiosks selling snacks from ice creams to fish and chips. Boat trips leave from the harbour for fishing or pleasure trips along the coast. You can also take a rowing boat trip up the River Brit. You can find out more about boat trip operators from the West Bay page on The Jurassic Coast weblink right.
The National Trust own much of the coast between West Bay and Charmouth. Check their link right for a downloadable walk at West Bexington east of West Bay.
West Bay Beaches
West Bay's beaches, East beach and West beach, are popular not only for sunning yourself, but also to get a closer look at the Jurassic rocks exposed on the seaward side of Golden Cap.
West Beach is particularly good for younger children as there is a protective cove between the harbour's west pier and the esplanade's rock armour.
East Beach is a mix of sand and shingle and extends along Chesil Beach to Portland Bill.
The sharply cut golden sandstone cliffs at West Bay were laid down in the Jurassic period and are around 180 million years old!
Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club
Above the golden cliffs to the east of West Bay is Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club.
This is a stunning cliff-top golf course with far reaching views along the Jurassic Coast, Chesil beach and Lyme Bay.
The sixth hole, Port Coombe, is the course's signature hole and has been voted into the top 100 holes in the world. It's a spectacular hole of only 133 yards, but dropping from the top of the cliff to a green almost at sea level far below!
Visitors are welcomed at the club outside of 8-9am daily and 11am-12pm on Saturdays and when competitions are not being played. Check the link right for more information or contact the golf club direct via the secretary on 01308 421095. Email: secretary@bridportgolfclub.org.uk,
Scuba Diving Dorset West Bay Diving
Lyme Bay is an excellent area for diving. There are around sixty known wrecks (and is also known as "The Bay of a Thousand Wrecks"!) and numerous reef and drift dive sites where you can frequently see a diverse array of marine wildlife.
West Bay Diving offer dive boat trips on their fast, 10.5 Vigilante 33 hard boat. They also offer dive training. Contact Keith on 07768 100903 to check availability.
If you fancy learning how to navigate your own way around the seas, Lyme Bay Sea School offer powerboat training that follows the RYA National Powerboat Scheme. Check the link right for more information.
Featured Dorset Accommodation
The Old Coastguards Holiday Cottages - Abbotsbury
4 star Dorset cottages by the sea with 17 miles of beach at the end of the garden. Family friendly. Short breaks.Walking, fishing, bird watching. Sleeps up to 8
£495 to £1405 Per Week (depending on cottage capacity and season)
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