A journey worth making

We encourage visitors to walk, cycle or use public transport to the Museum where possible. Below you will find information on getting here by bus, car, and bike.

You can find West Bay Discovery Centre adjacent to the Bridport Arms Car Park on East Beach.

Address: West Bay Discovery Centre The Chapel on the Beach, West Bay, Dorset DT6 4EN Telephone: 01308 427288

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Tripadvisor: West Bay Discovery Centre

Walking Trails to West Bay

West Bay Discovery Centre is located along the South West Coast Path , the UK’s longest waymarked National Trail of 630 miles. The trail follows the coastline from Minehead in Somerset to the shores of Poole Harbour. The path is not solely the domain of the endurance walker. Its various segments are enjoyed by many millions of visitors throughout the year, who come to marvel at the natural scenery on offer. We are also one of the South West Coast Path’s Passport Stamping Points.

There is a number of options walking from Bridport either by taking the Walk/Cycleway along the old Bridport- West Bay railway line or alternatively taking the walk along the river starting from behind Palmers Brewery.

Cycle routes to West Bay

Bridport is on Route 2 of the National Cycle Network for further details visit the Sustrans website. An improved cycleway links the market town of Bridport to West Bay (part off-road) along the old Maiden Newton- Bridport- West Bay railway line. There are a number of secure bike racks located at the end of the cycleway next to the toilets in West Bay Road Car Park.

Car Directions to West Bay

(If using sat nav, our postcode is DT6 4EN)

If you are coming by car take the A35 towards Bridport.

• From Dorchester heading west towards Bridport at 1st roundabout take the 1st exit and at 2nd roundabout take the 2nd exit into West Bay.
• From Axminster heading east towards Bridport at the first roundabout take the 4^th exit into West Bay.

Car Parks West Bay

There are various car parks in West Bay. The Discovery Centre is located next to the Bridport Arms Car park, however all car parks in West Bay are within a five minute walk from the Centre and various charges apply, see here.

Please note on a trial basis from 1st July 2024 -31st October 2024 the West Bay Car Park will have lower car parking charges than the other car parks in West Bay.

Electric Car Points West Bay

Two electric charging points with 4 Type 2 connectors and 2 Type 1 rapid connectors have recently been installed in West Bay Car Park (DT6 4EL) see here for further details.

Park and Walk from Bridport

A popular place to park with smaller car parking fees is to park at Bridport Football Ground and take the footpath alongside the river and meadows to West Bay.

Bus links to West Bay

We are a two-minute walk from the West Bay bus stop turn left and you will see us facing you across the harbour, we are in the former Chapel left of the Bridport Arms.

First Group run two main routes serving Bridport and West Bay. The X51 runs between Dorchester South and Axminster train stations, serving Bridport town centre, at least once every hour. The X53 runs between Weymouth and Axminster train station, along the stunning B3157 Coast Road, serving both Bridport and West Bay. Visit Bridport and West Bay’s Tourist Information Centre’s Public Transport Hub page for the latest timetables and information.

From the end of May until – September there is an open top Jurassic Coaster the X52 running between Monkey World, Bovington Tank Museum, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Weymouth, Abbotsbury, West Bay and Bridport, providing spectacular views of Chesil Beach and transporting you to popular visitor attractions along the Jurassic Coast.

Please check websites prior to visiting for up to date travel information here.

Coach trips to West Bay

Customers on coach trips to West Bay will usually be dropped off in the main West Bay Car park follow the signs to the Harbour, at the Cornish Pasty House turn left and walk along the raised bank. The Discovery Centre is at the end of this path next door to the Bridport Arms.

Train stations nearest to West Bay

The nearest train stations to Bridport and West Bay are as follows:

• Maiden Newton (12 miles) – services between Gloucester and Weymouth (including Bristol Temple Meads)
• Crewkerne (12 miles) – services between London Waterloo and Exeter St David’s
• Axminster (13 miles) – services between London Waterloo at Exeter St David’s
• Dorchester West (15 miles) – services between Gloucester and Weymouth (including Bristol Temple Meads)
• Dorchester South (15 miles) – services between London Waterloo and Weymouth.

Further information about fares and routes can be found at Trainline.

Arrival by boat to West Bay

Bridport (West Bay) harbour is 15 miles west of Dorchester at the western end of Chesil Beach. For further information see here.