Welcome

Situated on the edge of the beach in the charming fishing village of West Bay the  new West Bay Discovery Centre is located inside the former historic Methodist Church and tells the stories of West Bay both past and present. The spectacular scenery of West Bay was the location of the TV drama  “Broadchurch” and the Church was even featured in the first series.

We aim to offer something for all ages and interests. Our interactive displays cover many aspects of West Bay’s heritage. They include the former shipbuilding industry, commercial fishing, the development of tourism and the surrounding environment of the Jurassic Coast.

We also feature a range of amazing photographs, including a section on what makes West Bay special for people who live, work or visit West Bay.

The Discovery Centre provides up to date information on what’s on in West Bay and Bridport.

We also have a small gift area and are proud to offer products from local producers.

Admission is free but we are dependent on donations from our visitors to meet our running costs

 Summer Opening Hours wef  19th March 2019

11:00-16:00 Tuesday – Sunday

Shut every Monday (excluding Bank Holidays)

Family Friendly

Discover, Explore, Learn and Play

Our hands-on interactive activities are designed to provide a shared learning experience for families and are popular with all ages. Continue reading “Family Friendly”

What’s on

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of D Day. These Anniversaries make you stop, think and remember. Without them the stories of the great and brave men who were involved could easily be forgotten. In our exhibition we shall tell you about the GI’s time in West Bay from  November 1943 to June 1944 and their landing in France.


Got any gum, chum?

Join us for an evening of wartime memories in conversation with Arthur Watson formerly of the Riverside Restaurant, West Bay.  Held at Salt House, West Bay 7:30pm. Part of West Bay Discovery’s commemoration events to mark the 75th Anniversary of D Day. Tickets £3 from West Bay Discovery Centre or from Bridport TIC 01308 424901 or
https://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/tickets/other-bridport-events/

Other events

Stepping into Nature – Last Thursday of every month starting in March 2019

This is a relaxed, sociable and gentle monthly walk which is open to all, a health walk for healthy body and mind. Enjoy a gentle 40 – 60 minute walk taking in about a mile in distance around West Bay. Each month we will find new things to discover about West Bay. A great chance to make new friends and enjoy a stroll and chat…

This event is FREE as it is funded by Stepping into Nature through the Big Lottery Fund. http://www.stepin2nature.org

Thursday 25th April 2019 Stepping into Nature – Nature around West Bay in April 10am with walk starting at 10:45

The second of our monthly themed walks as part of the Stepping into Nature project will be looking at nature around West Bay in April. West Bay has a wealth of flora and fauna to be discovered, and this activity will include an opportunity to visit the Discovery Centre, followed by a walk around West Bay. Open to all ages, suitable for the over 55’s and dementia friendly, this is a free event. Donations welcome. Booking required. Further details manager@westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk  or telephone 010308 427288.

We will be holding various events and exhibitions during the year and if you are interested in collaborating with us in putting on an event, please contact us .

Discovery Volunteers

Volunteer with us 

Our friendly team consists of a Discovery Centre Manager and a group of dedicated volunteers. Our volunteers are at the heart of the Centre. They engage with visitors and guide them in their exploration of the Discovery Centre and through it West Bay.

Continue reading “Discovery Volunteers”