This museum is closed temporarily.
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 Nature & Natural History Local Maritime Children Religion Geology Industrial heritage Railway
#107 Children's museums in England #80 Geology museums in England #124 Local museums in England #116 Maritime museums in England #115 Railway museums in England #157 Religion museums in England #127 Children's museums in United Kingdom #103 Geology museums in United Kingdom #151 Local museums in United Kingdom #164 Maritime museums in United Kingdom #131 Railway museums in United Kingdom #199 Religion museums in United Kingdom
The Chapel on the Beach, West Bay
Jul 1, 2025 – Mar 15, 2026
Feb 15, 2025 – Jun 29, 2025
May 18, 2021 – Oct 31, 2021
Jul 1, 2020 – Oct 31, 2020
Dec 26, 2019 – Mar 22, 2020
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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.