An RNLI Lifeguard Beach Patrol Service operates during the school summer holiday season at West Bay.
An HM Coastguard Auxiliary Rescue Service operates from West Bay. In an emergency situation,
dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
We want you to enjoy the sea at West Bay, but please observe safety procedures.
Take note of all safety signs on the beaches. Do not enter the sea during adverse
weather conditions and never when the sea looks rough, even during the summer!
Download the document below for procedures regarding all West Dorset beaches and harbours,
supplied by the West Dorset District Council.
View of West Bay from the top of East Cliff West Bay exceeds the highest water quality
requirements of the Marine Conservation Society and features in the Good Beach Guide
East Beach
East Beach consists of a very fine shingle ridged beach with sand at the water’s edge.
The beach extends as far as the eye can see along the Chesil Beach to Portland Bill.
Beach Cleanliness
West Bay features in the Good Beach Guide as achieving the highest award for sea water quality. The Environment
Agency sample water purity on West Beach only, as prevailing sea currents would drive any impurities in that direction. Therefore,
although East Beach is not listed for water quality, it should achieve as good, or better results to that of West Beach.
Although both beaches are cleaned regularly by West Dorset District Council, please dispose of your litter sociably.
Toilets
Public toilets are available behind the shingle ridge of east beach, at the main car park to the left of the
mini roundabout when entering the town and also at the north-western corner of the harbour (across the road) where baby
changing facilities are also provided. There are also disabled toilets, accessed by a radar key. Don’t have a key? Registered
disabled can apply for their own key through their local health authority.
West Beach
West Beach has recently been replenished with a fine, smooth, pebbly beach, with
shingle and sand at the water’s edge. It’s ideal for younger children due to a protective cove
being formed between the harbour’s new west pier (Jurassic Pier) and the esplanade’s rock armour groynes.
Car Parking
There is ample car parking either behind the east beach, by the south-eastern edge of the harbour, or along
the esplanade behind the west beach. A large and usually under-used car park also exists to the left of the mini
roundabout as you enter the town. It’s less than a 5 minutes’ walk to the east beach and harbour.
Dogs
Note that dogs are not permitted on East Beach and West Beach between 1st May and 30th September.
However, they are permitted on East Beach under the East Cliff area at all times, but must be kept
under reasonable control and not become a nuisance to other beach users. Access is by the path
alongside East Cliff. The whole of West Bay also operates a clean zone, regularly patrolled by
wardens. Dog owners who do not clean up can face fines of up to £1,000. Bins are provided.
Beach Cleanliness
