West Bay Discovery Centre

A Multi Award Winning Visitor Attraction on the Jurassic Coast.

Welcome to West Bay Discovery Centre

Discover the stories of West Bay — past and present — at our friendly, award-winning visitor centre by the beach. Housed in a historic Methodist Church (featured in Broadchurch), the Centre offers interactive displays, themed exhibitions, guided walks and up-to-date local information. We’re FREE to visit, no booking needed, and open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm. Come explore, learn, and make your own discoveries along the stunning Jurassic Coast!

Don’t forget to browse our small gift area, showcasing wonderful products from local producers. We’re proud to keep entry free — but we rely on the kind donations of visitors to help us continue our work. Every contribution makes a real difference — thank you for your support!

Accessible and Dog Friendly

Our Centre is buggy and wheelchair accessible, and our friendly volunteers are always happy to help. We are dog-friendly. Dogs should be kept on a short lead, and please be mindful of other visitors who may be nervous of dogs.

Internal view of West Bay Discovery Centre

What’s on at West Bay Discovery Centre

There’s always something new to discover at West Bay Discovery Centre! Alongside our fascinating permanent displays, we host free exhibitions, guided walks, talks, and family-friendly events — so every visit is a new adventure.

EXHIBITION

Changing Landscapes from 17th March

Celebrating 25 years of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site. Discover fossils, a Jurassic seabed model, short films about coastal change, and a fossil touch table.
Come and explore how this coastline has changed over millions of years—and how it’s still changing today.

Unseen & Underground: Why Our Geographical Heritage Matters

Part of our Changing Landscapes Exhibition

ver wondered what lies beneath our landscape?

Join us for “Unseen & Underground: Why Our Geographical Heritage Matters” – a special talk celebrating 25 years of the Jurassic Coast 🌍

Geologist Sam Scriven reveals how geology shapes West Dorset in ways you might never have noticed…

Easter Egg-stravenger

Easter Holidays Fun

Join us during the Easter holidays for family fun with our Easter Chick Hunt, exhibition quiz, colouring, and Easter crafts.

The Great Dorset Beach Clean

West Bay

It's the annual Great Dorset Beach Clean from April 1st until April 12th.

@westbaydiscoverycentre and @cleanjurassiccoast have one on April 2nd. Meet outside the Discovery Centre at 10:30am.

Everyone is welcome!