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West Bay Dorset: Harbour, Cliffs, Beaches and Things to Do
Top Things to Do in West Bay Dorset
Looking for the best things to do in West Bay? Here are some of the highlights to enjoy when visiting this iconic part of the Jurassic Coast:
- Walk around West Bay Harbour and watch the boats
- Climb the footpaths up the cliffs for panoramic coastal views (keep to the footpaths)
- Relax on East Beach
- Take a coastal walk towards Burton Bradstock or Eype
- Enjoy fish and chips by the harbour
- Take a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast
- Explore the River Brit for a quieter experience
- Go fishing from the beach
- Visit filming locations from Broadchurch
- Combine your trip with a visit to nearby Bridport
West Bay is a small but striking coastal resort on the Jurassic Coast, located just south of Bridport. Built around its historic harbour, West Bay is instantly recognisable thanks to its dramatic golden cliffs, compact harbour setting, and sweeping coastal views.
Originally known as Bridport Harbour, West Bay was developed to transport Bridport's most important product, rope. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the Dorset coast, with a mix of fishing boats, pleasure craft, beaches, and scenic walks.
West Bay Harbour
At the heart of West Bay is its pretty harbour, surrounded by buildings on all four sides and opening out to the sea through a narrow entrance. The harbour is tidal and remains a working harbour, with fishing boats, pleasure boats, and seasonal boat trips operating from here.
Walking around the harbour is one of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do in West Bay. The mix of boats, water, and surrounding cafes creates a relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Tip: Grab some fish and chips and sit by the harbour wall. It is one of the best ways to take in the views and atmosphere of West Bay.
West Bay Cliffs and Coastal Walks
West Bay is framed by towering cliffs on both sides of the harbour, creating one of the most dramatic coastal settings in Dorset.
To the east, a steep walk takes you up to the clifftop where you will find a golf course and the South West Coast Path leading towards Burton Bradstock. To the west, the cliffs rise towards Eype, offering equally impressive views along the coastline.
From both directions, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views across West Bay, the harbour, and the Jurassic Coast.
Important: Rockfalls are common along these sandstone cliffs. Always stick to marked paths, keep well away from the cliff edges, and avoid standing near the base of the cliffs.
Challenge: Walk up to the top of the cliffs and look back over West Bay. The view of the harbour and coastline is one of the most iconic in Dorset and well worth the climb.
West Bay Beaches
West Bay has two main beaches, East Beach and West Beach, located on either side of the harbour. Both are shingle beaches, typical of this part of the Jurassic Coast.
East Beach is particularly striking, with the towering golden cliffs rising almost vertically behind it, creating one of the most photographed coastal scenes in Dorset.
Tip: The best time to visit the beaches is on a clear, dry day when the cliffs really stand out against the blue sky and sea.
Fishing in West Bay
Fishing is a popular activity in West Bay, particularly from the beach. At certain times of year, large numbers of whitebait are driven onto the shore by larger fish, creating an unusual and memorable natural spectacle.
Did you know? When whitebait are chased onto the beach, it can attract a lot of attention from both people and wildlife. Keep an eye out, it is something you do not see every day.
Where to Eat in West Bay
Around the harbour, you will find a number of small food huts and kiosks selling fish and chips, burgers, doughnuts, and other seaside favourites. There are also cafes and a couple of pubs nearby.
Eating by the harbour is part of the West Bay experience, with views across the water and boats coming and going.
West Bay Boat Trips and River Brit
During the season, boat trips run from the harbour, offering a different perspective of the coastline from the sea.
Just across the road, the River Brit provides a quieter option. A gentle row along the river is a relaxing way to explore the area and enjoy a slower pace.
Tip: If the harbour feels busy, head over to the River Brit for a calmer, more peaceful experience.
West Bay on TV
West Bay has featured in several television series over the years. Most notably, it was used as the setting for Broadchurch, which brought the area to a wider audience. It was also featured in Harbour Lights, and the beach appeared in the title sequence of The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin.
Challenge: See if you can recognise filming locations from Broadchurch as you explore West Bay, especially along East Beach and the cliffs.
Parking at West Bay
West Bay is a very popular destination, particularly in the summer months. There are several pay and display car parks located close to the harbour and beaches, making access relatively easy.
Bridport and Rope Making
Just a short distance inland, Bridport is a traditional market town with a rich history. It was once a major centre for rope making, supplying rope for the British navy and wider shipping industry.
The term 'Bridport Dagger' was used to describe a hangman's noose, reflecting the town's association with rope production.
Today, Bridport offers a lively high street with shops, pubs, cafes, and the Bridport Museum, which tells the story of both the town and West Bay.
Tip: Combine a visit to West Bay with time in Bridport to experience both the coastal and market town sides of this part of Dorset.
Why Visit West Bay?
With its striking cliffs, compact harbour, and access to the Jurassic Coast, West Bay is one of the most distinctive seaside locations in Dorset. Whether you are visiting for the views, the walks, or simply to relax by the harbour, it is a place that leaves a lasting impression.
1-Day Itinerary: Visiting West Bay and Bridport
If you are planning a day out on the Dorset coast, this simple itinerary helps you make the most of West Bay and nearby Bridport, combining coastal views, history, and great places to eat.
Morning: West Bay Harbour and Cliffs
Start your day at West Bay Harbour. Take a walk around the harbour walls, watch the fishing boats, and enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere.
After exploring the harbour, head up onto the cliffs. The walk up can be steep, but the views from the top are some of the best in Dorset, looking back across the harbour and coastline.
Tip: Visit in the morning for slightly quieter views and softer light over the cliffs and harbour.
Late Morning: East Beach
Make your way down to East Beach and spend some time walking along the shoreline. The dramatic cliffs rising behind the beach make this one of the most memorable spots in West Bay.
Challenge: Walk along the beach and look back towards the cliffs. It is one of the most photographed views in Dorset, and you will quickly see why.
Lunch: Harbour Side
Head back to the harbour for lunch. Grab some fish and chips or something from one of the food huts and enjoy it overlooking the water.
Afternoon: River Brit or Boat Trip
In the afternoon, either take a relaxing boat trip from the harbour or head across to the River Brit for a quieter walk or gentle row on the water.
This is a great way to experience a calmer side of West Bay away from the busiest areas.
Late Afternoon: Visit Bridport
Take the short trip into Bridport, a lively market town with a rich history. Explore the high street, browse the shops, and visit Bridport Museum to learn about the town's rope-making past.
Did you know? Bridport was once famous for rope making, and the term 'Bridport Dagger' was used to describe a hangman's noose.
Evening: Return to West Bay
Head back to West Bay in the evening and take a final walk along the harbour or beach. If the weather is clear, the sunset over the cliffs and sea is a perfect way to end your day.
Tip: The harbour is at its most peaceful in the evening, after the day visitors have left.
Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive early in peak season to secure parking
- Wear suitable footwear for walking on shingle beaches
- Keep a safe distance from cliffs due to rockfalls
- Allow time to explore both West Bay and Bridport
Updated: 2026
Explore more places around Dorset
After visiting West Bay and Bridport, there are plenty of other great places across Dorset worth exploring. You may also like:
- Weymouth town guides - One of the most popular seaside towns in Dorset
- Lulworth & Durdle Door - Two of the Jurassic Coast's most famous natural landmarks
- Isle of Portland guide - A unique island shaped by the sea
- Wareham town guide - A quaint quayside town with Saxon walls
- Places to visit in Dorset - Explore destinations like Poole, Tyneham, and Lulworth
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The Pirates Graveyard at Church Ope Cove on Portland is found high above Church Ope Cove.
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