The Victorian era was a time of remarkable progress, marked by an enthusiastic drive to expand Britain’s railway network. For many years, proposals were put forward to connect Bridport to the wider railway system, but none came to fruition until local determination took the lead. In 1857 a group of Read more…
To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee the Discovery Centre has looked back at some of the key events in West Bay since the Queen came to the throne seventy years ago. The June Bank Holiday weekend of 1952 might have been at the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II ‘s reign but Read more…
Recently, discovering this image we were prompted to get out the West Bay Regatta Programmes donated to us by John Hawkins. We were intrigued to find out what a Cigar and Umbrella Swimming Race involved! That then led us to doing further research about the Regatta. The first mention we Read more…
Did you know that it is believed that the first jigsaw puzzle was created in 1760 by an Englishman called John Spilsbury? He mounted a map of England on a thin sheet of mahogany and cut around the county boundaries. These puzzles were initially used as educational tools to teach Read more…
Have you discovered the two new sculptures in West Bay? They are part of a sculpture project marking parish boundaries along the coast path. Historically West Bay was split into two parish boundaries with the line running through the Bridport Arms! The east part of West Bay belongs to Burton Read more…
The seasons are changing and the days are feeling more autumnal but there is still lots to discover as you wander around West Bay. This is what we have noticed, have you found anything special this month? Rock Samphire is found growing around Bridport Harbour and in the shingle behind Read more…
What wildlife will you discover this month in West Bay? Look closely there is always something to see!
In February 1891 the Bridport News announced that as there were few attractions to visitors, other than the natural charms of the landscape, a golf course had been opened in West Bay. The West Bay Golf Club became the first golf club in Dorset! The addition of ‘Bridport’ to the Read more…
What to look out for in June : Our wildflower and wildlife post was so popular in May that it has encouraged us to show you what to look out for each month whether it is around West Bay or inland.The Wildlife Trusts all around the country have been running Read more…
World Oceans Day was celebrated on 8th June 2020. This year the theme is Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean. Please help protect our oceans from severe pollution. Plastic poses one of the biggest challenges to our oceans, more than half of the plastic ever produced has been manufactured in the Read more…