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West Bay

West Bay is a delightful coastal village in between Bridport and Eype on the Jurassic Coast. This historic fishing village has plenty to offer, making it the perfect place to visit with your family whilst staying at Newlands Holiday Park. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, perusing the small independent shops or exploring the coast on a sightseeing boat trip. Finish the day with a delicious bite to eat from one of the kiosks lining the harbour. There are also some lovely pubs, if you fancy sampling some local ale.

Beaches

There are two lovely beaches to explore at West Bay - East Beach and West Beach. The beaches are seperated by the harbour and are idyllic in the height of summer or a bracing winters day. If you don't fancy a beach day, but want to admire their beauty, we recommend walking along the pier head to the seating area at the end. From here you'll have an excellent viewing point and can take some wondeful photos. On a sunny day the sandstone cliffs appear to glow!

East Beach is arguably the more famous of the two beaches with its golden cliff faces and immaculate shingle bay. East Beach is the perfect beach to enjoy a picnic whilst you watch the boats go out to sea. There are public toilets near East Beach, which can be located behind the Methodist Chapel. There is a lifeguard service here during the summer season for added peace of mind.
Please note: due to recent cliff fall, we do not recommend sitting or exploring directly beneath the cliffs.

West Beach is a small pebble beach to the right of the harbour, when looking out to sea. The water here is exceptionally clean, making it the perfect place for paddling or rockpooling. Children will love trying to spot crabs, fish and sometimes even seals along the shore! If you are planning to visit the western beach, you will find parking along the esplanade which allows for easy access to the seafront.

Things to do in West Bay

Lyme Bay Rib Charter

If you're in the mood for adventure, why not explore the Jurassic Coast on a sightseeing boat trip from West Bay. Lyme Bay Rib Charter offer a range of thrilling boat trips, allowing you to take in stunning views along the coast from the sea. The West Bay Blast is ideally suited to adrenaline junkies wanting to experience daring turns and high speeds. The Coastal Cruise is a more gentle affair for those looking to sit back and take in the scenery.

West Bay Canoes

Explore the River Brit under your own steam during a canoe trip with West Bay Canoes. Join a guided session and head up the river to Palmers Brewery, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. The experienced instructor will help you perfect your paddling technique. This activity is great for families and those looking to try something new!

Children’s Play Park

There is a fantastic children’s play area near West Bay, which was built to reflect the Jurassic Coast and areas rope-making heritage. The playground includes many exciting features such as swings, slides, and a pyramid rope climbing frame.

Antique shopping

There are a handful of quirky shops dotted around West Bay - perfect for buing gifts or souvenirs to commemorate your stay. We love perusing the works of local artists during a visit - it's hard not to bring everything home! There are also some lovely antique shops, where you might be able to puchase a piece of Dorset history. Most are located in the small shopping precinct next to the East Beach car park off of Station Road.

Food and Drink

If you're looking to dine out during your day trip from Newlands Holiday Park, West Bay is home to an excellent selection of food and drink. Whether you're in the mood for pub grub, locally caught seafood or ice cream, we guarentee you'll find it in one of the pubs, cafes or kiosks surrounding the bustling harbour.

Baboo Gelato Ice Cream

One of the best ways to round up a lovely day at the beach is by enjoying a sweet treat! Baboo Gelato is an award-winning ice cream and sorbet company and one of our favourite kiosks in West Bay. Here you will be able to choose from a wide variety of locally-made ice creams and vegan sorbets. Baboo Gelato also offers a sweet treat for your canine companion in the form of a ‘Doggy Doggy Yum Yum’, which is made with organic ingredients formulated especially for dog’s tummies – however, many owners have claimed to like it too!

Rise

We highly recommend a trip to Rise cafe bar when visiting West Bay. This idyllic riverside restaurant serves an interesting mix of classic dishes and innovative specials throughout the day. Treat yourself to a tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner and take in the picturesque views as you dine with your friends or family. Pick the outdoor area in the summer, or snuggle up by the woodburner on a cold and blustery day. We love visiting just before sunset to make the most of the golden light. Booking highly recommended.

Rachel's

Rachel's kiosk is a must visit if you're into seafood. Here you can pick from a delicious menu of fish and shellfish specials to enjoy on the go. There's always something a bit different to try if you're fish and chipped out! Dishes come with a tasty side salad and are rich in flavour!

The West Bay Hotel

The West Bay is owned and managed by local Palmers Brewery. The sit down restaurant is consistantly high rated and a sure bet, if you're feeling peckish. The chefs cook up a storm using local produce. The menu consists of a variety of dishes, including unique takes on pub classics.

Station Kitchen

If you're looking for something a bit different, then you must book a visit to the Station Kitchen. This multi-award-winning restaurant is situated within a historic train carriage and has earned national acclaim from some of the best critics in the business. The friendly team receive glowing reviews for their innovative menu and 5-star service. They host special events throughout the year, including the extremely popular murder mystery night.

Getting to West Bay

It takes approximatly 15 minutes to drive to West Bay from Newlands Holiday Park by car, depending on traffic. The route follows the A35 for most of the way. It is possible to visit by public transport if you'd perfer to leave the car at the park. Hop on the X53 Jurassic Coaster from just outside the park.