Area Guide - West Bay
West Bay is known as the Golden Gateway to the Jurassic Coast. It is situated one and a half miles south of the lively market town of Bridport . West Bay is renowned for its stunning sandstone cliffs, working harbour and coast and countryside walks. It is an ideal location for a family holiday with plenty of local activities available such as fossil hunting, fishing, scuba diving, paragliding, boating and much more.
West Bay is famous for being the location of the BBC series ‘Harbour Lights’ which was filmed in 1999/2000. The TV series ‘River Cottage’ has frequently filmed in the nearby town of Bridport.
Things to do in West Bay / Local Attractions
West Bay Harbour
Take a leisurely walk down to West Bay Harbour and enjoy the wide selection of restaurants, pubs, cafes and refreshment kiosks selling snacks from ice creams to fish and chips. There are boat trips available – for fishing and pleasure – along the coast.
Boat trips in West Bay include:
Duchess II - Charter Or Hire; Fishing. Lyme Bay RIB Charter - Public Trips;Ferry;Lessons; Charter Or Hire;Wildlife Watching. Bay Blast rides, Coastal Cruise, Water Taxi service, Water ski & Wakeboard lessons and tows, several corporate options including 'BIKE & BOAT' Day, RIB Handling Experience Day, Lunch and Dinner Charters. Seating for 20 aboard our new matched fleet. Gift Vouchers Available. Tia Maria – Fishing
West Bay Beaches
West Bay has two beaches – East and West beach. East beach is a mix of sand and shingle and extends along Chesil Beach to Portland Bill.
West beach is suitable for younger children and has a protective cove between the harbour's west pier and the esplanade's rock armour.
Bridport Museum
Bridport Museum, South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NR
Tel: 01308 422116/45
Summary:
Open 10am – 5pm daily except Sunday from Easter until the end of October.
Bridport Museum tells the story of the town’s history from its origins to the present day. Artefacts on display include items from a nearby Roman hill-fort and the world famous rope and net making industries.
http://www.bridportmuseum.co.uk
Scuba Diving and Powerboating West Bay
West Bay Diving offer dive boat trips on their fast, 10.5 Vigilante 33 hard boat. They also offer dive training. Contact Keith on 07768 100903 to check availability.
Lyme Bay Sea School offer powerboat training that follows the RYA National Powerboat Scheme.
http://www.lymebayseaschool.co.uk
Bridport & West Dorset Golf Club
This golf club is located on the beautiful Jurassic coastline with views stretching across Lyme Bay and along the Chesil Beach to Portland. The course is 6123 yards long and is a test for golfers of all levels.
It is known as a friendly club and offers an excellent restaurant, a lounge and spikes bar, as well as a Driving Range and Putting Green.
http://www.bridportgolfclub.org.uk
National Trust Walks
The National Trust own much of the coastline between West Bay and Charmouth. There is a pleasant walk available for download from their website which takes in West Bexington and Chesil Beach. Enjoy wildlife friendly farming on this stretch of the Jurassic coastline.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/west_bexington-natures_harvest.pdf