West Bay Harbour

West Bay is a small coastal resort built up around West Bay Harbour and close to the larger market town of Bridport. Built to enable transport of Bridport's key product, Bridport rope, the harbour was originally known as Bridport Harbour. West Bay is built around its pretty harbour with buildings on all 4 edges of the harbour with a small entrance opening up to the sea. The town is sandwiched between steep cliffs that rise up high on both sides making the resort instantly recognisable. West Bay harbour is tidal and includes pleasure boats, fishing boats as well as those that offer West Bay boat trips.

West Bay Cliffs

West Bay is built around its harbour, on either side of West Bay harbour are the two beaches, East beach and West beach and above each of them are two very high cliffs. To the east, a steep walk takes you to the top where there is a golf course and the Jurassic Coast Path that heads towards Burton Bradstock. To the West, the cliff rises up and a walk in this direction takes you towards Eype. Fantastic views can be seen across West Bay and further from both. Rockfalls are very frequent at these beautiful sandstone cliffs so its important to stick to the footpaths and pay attention to the warning signs staying well away from both the cliff edge as well as well away from the bases of the cliffs.

West Bay Beaches

The West Bay Beaches are on either side of the harbour and are of shingle formation. East Beach has the dramatic, golden cliff rising up vertically behind it.

Fishing West Bay

Fishing from the beach is popular at West Bay. At certain times of the year, thousands of Whitebait wash up along the edge of the beach, this phenomenon is caused by larger fish chasing these small fish, driving them onto the beach.

Where to eat in West Bay

Around the harbour, there are a number of small huts selling takeaway food, fish and chips, burgers, doughnuts and more. Sitting around the harbour, eating fish and chips is a nice way to enjoy the harbour views. There are also cafes and a couple of pubs in West Bay.

West Bay Boat Trips

During the season, there are West Bay boat trips available from the harbour. Whilst a lovely row up the River Brit across the road from the harbour is a great way to explore and relax.

West Bay on TV

West Bay has appeared on TV a number of times. Harbour lights was set here as was Broadchurch which has really put West Bay on the map. Years earlier, the shingle beach was used for the title sequence of the Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin.

Parking at West Bay

West Bay is an extremely popular tourist location but there are a number of pay and display carparks around. All are close to the harbour and beaches.

Bridport

Bridport is one of the counties market towns. Its much larger than its coastal neighbour, in fact West Bay was originally built as a harbour for the town. Bridport high-street has plenty of shops, pubs and cafes and the Bridport museum which is free entry details the incredible history of both West Bay and Bridport.

Bridport Rope making

Bridport is famous for its rope making, it was once responsible for producing much of the rope used in the shipping industry. The Bridport Dagger is a term used to describe the hangman's noose - due to its alternative use in executions.

Accommodation at West Bay

As an incredibly popular holiday destination, there is plenty of accommodation at West Bay. There is a large West Bay caravan site, there are a a number of holiday cottages in West Bay and the surrounding areas as well as bed and breakfasts. If you are looking for campsites around West Bay, there are plenty of those too.