Who Runs West Bay Discovery Centre?

From October 2024, West Bay Discovery Centre is run by Bridport Town Council on behalf of the Bridport Communities Trust.

Originally, the Centre was created by the Bridport Area Development Trust (BADT) — a local charity formed in 2009 to restore and revitalise historic buildings in the Bridport area

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The Chapel on the Beach

Our home is the former West Bay Methodist Chapel, a Grade II listed building dating from 1849. The chapel closed for worship in 2006 and was transferred to BADT in 2012, with the goal of creating a visitor centre celebrating West Bay’s history and environment.

After restoration funded by the Coastal Communities Fund and other partners, the Discovery Centre opened on 1 August 2018.

🌊 Our Mission

To grow people’s appreciation of West Bay and the Jurassic Coast through stories, heritage and nature — inspiring visitors to reflect, return and reconnect with us again and again.

🎧 Listen to our BBC Radio Solent interview with Steve Harris  

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💚 How We’re Funded

• Operated by a part-time manager and a team of dedicated volunteers.

• Receive just 25% of running costs from public funding.

• The remaining 75% is raised through donations, shop sales, and fundraising.

• Every contribution helps us keep this award-winning centre free and open to everyone.

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🏆 Awards & Recognition

We’re proud to be a multi-award-winning, volunteer-led attraction, recognised for sustainability, accessibility and community impact:

• 👑 King’s Award for Voluntary Service (2024)

• 🥇 Gold – Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable, Dorset Tourism Awards 2021/22

• 🥈 Silver – Accessible & Inclusive Tourism, Dorset Tourism Awards 2020

• 🌿 Eco Green Business Award – Bridport Business Awards 2023

• 🏅 Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice – 2023 & 2024

…and many more!