Two New Exhibitions Coming in 2026

We are delighted to announce two exciting new exhibitions taking place at the West Bay Discovery Centre in 2026, exploring both the ancient geological story of our coastline and the remarkable lives of people connected to West Bay’s past.

Changing Landscapes

From Tuesday 17 March 2026

When we return to six-day opening on Tuesday 17 March 2026, our new exhibition Changing Landscapes will open as part of the celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Recognised internationally for its exceptional rocks, fossils, and landforms, the Jurassic Coast tells a 185-million-year story of Earth’s history. This exhibition will highlight the Outstanding Universal Value of this unique coastline and help visitors better understand how it has shaped – and continues to shape – the landscape we see today.

The exhibition will:

• Explain local rock formations, how they were formed, and their role in shaping the landscape
• Explore fossils: how they form, what they reveal about Earth’s past, and where they can be found
• Address the increasing frequency of cliff falls linked to climate change, explaining the causes, historical context, and associated safety risks
• Encourage reflection on slow geological change compared with today’s rapidly accelerating environmental shifts

Although cliff falls have occurred throughout history, their frequency has increased noticeably in recent years, making this topic more relevant than ever.

Dr Giles Roberts and His West Bay Connections

From 15 September 2026

From 15 September 2026, we will be hosting a fascinating new exhibition exploring the life and local connections of Dr Giles Roberts.

Born at the Ship Inn at Bridport Harbour in 1766, Dr Roberts became widely known as the “Poor Man’s Friend”. Both a doctor and a Wesleyan Methodist preacher, he offered medical care, hope, and spiritual support to many. His famous ointment, also known as Poor Man’s Friend, continued to be produced long after his death in 1834.

The inspiration for this exhibition came after one of our volunteers discovered a book about Dr Roberts, dedicated to Mrs Mary Cox of Bridport Harbour. Mary Cox was the wife of Elias Cox, part of the Cox family of shipbuilders who built the chapel that is now home to the West Bay Discovery Centre. This remarkable connection links Dr Roberts directly to the very building in which the exhibition will be held.

We are very excited to share this story and bring to life the people, places, and relationships that shaped West Bay’s history.

We look forward to welcoming visitors to both exhibitions in 2026 and sharing these compelling stories of landscape, change, and community.