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

The harbour of West Bay no longer shows any visible signs of its shipbuilding past. However during the period 1769-1879 over 350 ships were built here. We will be bringing the shipyard back to life and discovering some of its secrets in this anniversary year. 

In association with Bridport Museum we are delighted to be part of the Turner in Bridport events that are taking place during the summer. Further details :https://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/gd-info/j-m-w-turner-comes-to-bridport/programme-of-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

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 .

West Bay Discovery Centre Guided Walks

Join us this summer for a weekly guided walk around West Bay. West Bay has so many hidden treasures and stories to tell so each walk will cover a different theme.  Duration one and a half hours walk.  Cost: £3 payable on the day. (Please note on the last Thursday on each month the walk is part of our Stepping into Nature Programme.)

Coming soon

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”