This museum is closed temporarily.

West Bay Discovery Centre and its collection

West Bay Discovery Centre
Source

Situated on the edge of the beach in the charming fishing village of West Bay the award-winning West Bay Discovery Centre is located inside the former historic Methodist Church and tells the stories of West Bay both past and present. The spectacular scenery of West Bay was the location of the TV drama “Broadchurch” and the Church was even featured in the first series. We aim to offer something for all ages and interests. Our interactive displays cover many aspects of West Bay’s heritage. They include the former shipbuilding industry, commercial fishing, the development of tourism and the surrounding environment of the Jurassic Coast.

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Nature & Natural History Nature & Natural History Local Maritime Children Religion Geology Industrial heritage Railway

West Bay Discovery Centre
The Chapel on the Beach
West Bay
DT6 4EN West Bay

Visitor information West Bay Discovery Centre

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
11:00 – 16:00
Wednesday
11:00 – 16:00
Thursday
11:00 – 16:00
Friday
11:00 – 16:00
Saturday
11:00 – 16:00
Sunday
11:00 – 16:00

We are also open on Bank Holiday Mondays and during school holidays we are open every day from 11:00 -16:00

Admission

0+Free

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop
Credit card
Child-friendly

Location & Map

The Chapel on the Beach, West Bay

Discover all museums in West Bay

West Bay Discovery Centre Reviews

West Bay Discovery Centre has no ratings yet 😢

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The West Bay Discovery Centre offers visitors an informative look into the local history and culture of West Bay, a charming coastal village in Dorset, England. Located in a converted Methodist chapel, this small but well-curated museum provides engaging exhibits on the area's maritime heritage, geology, and natural environment.

    Visitors appreciate the center's interactive displays and multimedia presentations, which make learning about West Bay's past both entertaining and educational for all ages. The museum does an excellent job of showcasing the village's connection to the popular TV series "Broadchurch," which was filmed in the area, attracting fans of the show.

    While the museum is compact, it makes good use of its space, presenting a variety of artifacts and information panels that cover topics from local fossils to fishing industry history. Many guests find the volunteer staff to be knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the overall experience with their insights and stories.

    Some visitors note that a visit to the center can be relatively quick, typically lasting around 30 minutes to an hour, which may leave those expecting a more extensive museum experience slightly underwhelmed. Additionally, while entry is free (with suggested donations), the limited size means that some topics are not explored in great depth.

    Overall, the West Bay Discovery Centre provides a good introduction to the area's history and natural features. It's particularly valuable for tourists looking to learn more about West Bay before exploring the surrounding coastline and village. While it may not be a full-day attraction, it serves as an informative and welcoming starting point for visitors to the area.

    Read more…

Write a review

Your review helps other people learn about great and less great museums. If you've visited West Bay Discovery Centre, you can write your review below! Please pay attention to our content guidelines before you post your review.