West Bay

Settlement in Dorset

England

West Bay

View west along coast at Burton Freshwater
View west along coast at Burton Freshwater Credit: Colin Park

West Bay is a picturesque coastal village located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated at the mouth of the River Brit, it forms part of the larger parish of Bridport and offers stunning views of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The village is characterized by its stunning cliffs, which showcase layers of ancient rock formations, with a rich geological history dating back millions of years. These cliffs also serve as a popular destination for fossil hunters, who come from far and wide in search of ammonites and other prehistoric remains.

West Bay's main attraction is its beautiful sandy beach, which stretches for approximately two miles and provides an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports activities. The beach is backed by a charming promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and small shops, offering visitors a range of delicious local seafood and other culinary delights.

The village itself has retained much of its traditional charm, with quaint fishermen's cottages and narrow winding streets. The harbor is a central feature of West Bay, where colorful fishing boats bob up and down in the water, while local fishermen can be seen unloading their catch of the day.

West Bay is also famed for its role as the backdrop for the popular television series "Broadchurch," attracting fans of the show who come to explore the iconic locations featured in the programme.

With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant coastal atmosphere, West Bay is a must-visit destination for those seeking a quintessential Dorset experience.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

West Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.711393/-2.7597026 or Grid Reference SY4690. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View west along coast at Burton Freshwater
View west along coast at Burton Freshwater
Cliff edge
Cliff edge
Beach towards Burton Freshwater
Beach towards Burton Freshwater
Burton Freshwater Looking down on Burton Freshwater from the coast path along Burton Cliff.  By the river at the bottom of the photo, an excavator is reprofiling the beach following major flooding and erosion during Storm Ciarán in November 2023.
Burton Freshwater
Looking down on Burton Freshwater from the coast path along Burton Cliff. By the river at the bottom of the photo, an excavator is reprofiling the beach following major flooding and erosion during Storm Ciarán in November 2023.
Beach reprofiling An excavator reprofiling the beach at Burton Freshwater following major flooding and erosion during Storm Ciarán in November 2023.
Beach reprofiling
An excavator reprofiling the beach at Burton Freshwater following major flooding and erosion during Storm Ciarán in November 2023.
Burton Freshwater Alongside the River Bride at Burton Freshwater.
Burton Freshwater
Alongside the River Bride at Burton Freshwater.
River Bride Looking along the River Bride at Burton Freshwater.
River Bride
Looking along the River Bride at Burton Freshwater.
River Bride Looking across the River Bride at Burton Freshwater.
River Bride
Looking across the River Bride at Burton Freshwater.
Footbridge Footbridge over the River Bride at Burton Freshwater.
Footbridge
Footbridge over the River Bride at Burton Freshwater.
Freshwater Beach Holiday Park Caravan and camping site at Burton Freshwater.
Freshwater Beach Holiday Park
Caravan and camping site at Burton Freshwater.
Freshwater Beach Holiday Park Caravan and camping site at Burton Freshwater.
Freshwater Beach Holiday Park
Caravan and camping site at Burton Freshwater.
Freshwater Beach Holiday Park Caravan and camping site at Burton Freshwater.
Freshwater Beach Holiday Park
Caravan and camping site at Burton Freshwater.
Burton Freshwater The beach at Burton Freshwater, with caravans in Freshwater Beach Holiday Park on the left.  The site suffered major damage during Storm Ciarán in November 2023 and the bund seen here has been rebuilt to provide an element of flood defence.
Burton Freshwater
The beach at Burton Freshwater, with caravans in Freshwater Beach Holiday Park on the left. The site suffered major damage during Storm Ciarán in November 2023 and the bund seen here has been rebuilt to provide an element of flood defence.
East Cliff A section of East Cliff at Burton Freshwater.
East Cliff
A section of East Cliff at Burton Freshwater.
Burton Beach & Cliffs
Burton Beach & Cliffs
River Bride cutting through Beach Sediment The River Bride rises at Brideshead Lake, Littlebredy and flows for about 13km through open country side until it reaches the sea over a shingle beach at Burton Bradstock.
River Bride cutting through Beach Sediment
The River Bride rises at Brideshead Lake, Littlebredy and flows for about 13km through open country side until it reaches the sea over a shingle beach at Burton Bradstock.
Coast west of Burton Freshwater Some steps have since been built on the very eroded section of the coast path.
Coast west of Burton Freshwater
Some steps have since been built on the very eroded section of the coast path.
East cliff at West Bay Dorset Picture taken from the new pier
East cliff at West Bay Dorset
Picture taken from the new pier
Show me another place!

