West Bay Discovery Centre, West Bay, Bridport, DT6 4EN.

Access & Facilities

Accessibility at West Bay Discovery Centre
Everyone is welcome at West Bay Discovery Centre! Our space is fully accessible for wheelchair and buggy users, with engaging displays that include both sound and visuals. Our friendly volunteers are always happy to help, and we’re proud to have received a Silver Award for Accessibility and Inclusivity in the Dorset Tourism Awards 2020. We’re always trying to improve; suggestions are always welcome.

Please see our downloadable Accessibility Guide in PDF format which gives detailed measurements and images.

Front view of West Bay Discovery Centre
Front view of West Bay Discovery Centre
The payable public car park is in front of West Bay Discovery Centre.
We are located next to the Bridport Arms Car park.
 An alternative access  to West Bay Discovery Centre is along a wide gravel pathway.
This path is accessible a short slope at both ends.
Pathway alongside West Bay Discovery Centre
Pathway alongside West Bay Discovery Centre leading to public toilets including disabled toilet

Please see virtual tour for further information. 

Dogs at West Bay Discovery Centre. All guide and assistance dogs are warmly welcomed at West Bay Discovery Centre. We also love to see other well-behaved dogs! During quieter times of the year, non-assistance dogs are welcome inside, too. However, during busy peak seasons, space can be limited, so we may occasionally need to restrict entry for our furry friends.

Nearest Toilet Facilities You’ll find public toilets just behind the Discovery Centre, including a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities. For those who need them, Changing Places toilets are available at West Bay Road Car Park and Bridport Bus Station. Access is provided via a RADAR key and PIN number, with full details available at each location.

Access to Disabled toilet East Beach, West Bay (next to West Bay Discovery Centre.)
Public disabled toilet (located next door to West Bay Discovery Centre)

Refreshments in West Bay: Take a break and enjoy something delicious in West Bay! You’ll find a fantastic choice of food and drink options to suit every taste and budget — including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. Along the Esplanade, there are also two wheelchair-accessible picnic benches, perfect for relaxing with seaside views.

Picnic benches with disabled access
Wheelchair accessible picnic bench overlooking West Beach, West Bay

Access to the Beach Everyone’s welcome to enjoy West Bay Beach! Since August 2022, special matting has made it easier for wheelchair and buggy users to reach the sand. The durable plastic and aluminium pathway is in place each summer, helping everyone enjoy the seaside fun together.

West Bay Beach Wheelchair Scheme Established in March 2023, there are four specially designed beach wheelchairs available to hire free of charge from April to October. They make it easy for people of all ages and abilities to explore the sand and sea. For more details and booking information, click here.

Access Beach Matting West Bay
Wheelchair & Buggy Wheelchair Beach Matting giving access to the West Beach, West Bay
Poster advertising West Bay Beach Wheelchair Scheme

Accessible Play for Everyone Right next to West Bay’s main car park, you’ll find an award-winning play area designed for everyone — all ages and abilities — to enjoy together. It’s a fantastic spot for families to relax and play. You can also find more details about disabled access in Bridport and the surrounding area online.

Public Transport in and around Bridport Travelling by bus is easy with First Wessex, the main local operator. All their buses are low-floor and wheelchair-accessible, and assistance dogs are welcome to ride for free. For up-to-date routes and timetables, check out the Bridport and West Bay Tourist Information Public transport hub page before you set off!

We’d love to hear from you! Visit Euan’s Guide to share your experience of our accessibility — let us and others know what you enjoyed and where we can improve. Your feedback helps us make West Bay Discovery Centre even more welcoming for everyone.

Accessibility statement for our website