Just a few of the comments from our Visitors Book, Facebook and Trip Advisor:-

2025

This was an unexpected delight – so many hands-on displays and activities in such a small place. Take the children there and let them learn about pirates, sea creatures, local history and many other things. The two volunteers running the centre were helpful but not intrusive so we could wander around the activities without feeling observed.

Lovely centre, the staff were wonderful and showed us all around, lots of interesting things to see and learn. Kids loved the microscope, looking at different natural materials up close. They also loved all the interactive videos, building the cliff wall puzzle (and knocking it down) Well worth a visit.

Amazing small museum with some creative use of historical and factual information on the local area.Our 4 year old never wanted to leave and was fully entertained for nearly 60 minutes. Is a single room of an old Chapel. A little gem in West Bay and a must-visit.

It is such a lovely little place. They always have a children’s activity table at half term and there is a microscope and erosion activity that is always enjoyed by the children. The staff are lovely and warm too.

We came to West Bay just to visit the Centre and love it – we loved your Smugglers pop-up exhibition too!

Fascinating as always with frequent changes of exhibits to keep us coming back! Every visit is always a lovely one for all the family!

We had lots of fun and learned a lot about West Bay.

Lovely time playing and learning with our two children.

Great use recycling of an old and beautiful building into something of use and interesting.

2024

We visited here with my grandson , he is almost 4 and has autism, nystagmus and non verbal, he was made welcome they also took the time to show him things and show him sensory things.. brillant thank you .

Great little space, fossils, history, fishing trade, rope and the sea. Really enjoyed. Very small but surprising and interesting.

Lots of information on the local area, beautiful photography, and fun things for kids to do.

2023

Lovely museum, very informative! Loved the microscope, videos, and audio stories! Will be back!

Bought back great memories of holidays in the 1980s at West Bay.

So much information packed into a small area. So much hands on for children.

Lovely little museum me and my dog made very welcome. Learned a lot about West Bay’s history.

Really lovely place to get lots of information about West Bay and keep kids amused.

Very Interesting we learnt a lot about the seaside town we visit each year.

A very interesting insight into how the town was years ago and loved the locals telling their stories of days gone by. Thank You.

Great Centre & very helpful staff

2022

Delightful attraction very informative and lovely volunteers who made us all very welcome.

This place has been the highlight of my holiday! Love the old postcards so much – thank you!

Best place in Dorset!

Absolutely lovely place to look around and tells us so much about West Bay. Just amazing!

Great when the children don’t want to leave!

Had a lovely time – such a friendly team and loved the microscope!

We have been meaning to come here for ages, what a great experience, everything is so well displayed, thanks!

Very impressed lots to see and do.

Super staff, very knowledgeable and friendly.

Most interesting! You have achieved an immense amount in only a few years!

Very interesting and well aimed at all ages.

2021

“Very informative thank you for the great displays, the plastic exhibition very informative.”

“Lovely exhibition and very interactive which is so good for the kids – education by stealth! Love it!”

“A fascinating walk through the history of the area and its people. Well done to all the volunteers!”

“Wonderful! Very informative and visually appealing. Brilliant especially the plastic project well done!”

“So much in one room, thank you.”

“The volunteers were so welcoming and friendly thanks!”

“Just enjoyed a wonderful guided walk, called Hidden West Bay with guides Sarah & Jane, the Discovery Centre is so interesting. Thank you very much will return asap.”

2020

“Was wonderful and interactive. Would come again.”

“What an amazing place for a 1 ½ year old. He had a GREAT! time exploring and playing – really immersive, self-directed play with sensory materials and tons of options – THANK you! “

“Well thought out and really interesting.”

2019

“Great little centre with lots to entertain children “

“Very informative, volunteer-run discovery centre learning about the history and nature of this beautiful part of the country.If you are in West Bay make this a must on your list. ”

“We popped into the museum on a day trip to West Bay. We recognised the building from Broadchurch. The museum has information about the local area, nature, shipbuilding and Broadchurch. Although it is small, there were lots of interactive displays which my daughter enjoyed. She particularly enjoyed the games such as matching the wildlife. They also sell a few local crafts and books of interest. The museum is staffed by volunteers and free to enter. The staff were really friendly and helpful. Definitely worth popping in! “

“Visited with age range from 8 to 70 and found something for everyone. Lots of interesting information. With interactive displays to keep the 8 and 13 year old interested and local information and nostalgia for us older visitors too. “

“Although it looks small from the outside, there’s quite a few things to look at inside. Ideal for families with young children. “

2018

“Fabulous exhibition , fun, informative. Great stuff brilliant, great for young and old.”

“Brilliant use of this space very interesting and informative.”

“Fantastic display, wonderful idea loved that there are lots to play with.”

“Wonderful to see the old building put to such good use. Imaginative and informative. Loved the historic pictures of West Bay and the videos.”

“Very interesting history of West Bay and West Dorset. They have done a good job. well done!”

“What an amazing place to enjoy as children and adults. Well thought out, thank you.”

“Very interesting and great ‘hands-on’ for children. Amazing stories from residents of the area too, very enjoyable.”

“Good interactive display for children. Really interesting and informative, brilliantly laid out.”

“Lovely centre of local interest and good to see chapel put to such good use.”

“Amazing look at the past, staff very welcoming and friendly.”

Come and visit us and see for yourself!