West Bay Discovery Centre

A Multi Award Winning Visitor Attraction on the Jurassic Coast.

Welcome to West Bay Discovery Centre

West Bay Discovery Centre is the perfect place for visitors to start exploring West Bay and this stretch of the Jurassic Coast. We are free to visit, and there is no need to book. We are usually open Tuesday- Sunday 11am – 4pm.

Situated on the edge of the beach in the charming fishing village of West Bay we are located inside the former historic Methodist Church and tell 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. Our visitor centre is the perfect starting point to explore West Bay.

We use interactive experiences to make learning about West Bay fun for all ages. Our challenge to visitors is to make your own discoveries, then come back and share them with us. We offer changing themed exhibitions and aim to provide the latest local information. A programme of talks, guided walks, and events are also on offer.

Internal view of West Bay Discovery Centre

We also have a small gift area and are proud to offer products from local producers. We are a charity and admission is free, but to do this we depend on donations from our visitors to meet our running costs.

Some of the awards given to West Bay Discovery Centre

What's on

Below is a list of forthcoming events...

EXHIBITION

Smuggling - Myth & Reality

Our current exhibition running from 15th February to 29th June 2025. It looks back to time in the mid 18th to 19th Centuries when smuggling was widespread along the Dorset Coast.

Weekly Guided Walks around West Bay

Thursdays 11am

Our weekly guided walks are back from 1st May 2025! Our friendly and knowledgeable volunteer guides are here on a Thursday morning to help you enjoy exploring West Bay with a selection of walks covering the history and nature of West Bay. All walks leave from West Discovery Centre, there is a £5 fee per person, payable on the day (no booking required). Walks start from outside the Centre at 11am sharp.

Find out which walk we are running on a specific date.

West Bay Beach of Dreams

UK-wide coastal arts festival

A free, drop in event outside the Discovery Centre inviting residents and visitors to explore their hopes and dreams for West Bay's iconic beach using creative writing, flag-making and beach windmills.
This is part of a UK-wide coastal arts festival exploring the unique heritage, cultures, and futures of our coastlines in the face of the climate emergency.

Ahoy Me Hearties!

Half Term Pirate Fun

It’s West Bay Day’s Annual Pirate Day, and on Sunday, May 25th, we will continue the Pirate Theme all half term week in the Discovery Centre with pirate-themed activities – fun for all the family and we are open everyday during half term!

Pirate Storytelling and Shanties Time

Half Term Fun!

Come and join Dorset folk singer Alastair Braidwood for a session of pirate storytelling and sea shanties at the West Bay Discovery Centre.
Children and family free event. No booking required.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Activity will take place weather permitting, and could be changed at the last minute.
This is a free event – donations welcome!