West Bay Discovery Centre

16/06/2026

Guided Walk this Thursday
Hidden around West Bay are traces of industries and communities that many never notice. Discover more on our guided walk this Thursday.
This walk lasts around 90 minutes, and the terrain is mostly easy.
📍 Meet outside The Discovery Centre
🕚 11am sharp
🎟 £5 per person
✅ No booking required – just turn up!

15/06/2026

📦 A Surprise Delivery for the Discovery Centre!

Last week we received an unexpected parcel and were delighted to discover two beautifully hand-painted signs inside.

The signs were created by traditional signwriter James Finlay after a visit to the Discovery Centre last autumn inspired him to recreate two signs he originally produced for the hit ITV drama Broadchurch. Both signs are linked to the famous murder investigation storyline, with the taxi driver and the net factory owner's son featuring among the suspects.

James is well known for his work across television and has also created signage for popular series including EastEnders and Downton Abbey. We are thrilled to add these wonderful pieces to our permanent displays and know that our visitors will enjoy seeing them too.

If you're a Broadchurch fan, why not follow our Broadchurch Trail on our website https://www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk/broadchurch-trail-4/ or pick up one of our Broadchurch guides from the Discovery Centre for just £1.

Have you visited West Bay because of Broadchurch? Let us know in the comments!

15/06/2026

Thanks to West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team for always being there when needed.

10/06/2026

There is so much hidden history to be uncovered around West Bay!
Join our Hidden History walk this Thursday morning and discover the important role that horses played in the story of Bridport Harbour.
This walk lasts around 90 minutes, and the terrain is mostly easy.
📍 Meet outside The Discovery Centre
🕚 11am sharp
🎟 £5 per person
✅ No booking required – just turn up!

09/06/2026

The High Sheriff of Dorset, Helena Conibear, and her dog Z, are preparing to embark on the County Line of Dorset Charity Walk to raise awareness of County Lines and to raise £10,000 for 10 Dorset charities that provide skills, safe spaces, hope, opportunities, and awareness for young people.

The journey involves more than 200 miles around the county and begins at Charmouth on 25th June, accompanied by Coast Watch and the Coastguard, before continuing on to West Bay. They will be welcomed by the Mayor of Bridport at the West Bay Discovery Centre at 3.30 pm.

You can start donating to support this important cause and help make a difference to the lives of young people across Dorset.
To donate, please visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/walking-county-line-of-dorset-for-county-lines
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/countylineofdorsetcharitywalk

08/06/2026

This World Ocean Day, take a moment to enjoy the sea, learn something new about our marine environment, and help protect it for future generations.

07/06/2026

Win an overnight stay at the Bridge House Hotel, Bridport and a RIB ride from West Bay on Lyme Bay RIB Charter. The competition closes on Friday 12th June at 10am.

06/06/2026

D-Day Remembrance – 6 June

Lieutenants Rush, Rice and Gilbert were part of F Company, US 16th Infantry Regiment, which was stationed in West Bay for nine months before D-Day, and became friends with local boy Arthur Watson, who treasured this photograph of them.

On 6 June 1944, the 16th Regiment landed in the first wave on Omaha Beach, facing fierce German resistance. Although these three men survived, 37 men from F Company lost their lives that day, 21 of them aged under 25.

As Arthur later reflected:

"These anniversaries make you stop, think and remember. Without them such great and brave men could easily be forgotten."

Today, we remember the courage and sacrifice of all those who took part in D-Day.

06/06/2026

05/06/2026

The beach matting is now out for the summer to allow access for everyone.