Visit West Bay
West Bay is a seaside resort on the coast of Dorset a couple of kilometres south of Bridport, where it forms part of the Jurassic Coast heritage site. One of the most popular access points to the Jurassic Coast, West Bay is unashamedly tourist-focussed.
To the eastern end of the popular sandy-shingle beach stand the dramatic Burton Bradstock cliffs - foreboding when in shadow, startlingly beautiful when catching the sunset. The main beach itself represents the north-western end of the long beach called Chesil Beach which runs continuously for almost 20 miles to the isle of Portland. To the west, a second beach is more pebbly but also more protected from the forces of the sea.
Apart from the beach there is a small attractive harbour where you can watch the local fishermen and where you can organise your deep-sea fishing trips. If you are feeling a little more energetic and can drag the children from the beach you can hire a boat to row through the quiet scenery along the Brit River.
there are also two piers at West Bay - the Jurassic Pier and the West Pier. Jurassic Pier is especially impressive when you go for your 'promenade' in early evening.
West Bay also has all the facilities that have developed around the tourist industy - take away cafes, campsites etc. If you feel like treating yourself there is an excellent restaurant called the Riverside Restaurant which has a great reputation for its fresh fish dishes and is one of the best fish restaurants in Dorset.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Jurassic Coast guide and the Dorset guide.
Map of West Bay and places to visit
West Bay places to visit
...or see all our recommended places to visit in Dorset