Explore Things to Do in West Bay, Dorset
Harbour Life, Golden Cliffs and Days on the Jurassic Coast
West Bay has a completely different feel from many of the smaller villages along the West Dorset coast. There’s always something going on around the harbour: fishing boats heading out to sea, people crabbing from the quayside, walkers arriving from the South West Coast Path and families deciding whether to head for the beach or stop for an ice cream first.
We’ve spent countless days here over the years, particularly when our children were younger. Crabbing from the harbour was always a favourite, although watching the fishing boats come and go could occupy almost as much time. Even now, we still enjoy walking around the harbour, heading up onto the coast path or stopping somewhere for lunch before carrying on along the coast.
Of course, it’s difficult to talk about West Bay without mentioning the cliffs. The great sweep of golden sandstone rising behind East Beach is one of the most recognisable views on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, made even more famous by Broadchurch. Seeing them on television is one thing, but standing beneath them gives you a much better sense of their scale. We always recommend admiring the cliffs from a safe distance rather than getting too close to their base.
Things To Do
Then there’s the food. West Bay is one of those places where eating beside the water is very much part of the day. You’ll find everything from fish and chips and ice creams to seafood restaurants and places for a drink overlooking the harbour. We’ve developed our own favourites over the years, and a walk followed by something good to eat is still one of our preferred ways to spend a few hours here.
What makes West Bay particularly useful when exploring West Dorset is how much you can combine in one day. Bridport is just inland, Burton Bradstock and Hive Beach are along the coast, and some of West Dorset’s loveliest villages, beaches and walking routes are within easy reach.
It’s somewhere we continue to return to ourselves and regularly suggest to guests staying in our Dorset holiday cottages. Come for the harbour and famous cliffs, but leave enough time to wander beyond them, there’s much more to West Bay than the view you might recognise from television.
Frequently Asked Questions
West Bay is a great place for a day by the coast. You can explore the working harbour, spend time on East Beach, walk part of the South West Coast Path, go crabbing from the harbour or take a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast. Bridport is also close enough to combine with West Bay if you’d like to add independent shops, markets and galleries to your day.
Definitely. The combination of a working harbour, dramatic Jurassic Coast scenery, beaches and coastal walking gives West Bay much more variety than you might expect from a relatively small seaside destination. We’ve been coming here as a family for years, and it’s one of those places that works equally well for a couple of hours or an entire day.
West Bay is particularly famous for its towering golden cliffs and its appearance as the fictional town of Broadchurch in the ITV drama of the same name. It’s also known for its harbour, fishing heritage and position on the Jurassic Coast. The cliffs are spectacular, but they’re active and can be unstable, so always observe warning signs and keep well away from their base.
Yes. Crabbing around the harbour was always one of our children’s favourite things to do here, and there are beaches, boat trips, ice cream stops and plenty to watch around the working harbour. For families planning a Dorset break, it’s an easy day out from our family-friendly cottages in Dorset.
Yes, and it’s one of the best reasons to visit. The South West Coast Path runs through West Bay, allowing you to follow the coastline towards Burton Bradstock and Hive Beach in one direction or towards Eype, Seatown and Golden Cap in the other. Some sections involve steep climbs, but you don’t have to walk far from the harbour to find impressive coastal views.
West Bay can be a lovely place to explore with a dog, particularly if you combine the harbour with a walk along the South West Coast Path. Beach access for dogs varies by location and time of year, so it’s worth checking the current restrictions before setting off. For guests holidaying with their dogs, we also have a collection of dog-friendly cottages in Dorset.
We’d allow at least half a day, although it’s very easy to spend longer. A walk around the harbour, time on the beach and lunch can comfortably fill several hours. Add a coastal walk, boat trip or a visit to Bridport and you’ve got a full day.
Yes. Anyone who watched Broadchurch will recognise West Bay’s harbour and distinctive golden cliffs, which featured prominently throughout the series. You don’t need to be a fan to appreciate the scenery, but it’s fascinating seeing just how familiar parts of the town feel when you’ve watched the programme.
West Bay is far from the only part of Dorset to have appeared on screen.
You can discover more in our guide to Dorset’s famous coastal film locations, including places you can visit yourself. And if you enjoy the darker side of Dorset’s literary connections too, our guide to thrillers inspired by Dorset explores the county through the books and stories it has helped inspire.
Burton Bradstock and Hive Beach are just along the coast, while Bridport is only a short distance inland. Travel further west and you’ll reach Eype, Seatown and Golden Cap, while heading east opens up more of the coast towards Abbotsbury and Chesil Beach. Our Explore Burton Bradstock and Explore Abbotsbury guides are useful if you’re planning a longer day exploring this part of West Dorset.
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