CRABBING AT WEST BAY

One of our favourite things to do in West Bay’s harbour (only a minutes stroll away) or off the pier is to attempt crabbing. Although we have never been particularly successful there is nothing quite as lovely as hearing the squeals of the kids and grown ups as they try and put a crab in a bucket of seawater. On a sunny afternoon the harbour walls are awash with families doing considerably better than us, it makes a stroll around the harbour all the more interesting as buckets are inspected and crabs compared. Last summer a little tot proudly proffered his bucket and announced ‘I’ve caught a prawn – he’s called Dave!’

For the more serious fishermen and women out there West Bay has ample opportunities to cast a line. Try from the harbour walls, the piers, off the beach or even a boat!

Help and advice can be found at The Anging Centre, West Bay.
www.fishto.net

Boat trips are run out of the harbour (weather permitting):
www.westbaycharters.co.uk/fishing/

WALKING TO LUNCH

Walking up over East cliff is a challenge many visitors enjoy, if you continue east past the Freshwater Caravan park, onto Burton Bradstock Hive beach you’ll have walked up quite an appetite. Discover the joys of the Hive Beach Cafe. Immensely popular with visitors and locals alike – their fish stew is divine. Dog friendly, family friendly it really is a great late breakfast or lunch spot. Then walk off lunch back to West Bay along the beach (or back across the cliff – always check tide times!!). 

If you fancy a longer walk – go west! Up over West Cliff along the South West Coast Path to Eype. Here you have 2 choices – head inland at Eype – up the hill where you will find the New Inn, Eype and Eypes Mouth Country Hotel. Both excellent locations for lunch. The New Inn is a personal favourite – excellent food and drink and very well run, it is also dog friendly, an all rounder.

The New Inn Eype

For the more adventurous walker, push on, up over Thornecombe Beacon and down into Seatown. Here The Anchor awaits intrepid walkers.

The Anchor Seatown

Alternatively, walk the mile into Bridport – here you’ll find cafes, restaurants and pubs to suit every pocket and palate.

FAMILIES

With a choice of three beautiful beaches what more could you ask for. Perfect for building sand castles, flying kites and taking a dip. The most westerly beach is dog friendly all year round and only accessible vier a short staircase perfect for dogs who like a long run. Throughout the summer there are many activities that go on at West Bay including a Raft Race, Carnival and the latest addition – a Triathlon. The large carpark as you enter West Bay has possibly one of the best playgrounds in Britain with high climbing apparatus and a brand new all ability play area. The local caravan park also has an indoor swimming pool with slides that is accessible to the public. There are also some of the more traditional seaside amenities such as two very cute penny arcades and a permanent fair through the summer holidays. There are many very good kiosks providing a whole range of foods as well as well as a brand new Ice cream kiosk  – Baboo Gelato.