West Bay

West Bay is a small harbour village on the Dorset coast, sitting at the mouth of the River Brit just south of Bridport. Famous for its towering East Cliff, a sheer wall of golden sandstone rising abruptly from the shingle beach, the village forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and offers some of the most photographed scenery in southern England.

The harbour itself is a busy mix of working fishing boats, pleasure craft and small charter vessels. Around it sit traditional fishmongers, ice-cream kiosks, pubs and seafood restaurants, while the modern outer harbour provides sheltered moorings. East Beach, beneath the cliffs, is a magnet for fossil hunters, walkers and photographers, particularly since the village starred as Broadchurch in the ITV drama of the same name.

From West Bay the South West Coast Path climbs steeply over East Cliff towards Burton Bradstock, and west towards Eype and the long sweep of Chesil Beach. A short stroll inland leads to the Salt House and the harbour-side promenade, both good vantage points for watching the tide change against the striking cliff backdrop.