West Bay is located at Grid Ref: SY4690 (Lat: 50.711393, Lng: -2.7597026)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///dormant.jaundice.solo. Near Bridport, Dorset

Related Wikis

Bridport West Bay railway station

West Bay railway station was the terminus of the Bridport Railway in western Dorset, England. In 1879, the Great Western Railway, who held the operating...

St John's Church, West Bay

St John's Church is a Church of England church in West Bay, Dorset, England. It was built in 1935–39 to the designs of William Henry Randoll Blacking and...

Riverside Restaurant

The Riverside Restaurant was a seafood restaurant in West Bay, England. The building is situated on a causeway and as such the dining area was on two levels...

West Bay, Dorset

West Bay, originally known as Bridport Harbour, is a small harbour settlement and resort on the English Channel coast in Dorset, England, sited at the...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.711393,-2.7597026
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.7099676/-2.7649327
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.7087352/-2.7644279
Give Way
Direction: backward
Lat/Long: 50.7108374/-2.7606646
West Bay
Is In: Bridport, Dorset, England, UK
Old Name: Bridport Harbour
Place: suburb
Source Name: local knowledge
Wikidata: Q1344227
Wikipedia: en:West Bay, Dorset
Lat/Long: 50.7113313/-2.761289
West Bay
Historic Railway: station
Railway: site
Wikidata: Q4966996
Wikipedia: en:Bridport West Bay railway station
Lat/Long: 50.7110865/-2.7586884
Mini Roundabout
Direction: clockwise
Lat/Long: 50.7119017/-2.758804
Toilets
Fee: no
Seamark Small Craft Facility Category: toilets
Seamark Type: small_craft_facility
Lat/Long: 50.710582/-2.7613076
Toilets
Access: yes
Changing Table: yes
Opening Hours: 24/7
Operator: West Dorset District Council
Toilets Disposal: flush
Unisex: yes
Wheelchair: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7114922/-2.7584264
Sport: swimming
Lat/Long: 50.7124353/-2.7661448
Fast Food
Seasiders
Cuisine: fish_and_chips
Lat/Long: 50.7118585/-2.7647258
Seamark Light Character: F
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Height: 3
Seamark Light Range: 2
Seamark Light Reference: A 0290
Seamark Status: occasional
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 50.7087065/-2.7640531
Seamark Light Character: Iso
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Height: 9
Seamark Light Period: 2
Seamark Light Range: 5
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 50.7101869/-2.7648536
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: green
Seamark Light Height: 5
Seamark Light Period: 8
Seamark Light Range: 4
Seamark Light Reference: A 0288
Seamark Type: light_minor
Source: US NGA Pub. 114. 2011-05-26.
Lat/Long: 50.7092337/-2.7636805
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7114131/-2.7593957
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7126631/-2.7582882
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7129449/-2.7583954
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7131021/-2.7584155
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7128023/-2.7583539
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7123526/-2.7582594
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7119632/-2.7585275
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7121006/-2.7584277
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7122216/-2.7583342
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7115171/-2.7592535
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7116243/-2.759101
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7116989/-2.7588877
Leisure: picnic_table
Lat/Long: 50.7104333/-2.7593406
Vending Machine
Payment Coins: yes
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.7104452/-2.7601841
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Lat/Long: 50.7104558/-2.7593238
Leisure: picnic_table
Lat/Long: 50.7104719/-2.7593144
Leisure: picnic_table
Lat/Long: 50.7104923/-2.759295
Vending Machine
Payment Coins: yes
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.7106473/-2.7590925
Waste Basket
Lat/Long: 50.7113967/-2.7585312
Information: map
Map Type: scheme
Ski: yes
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 50.7115241/-2.7585075
Vending Machine
Payment Coins: yes
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.7115267/-2.7585889
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Lat/Long: 50.711597/-2.7584488
Leisure: picnic_table
Lat/Long: 50.7116734/-2.758312
Waste Basket
Lat/Long: 50.7116777/-2.7583817
Vending Machine
Payment Coins: yes
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.712605/-2.7578728
Waste Basket
