West Bay is a dramatic coastal village at Bridport harbour featuring spectacular golden sandstone cliffs and a working harbour. The village achieved international fame as the primary filming location for the hit TV series ‘Broadchurch.’ The harbour dates from medieval times when Bridport merchants needed a port, with major Victorian development. The distinctive East and West Cliffs bracket the harbour creating photogenic scenes familiar to millions of TV viewers. The beach offers swimming, fishing, and fossil hunting while coastal paths provide clifftop walking. Fish and chip shops, pubs, cafés, and seaside amenities serve visitors. West Bay successfully balances working harbour traditions with tourism and filming fame. The village demonstrates how small coastal communities adapt to changing economic roles. West Bay combines natural drama, maritime heritage, and pop culture celebrity creating unique destination experiencing both authentic fishing village and TV pilgrimage site.
Photo by David Dixon from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
West Bay (Broadchurch Filming Location)
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more places within 10km
West Bay Beach
Dramatic beach bracketed by golden sandstone cliffs, famous from TV's Broadchurch.
Burton Bradstock Beach
Beautiful shingle and sand beach beneath golden cliffs, excellent for fossils and peaceful seaside.
Eype Beach
Tranquil shingle beach beneath golden cliffs, quieter alternative to West Bay with excellent walks.
Bridport Museum
800 years of rope-making history plus fossils, local heritage, and live demonstrations.
Golden Cap
Highest point on England's south coast at 191m, offering spectacular panoramic coastal views.
Seatown Beach
Peaceful shingle beach beneath Golden Cap, excellent for fossil hunting and dramatic scenery.