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

How to Get to West Bay Discovery Centre

Map of West Bay

Plan your trip to West Bay Discovery Centre! Discover scenic walks, cycling routes, bus links, parking, and travel tips for exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

📍 Find Us

West Bay Discovery Centre
The Chapel on the Beach, West Bay, Dorset, DT6 4EN
📞 01308 427288
👉 Tripadvisor: West Bay Discovery Centre
📍 What3Words: identity.invite.occupiers

You’ll find us right beside the Bridport Arms Car Park on East Beach, overlooking the harbour.

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Scenic Way

We’re right on the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest waymarked trail. Whether you’re a casual stroller or an avid hiker, there are plenty of beautiful routes to reach us:

  • From Bridport: Follow the old railway Walk/Cycleway, or take the peaceful river path starting behind Palmers Brewery.
  • Don’t forget – we’re an official South West Coast Path Passport Stamping Point!

🚴‍♂️ Cycle to the Coast

Love to travel on two wheels? Bridport sits on Route 2 of the National Cycle Network. The cycleway from town to West Bay runs partly off-road along the scenic former railway line.
🚲 Secure bike racks are available by the public toilets in West Bay Road Car Park.

🚗 Coming by Car

Just pop DT6 4EN into your sat nav!

  • From Dorchester: Follow the A35 west, then take the 1st exit at the first roundabout and 2nd exit at the second.
  • From Axminster: Take the A35 east, then the 4th exit at the roundabout into West Bay.

🅿️ Parking: The Discovery Centre is right beside the Bridport Arms Car Park. All car parks are within a five-minute walk, and West Bay Car Park is currently offering reduced charges (1 July – 31 Oct 2024).
⚡ EV charging: Two new charging stations with Type 1 & Type 2 connectors are available in West Bay Car Park (DT6 4EL).
💡 Top tip: Park at Bridport Football Ground and enjoy a beautiful riverside walk to West Bay!

🚌 By Bus

We’re just a two-minute walk from the West Bay bus stop – look across the harbour for the old chapel next to the Bridport Arms.

  • X51: Dorchester South ↔ Axminster (hourly)
  • X53: Weymouth ↔ Axminster via the stunning Coast Road
  • X52 Jurassic Coaster (summer only): Open-top fun from Monkey World to Bridport – with breath taking views of Chesil Beach!
  • WB1 Bridport to West Bay Shuttle Bus operates regularly on Saturdays and Sundays only, with a timetable available here.

Check the Bridport & West Bay Tourist Information Centre website for the latest timetables.

🚆 By Train

The nearest stations are:

  • Maiden Newton (12 miles) – Gloucester ↔ Weymouth
  • Crewkerne (12 miles) – London Waterloo ↔ Exeter
  • Axminster (13 miles) – London Waterloo ↔ Exeter
  • Dorchester West / South (15 miles) – Gloucester ↔ Weymouth / London Waterloo ↔ Weymouth

Find fares and schedules on Trainline.

⛵ By Boat

Arriving by sea? Bridport (West Bay) Harbour lies 15 miles west of Dorchester at the end of Chesil Beach – perfect for a nautical adventure!