We've always had a thing for West Bay - the unpretentious Dorset resort and fishing town nestled between Golden Cap and the Jurassic cliffs that extend east to the smaller but equally appealing community of Burton Bradstock. It featured a few years ago in the hit TV series Broadchurch. But what is it about West Bay that we like so much, and brought the TV crews here in the first place?
The Beach, The Cliffs
They needed somewhere with high steep cliffs to fit the Broadchurch storyline, and they certainly came to the right place: West Bay's cliffs are as majestic as anywhere along this impressive coastline, and tower over a magnificent beach.
Rise
This is a top choice of local boy Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall but to be honest it had been going long before that young upstart arrived here, and it's still the best pace to eat fish and seafood for miles around. Try one of their heavenly seafood platters if you're hungry, but book ahead in season – it's justifiably very popular.
Watch House Café
Serving the same brilliant fish and seafood dishes as its more renowned sister restaurant - the Hive Café in Burton Bradstock – this place couldn't enjoy a better location, right on the beach in the heart of West Bay. Its seafood broth is legendary.
Sladers Yard
This beautifully converted rope warehouse now houses a great café and gallery – and hosts occasional live music events in the evening. Food is lovely – soups, mezzes, salads, local fish stew.