Lat/Long: 50.7126076/-2.7578989
Bus Stop
The George
Bench: no
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 1200DOB20263
Naptan Bearing: S
Naptan CommonName: The George
Naptan Indicator: S-bound
Naptan NaptanCode: doradmja
Public Transport: platform
Shelter: yes
Source: survey
Survey Date: 2016-10-24
Lat/Long: 50.7115219/-2.7615112
Beachcroft B&B
Tourism: guest_house
Lat/Long: 50.7117399/-2.7647303
Seacroft B&B
Tourism: guest_house
Lat/Long: 50.7119079/-2.7648971
Post Box
Check Date: 2022-09-17
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 16:45; Sa 12:00
Operator: Royal Mail
Operator Wikidata: Q638098
Post Box Type: pillar
Ref: DT6 35
Ref GB Uprn: 10015470450
Royal Cypher: GVIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102169
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 50.7107618/-2.7612663
Cafe
West Bay Tea Rooms
Addr Housename: Maritime House
Addr Postcode: DT6 4GD
Addr Street: West Bay Road
Addr Unit: Unit 2
Fhrs Id: 319006
Source: survey
Source Addr: FSA Food Hygiene Rating Scheme open data
Survey Date: 2017-04-07
Lat/Long: 50.7113028/-2.7596369
Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7117532/-2.7619636
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7105959/-2.7639537
Man Made: street_cabinet
Lat/Long: 50.710924/-2.7607454
Man Made: street_cabinet
Ref: 7
Lat/Long: 50.7109214/-2.7607119
Street Lamp
Lamp Mount: bent_mast
Lat/Long: 50.7109312/-2.7608427
Street Lamp
Lamp Mount: bent_mast
Lat/Long: 50.7108437/-2.7604444
Durbeyfield House
Addr Housenumber: 10
Addr Postcode: DT6 4EL
Fhrs Id: 995526
Phone: +44 1308 423307
Source Addr: FSA Food Hygiene Rating Scheme open data
Tourism: guest_house
Lat/Long: 50.7113325/-2.7604719
Cafe
Sladers Yard
Addr Housenumber: 6
Addr Postcode: DT6 4EL
Fhrs Id: 995298
Source Addr: FSA Food Hygiene Rating Scheme open data
Lat/Long: 50.7114063/-2.7601969
Street Lamp
Lamp Mount: bent_mast
Lat/Long: 50.7114108/-2.759873
Street Lamp
Lamp Mount: bent_mast
Lat/Long: 50.71121/-2.7598348
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.7107771/-2.7608554
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.7107057/-2.760559
Street Lamp
Lamp Mount: bent_mast
Ref: 63W90
Lat/Long: 50.7111966/-2.7600615
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 50.7090353/-2.759124
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Lat/Long: 50.7092467/-2.7601782
Flag Name: England
Flag Type: national
Flag Wikidata: Q171117
Man Made: flagpole
Subject: England
Subject Wikidata: Q21
Lat/Long: 50.7119312/-2.7622535
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Lat/Long: 50.7101189/-2.7647339
Traffic Calming: table
Lat/Long: 50.7110102/-2.7643926
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7116496/-2.7630609
Waste Basket
Lat/Long: 50.7116981/-2.7630116
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7116828/-2.7630112
Man Made: street_cabinet
Lat/Long: 50.7116093/-2.7629831
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Lat/Long: 50.7115936/-2.7629888
Waste Basket
Lat/Long: 50.7115422/-2.7622227
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7115753/-2.7619585
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Lat/Long: 50.7115537/-2.7622448
Material: wood
Power: pole
Transformer: distribution
Lat/Long: 50.7115473/-2.7622341
Advertising: noticeboard
Lat/Long: 50.7111023/-2.7615649
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Lat/Long: 50.7111397/-2.7615514
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.711462/-2.761481
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7114441/-2.7614542
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7112081/-2.7613141
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.711242/-2.7613369
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7112832/-2.7613704
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7113138/-2.7613905
Telephone
Booth: K6
Check Date: 2023-06-04
Operator: BT
Lat/Long: 50.7114951/-2.7615119
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.7110008/-2.7611947
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.7108603/-2.7615944
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Lat/Long: 50.7108662/-2.7615809
Clock
Display: analog
Support: wall_mounted
Lat/Long: 50.7110742/-2.7611547
Vending Machine
Operator: West Dorset District Council
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.710789/-2.7615367
Fire Hydrant
Emergency: fire_hydrant
Fire Hydrant Type: underground
Lat/Long: 50.7108499/-2.7611327
Vending Machine
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.7116666/-2.7614368
West Bay & Bridport
Information: map
Map Type: street
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 50.7116399/-2.7614629
Country: UK
