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 finishing on 6th September

Discover how the Jurassic Coast has changed through time.

Our Changing Landscapes exhibition celebrates 25 years of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site. Explore fossils including ammonites, see a model Jurassic seabed, watch short films about coastal change, and try the fossil touch table.

A great visit for curious minds of all ages.

Exhibition Coming Soon :Dr Roberts -” “A Poor Man’s Friend”

What do a doctor, chemist, inventor, preacher and Bridport harbour have in common?

The remarkable story of Dr Giles Roberts!

Born in 1766 at the Ship Inn at Bridport Harbour – now West Bay – Dr Roberts went on to become one of Bridport’s best-known characters. He developed the famous “Poor Man’s Friend” ointment, treated people who could not afford medical care, experimented with science and electricity, and became a passionate Methodist preacher.

And his connection with West Bay went much deeper than simply being born here.

In 1817, Dr Roberts was preaching in the open air on the quay at and even went aboard ships in the harbour to preach to their crews.

There are also fascinating links between Dr Roberts, the local Methodist community and the chapel that is now home to West Bay Discovery Centre.

Our new exhibition explores the people, places and stories behind this extraordinary man.

Permanent Exhibition

Learn about West Bay’s history, geology, and wildlife through engaging hands-on and audio-visual displays. Great for all ages, it’s the perfect place to start your Jurassic Coast adventure!

Other Events

Guided Walks around West Bay

Our Thursday morning guided walks are back from Thursday 7th May find out more here.

Heritage Open Day – Sunday 13th September

Join us at West Bay Discovery Centre on Sunday 13 September for Heritage Open Day

The theme for Heritage Open Days 2026 is “Everyday Histories” – celebrating the ordinary people, places and stories that make up our shared heritage.

This theme is particularly appropriate for West Bay Discovery Centre. Much of our work is about uncovering and sharing the stories of the people who lived, worked and visited West Bay, formerly known as Bridport Harbour, and helping to preserve these stories for future generations.

For Heritage Open Day, our small mezzanine area will be open to visitors, providing a different perspective of the building and views of the surrounding area. Please note that stairs access the mezzanine and is not wheelchair accessible. The main part of the Discovery Centre remains accessible and offers plenty to explore.

There are stories to discover throughout the Centre, from the history of the building itself to the people, industries and changing landscape of West Bay.