West Bay Beaches

Overview

West Bay offers a striking coastal experience on England's famous Jurassic Coast. Instantly recognisable to many from its starring role in the TV series 'Broadchurch', the village is centred around a bustling harbour. While a fantastic spot for enjoying sea air and dramatic scenery, visitors should know that West Bay's main beaches are primarily shingle and pebble, not the soft sand found elsewhere. This makes it ideal for bracing walks and admiring the geology, though perhaps less suited for traditional sandcastle holidays.

The coastline here is dominated by two main beaches flanking the harbour piers. To the east lies the spectacular West Bay Beach Dorset, also known as East Beach, famed for its magnificent, golden sandstone cliffs. While visually stunning, it's important to admire these cliffs from a safe distance due to the risk of rockfalls, and the steeply shelving shoreline requires caution if swimming. On the other side of the harbour, West Bay West Beach offers finer shingle and generally calmer conditions, making it the more popular choice for families and bathing during the summer months.

Beyond the immediate harbour area, the Dorset coast unfolds with more gems. A short trip away, Hive Beach near Burton Bradstock provides a more relaxed atmosphere favoured by locals, complete with a renowned seafood cafe. For a truly iconic Jurassic Coast sight, the magnificent arch of Durdle Door is an essential, though often busy, day trip destination further east. While West Bay itself isn't a prime spot for fossil hunting compared to neighbours like Charmouth, the entire coastline is rich in geological history. Explore our full guide for more beaches in and around West Bay.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is West Bay a good destination for a traditional sandy beach holiday?

West Bay is a fantastic coastal destination, but it's important to know that its main beaches, East Beach and West Beach, are primarily shingle and pebble, not sand. While great for coastal walks, fossil hunting, and enjoying the dramatic cliff scenery (famous from the TV show Broadchurch), it might not suit those specifically looking for large expanses of soft sand for building sandcastles. Nearby beaches like Weymouth offer more traditional sandy experiences.

Weymouth Beach

Can you swim safely at West Bay beaches?

Swimming is possible at West Bay's beaches, particularly West Beach which is lifeguarded during peak season (check RNLI for specific dates and times). However, swimmers should be cautious. East Beach has strong currents and shelving, making it less suitable for swimming, especially for families. There can also be a strong undertow at times on both beaches. Always check tide times, sea conditions, and heed safety warnings. Water quality is generally good but check local reports.

Is West Bay beach sandy or pebbly?

The main beaches in West Bay, East Beach and West Beach, are predominantly shingle and pebble beaches. East Beach features larger pebbles and steeper shelving, while West Beach has finer shingle, especially closer to the harbour wall. You won't find large areas of soft sand like some other resorts.

West Bay Beach Dorset

Can you find fossils on West Bay beaches?

While West Bay is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, fossil hunting is generally more productive on beaches further east towards Burton Bradstock or west towards Charmouth and Lyme Regis, which have more suitable geology (Blue Lias clay). You might occasionally find small fossils washed in at West Bay, especially after storms, but it's not considered a prime fossil hunting location compared to its neighbours.

West Bay Beach Dorset

Charmouth Beach

Lyme Regis Beach

Are dogs allowed on West Bay beaches?

Dog restrictions apply on West Bay's main beaches during the peak season. Typically, dogs are not allowed on East Beach and the designated bathing area of West Beach between 1st May and 30th September. However, dogs are usually permitted on a specific western section of West Beach (towards Eype) year-round, and on East Beach outside of the restricted dates. Always check the latest Dorset Council signage for current rules.

West Bay Beach Dorset

Where is the best place to park for West Bay beaches?

There are several pay-and-display car parks located very close to the beaches and harbour area in West Bay. Popular options include the West Bay Road car park, Station Yard car park, and the East Beach car park. Parking can get very busy and fill up quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended. Some on-street parking is available but is limited and often time-restricted.

What's the difference between East Beach and West Beach in West Bay?

East Beach is the dramatic beach backed by the iconic golden cliffs seen in Broadchurch. It's mostly large pebbles, shelves steeply, and has stronger currents, making it better for sightseeing and walking than swimming. West Beach, located on the other side of the harbour pier, has finer shingle, is generally calmer, wider, and is the designated bathing beach with lifeguard cover in summer, making it more popular for families and swimming.

Is West Bay beach very crowded?

West Bay can get very busy, particularly West Beach and the harbour area, during peak summer months (July and August), sunny weekends, and school holidays. Its popularity, partly due to the Broadchurch effect, means parking and space on the main beach can be limited at these times. East Beach tends to be slightly less crowded for sunbathing due to the larger pebbles. Visiting outside of peak times offers a quieter experience.

West Bay Beach Dorset

Should I be worried about cliff falls at East Beach?

Yes, the cliffs at East Beach are composed of soft sandstone and are prone to erosion and rockfalls, which can happen without warning. It is crucial to stay away from the base and edge of the cliffs. Warning signs are in place, and visitors should always heed them for their safety. Admire the cliffs from a safe distance.

Are there toilets and cafes near the beaches in West Bay?

Yes, West Bay is well-served with facilities. Public toilets are located near the harbour area, easily accessible from both East and West Beaches. There are numerous cafes, kiosks, pubs, and restaurants clustered around the harbour, offering everything from fish and chips and ice cream to full meals, all within very short walking distance of the beaches.

Which is better for beaches, West Bay or Lyme Regis?

It depends on what you're looking for. West Bay offers dramatic cliffs and shingle beaches, famous from TV. Lyme Regis has a mix of sand and pebble beaches, is renowned for fossil hunting (especially Monmouth Beach and Charmouth nearby), and has a more traditional seaside town feel with the Cobb harbour. West Bay is smaller and focused around its harbour, while Lyme Regis is larger with more varied beaches and shops. Both get busy in summer.

How do you get to the beaches in West Bay?

West Bay is easily accessible by car via the A35. Follow signs for West Bay from Bridport. Several large car parks are available near the harbour and beaches. Public transport options include local bus services connecting West Bay to Bridport and other nearby towns like Lyme Regis and Weymouth, although services may be less frequent outside of peak season.