Exhibitions & Events
There’s always something new to discover at West Bay Discovery Centre! Alongside our fascinating permanent displays, we host free exhibitions, guided walks, talks, and family-friendly events — so every visit is a new adventure.
New Exhibition: Changing Landscapes
Discover how the Jurassic Coast has changed through time.
Our Changing Landscapes exhibition celebrates 25 years of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site. Explore fossils including ammonites, see a model Jurassic seabed, watch short films about coastal change, and try the fossil touch table.
A great visit for curious minds of all ages.
Permanent Exhibition
Learn about West Bay’s history, geology, and wildlife through engaging hands-on and audio-visual displays. Great for all ages, it’s the perfect place to start your Jurassic Coast adventure!
Other Events
Guided Walks around West Bay
Our Thursday morning guided walks are back from Thursday 7th May find out more here.
Summer Holiday Children’s Activities at West Bay Discovery Centre
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.
All activities are FREE and no booking is required – simply come along and join in!
Summer Holiday Seagull Scavenger Hunt
From 23rd July onwards
Can you find all of our cheeky seagulls hiding around the Discovery Centre? Complete the scavenger hunt while discovering fascinating facts about West Bay.
The Iguanodon Restaurant
Saturday 25th July
Performances at 12.30pm and 2.30pm
Outside the Salt House,Fisherman’s Green
Emerald Ant presents The Iguanodon Restaurant
Step back in time to New Year’s Eve, 1853, when a group of eminent professors and geologists gathered in Crystal Palace Park for a truly extraordinary banquet—held inside the mould of a giant concrete Iguanodon.
Now it’s your turn to join the feast!
Saturday 25 July 2026
Two performances: 12.30 pm & 2.30 pm
Location: Fisherman’s Green, West Bay
This is a free family event, and everyone is welcome. No booking is required, simply come along and enjoy this wonderfully imaginative outdoor theatre experience.
Funded by a generous donation from West Dorset Leisure Holidays.
Kindly funded through a donation from West Dorset Leisure Holidays.
Jurassic Sea Creatures Clay Modelling Workshop
Thursday 6th August
11am–3pm
The Salt House
Did You Know?
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Celebrate this special milestone by bringing fossils to life as you create your own Jurassic creature using air-drying clay. Explore different textures, add personality to your creation, and take your masterpiece home with you with Creative Clayfor all.
Location Salt House, West Bay FREE admission – donations welcome.
No booking required – everyone is welcome.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. This hands-on workshop is suitable for children of all ages and is a wonderful opportunity to explore your artistic side.
3D Ammonite Workshop
Monday 10th August
11am–3pm
The Salt House
Drop-in to our FREE 3D Craft Workshop at the Salthouse, West Bay on 10th August. Model your own Jurassic Coast inspired Ammonite to take home! Simple 3D making, cutting and sticking with local Artist Darrell Wakelam. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.
All events are FREE • No booking required
While you’re here, don’t forget to explore West Bay Discovery Centre and discover the fascinating history, geology, wildlife and heritage of West Bay.