Flag Name: Union Jack
Flag Type: national
Flag Wikidata: Q83278
Man Made: flagpole
Subject: United Kingdom
Subject Wikidata: Q145
Lat/Long: 50.7116344/-2.7611417
Country: UK
Flag Name: Union Jack
Flag Type: national
Flag Wikidata: Q83278
Man Made: flagpole
Subject: United Kingdom
Subject Wikidata: Q145
Lat/Long: 50.7116598/-2.7611934
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.711566/-2.7616674
Vending Machine
Operator: Dorset Council
Payment App: yes
Payment Cash: yes
Payment Phone: yes
Vending: parking_tickets
Lat/Long: 50.7107282/-2.7645629
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7105788/-2.7639829
Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking: stands
Lat/Long: 50.7109614/-2.7658202
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7112055/-2.7667583
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7110998/-2.766313
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7109805/-2.7658845
Bench
Covered: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7108535/-2.7655493
Beach Safety Sign
Emergency: beach_safety_sign
Note: RNLI beach safety sign
Lat/Long: 50.7092663/-2.7601714
Beach Safety Sign
Emergency: beach_safety_sign
Note: RNLI beach safety sign
Lat/Long: 50.7098854/-2.7623239
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.7101172/-2.7618981
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.7100183/-2.7616004
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Lat/Long: 50.7101342/-2.7637515
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7113435/-2.7619524
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7113511/-2.7620034
Fire Hydrant
Emergency: fire_hydrant
Fire Hydrant Type: underground
Lat/Long: 50.7118369/-2.763775
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7108764/-2.7641264
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7110233/-2.7642404
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7118683/-2.7637763
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7117426/-2.7634779
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7115511/-2.7635222
Street Lamp
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.7104047/-2.7623769
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 50.7106955/-2.7619377
Cafe
Sammii
Check Date Opening Hours: 2022-09-17
Indoor Seating: yes
Opening Hours Signed: no
Outdoor Seating: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7105308/-2.7613436
Beach Safety Sign
Emergency: beach_safety_sign
Note: RNLI beach safety sign
Ref: 22
Lat/Long: 50.7101156/-2.7630723
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.7108484/-2.7616976
Street Lamp
Lat/Long: 50.710952/-2.7622656
Life Ring
Emergency: life_ring
Lat/Long: 50.7098336/-2.7621174
Beach Safety Sign
Emergency: beach_safety_sign
Note: RNLI beach safety sign
Lat/Long: 50.7097911/-2.7617258
West Bay Harbour
Harbour: yes
Port Of Entry: no
Seamark Type: harbour
Lat/Long: 50.7088212/-2.7634665
Seamark Small Craft Facility Category: toilets
Seamark Type: small_craft_facility
Lat/Long: 50.7107643/-2.7639822
Launderette
Shop: laundry
Lat/Long: 50.7136297/-2.7581584
Bench
Lat/Long: 50.7117808/-2.7635385
Bench
Lat/Long: 50.7117647/-2.7635084
Bench
Backrest: yes
Material: wood
Lat/Long: 50.7113244/-2.7617976
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 50.7138164/-2.757571
Crossing
Crossing: unmarked
Crossing Island: no
Kerb: lowered
Tactile Paving: yes
Lat/Long: 50.710766/-2.7605268
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7133052/-2.7583489
Noexit: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7112433/-2.7590275
Bayside
Check Date: 2022-09-17
Shop: clothes
Lat/Long: 50.7106798/-2.7606294
Marketplace
The Customs House
Check Date: 2022-09-17
Lat/Long: 50.7102824/-2.7611375
Cafe
The Customs House Cafe
Check Date: 2022-09-17
Wheelchair: yes
Lat/Long: 50.7104919/-2.7609774
Bar
Tiki Bar
Check Date: 2022-09-17
Lat/Long: 50.7106301/-2.7610029
Bus Stop
Meadowlands
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 1200DOA25150
Naptan Bearing: N
Naptan CommonName: Meadowlands
Naptan Indicator: N-bound
Naptan NaptanCode: dordmjta
Naptan Street: West Bay Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Lat/Long: 50.7146019/-2.758138
Give Way
Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 50.7114694/-2.7625465
Bus Stop
Meadowlands
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 1200DOA25149
Naptan Bearing: S
Naptan CommonName: Meadowlands
Naptan Indicator: S-bound
Naptan NaptanCode: dordmjpw
Naptan Street: West Bay Road
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Lat/Long: 50.7145869/-2.7579922
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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