Known as 'The Golden Gateway to the Jurassic Coast', West Bay on the Dorset coast has two beaches, a harbour and marina, forming a perfect seaside location for family holidays, coast and countryside walks. Food and drink kiosks line the perimeter of the old harbour. The marina has now been formed due to the construction of a new pier named the 'Jurassic Pier' giving access to Lyme Bay.
The Great Western Railway 'created' West Bay, Dorset in 1884 by grading it as a holiday resort, from its roots of Bridport Harbour. However, the area has also taken on fictitious names, such as 'Port Bredy' in some of Thomas Hardy's novels and 'Bridehaven' in the BBC TV series 'Harbour Lights', starring Nick Berry.
Places to stay for your holiday accommodation in West Bay, Bridport and West Dorset include bed and breakfast establishments, guest houses, hotels, cottages and apartments for self catering, camping and holiday parks.
Places to eat in the area include tea rooms, cafés, diners and restaurants, some specialising in seafood.
The South West Coast Path enters West Bay, Dorset from Burton Bradstock and over east cliff, then taking you around the harbour. Food and drink refreshments are available at kiosks around the harbour, before continuing on to Eype over the west cliff. From Eype, the path passes over Thorncombe Beacon and on to Seatown. From here the coast path goes on to Golden Cap and proceeds towards Charmouth.
The sea water quality at West Bay, Dorset is rated as having passed the EC Mandatory Standard and receives a 'Recommendation' (the highest award) from The Marine Conservation Society.
