Our new exhibition tells the remarkable story of Dr Giles Roberts, born at Bridport Harbour – now West Bay – in 1766. Doctor, Methodist preacher, chemist, inventor, scientist and entrepreneur, Roberts led an extraordinary life and became famous for his Poor Man’s Friend ointment. The inspiration for bringing his story Read more…
A quiet life of extraordinary service When we began researching our exhibition Dr Roberts -“A Poor Man’s Friend“, one small detail in an old book led us to another remarkable West Bay story. The book, A Methodist Doctor of Ye Olden Time, was written about the life of Dr Giles Read more…
We’re delighted to announce that West Bay Discovery Centre has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Small Visitor Attraction category of the Dorset Tourism Awards 2026–27, sponsored by Resort Dorset. It is wonderful recognition for the Centre and, in particular, for the manager and dedicated team of volunteers Read more…
2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast’s designation as a World Heritage Site, a milestone that the Discovery Centre celebrates in its Changing Landscapes exhibition. The exhibition invites visitors to step into the story of a coastline that has been changing for millions of years. The cliffs along Read more…
A fascinating new chapter in West Bay’s history has just been published! Mike Malley, from Garstang, Lancashire, has completed Forever Memories, telling the story of John Harris, lessee and later owner of Nos. 1 and 2 Pier Terrace in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Researching the Harris family Read more…
Looking for free family activities this summer? Join us at West Bay Discovery Centre for a programme of fun, creative and interactive events throughout the school holidays. Whether your child enjoys dinosaurs, fossils, art or solving clues, there’s something for everyone. We’ve got a fantastic programme of family events taking Read more…
We’re delighted that the Friends of West Bay Discovery Centre have been selected to take part in Waitrose Bridport’s Community Matters Green Token Scheme this summer. If you’re shopping at Waitrose, we’d be incredibly grateful if you could pop your green token into the West Bay Discovery Centre box. Every Read more…
Over 1,200 visitors visited the West Bay Discovery Centre for a week packed with fun, and it has been wonderful to see so many families enjoying themselves while learning something new along the way. From pirate and mermaid activities to crafts, trails and games, there has been plenty to keep Read more…
The Discovery Centre’s popular Thursday morning walking programme around West Bay returns for the summer on Thursday 7 May, beginning with a special guided walk led by an Environment Agency Coastal specialist. This walk will offer a fascinating insight into how West Bay’s flood defences have been designed to protect Read more…
Last Easter, the Stampede by the Sea Trail brought a wonderful splash of colour and creativity to Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis, as beautifully decorated elephant sculptures formed a family-friendly trail to raise funds for Weldmar Hospicecare. One of those much-loved elephants, Ropey—named in honour of Bridport’s rich rope-making Read more…