Discover the Jurassic Coast at West Bay

West Bay lies at the heart of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site, better known as the Jurassic Coast. Designated a World Heritage Site in 2001, this spectacular coastline is internationally important for its geology, fossils and geomorphology. West Bay is situated around a third of the way along the 95-mile Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which stretches from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset.

What can you see at West Bay?

West Bay is an excellent place to see and understand the Jurassic Coast. The Jurassic Pier, on the west side of the harbour, takes its name from the Jurassic rocks found here, dating to around 170–175 million years ago.

From the pier and harbour you can enjoy spectacular views of the cliffs and coastline in both directions. From the harbour and Jurassic Pier there are spectacular views along the Jurassic Coast towards Golden Cap and beyond. You can see the distinctive golden Bridport Sand cliffs, layers of Jurassic rock, Chesil Beach, coastal erosion and cliff falls.

The geology of West Bay

The cliffs to the east of West Bay are composed of layers, including Bridport Sand, overlain by Inferior Oolite and Fuller’s Earth, revealing millions of years of geological history.

West Bay marks the western end of Chesil Beach, which stretches for around 18 miles (29 km) towards the Isle of Portland. The Chesil Beach, is one of Dorset’s most distinctive natural features. The remarkable shingle beach stretches for around 18 miles (29 km) from West Bay towards the Isle of Portland. Its pebbles become progressively larger towards Portland. Local folklore tells of smugglers using the changing size of the pebbles to help identify where they had landed.

Looking west from West Bay, Golden Cap is clearly visible along the coast. At 191 metres (627 feet), it is the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain.is the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain.

Fossils and cliff falls

The Jurassic Coast is famous for its fossils, and fossils can sometimes be found among rocks and pebbles on the beaches. However, the cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Visitors should never attempt to climb the cliffs or remove fossils from them. Cliff falls can happen without warning and have resulted in fatalities.

Discover the Jurassic Coast at West Bay Discovery Centre

Our permanent Jurassic Coast display helps you discover how the landscape around West Bay was formed, with interactive exhibits, rocks and fossils.

• Explore diagrams showing the layers and composition of the rocks along this stretch of coastline.
• Watch footage of recent cliff falls and see how quickly the coastline can change.
• Look closely at rocks and a large fossil on display.
• Get hands-on and build your own cliff before watching it fall.
• Discover models showing some of the creatures that lived here millions of years ago.
• Dig deeper into our research from previous exhibitions. Buried in Time explored the area’s history through an amazing collection of Jurassic fossils, while Changing Landscapes looked at how rising sea levels, coastal erosion and more extreme weather are contributing to a changing coastline. Research from these exhibitions is preserved in our exhibition folders and can be viewed at the Discovery Centre.
• Pick up our free leaflet, Discover the Geology of West Bay, and take a self-guided walk around the area.

Did you know?

Do our cliffs look familar? The TV series Broadchurch was filmed here walk around the locations with our Broadchurch guide.

Fossil hunting near West Bay

If you would like to search for fossils, Charmouth is the best-known local location. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre has information about fossil hunting, local geology and staying safe on the Jurassic Coast.

Further reading from our website:

• West Bay Cliffs Through Time
• Inspired by an ammonite in a wall
• Fossils of the Jurassic period
• Mammoths at West Bay

Find out more: Explore the Jurassic Coast and discover more about the geology of West Bay through these useful websites.