Nestled in the picturesque county of Dorset, West Bay boasts a stunning coastline with dramatic cliffs and a sandy beach. The official water quality rating is Excellent, as tested by the Environment Agency, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing summer swim. With the English Channel's warm waters averaging around 18°C in July, West Bay is an ideal destination for beach lovers.
Hand-picked holiday cottages & coastal retreats near West Bay (West) (Dorset) & surrounds
Rural Retreats
From £820
Byre House is ideally situated in the pretty Dorset village of Sutton Waldron, on the edge of the glorious Cranborne Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This stylish p...
Dorset Hideaways
From £474
Nestled in the heart of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape, Phillishayes Cottage is a charming thatched holiday home brimming with original character, countryside charm, and...
Dorset Hideaways
From £819
Perfect for up to six guests and recently refurbished. The unique Artist's Studio at West Lodge invites you to stay in the quaint village of Piddlehinton in the picturesque Pidd...
Dorset Hideaways
From £965
Located in the mid-Dorset village of Fifehead St Quintin and surrounded by glorious countryside, Lower Fifehead Farm is a beautiful Grade II listed property with generous and fl...
Dorset Hideaways
From £432
Bakers Cottage is a charming and cosy stone cottage, located in the historic town of Shaftesbury; known for its picturesque views, mediaeval architecture, vibrant high street, a...
Dorset Hideaways
From £250
Set in 20 acres of stunning Dorset countryside, Thatchers Cottage is one of ten delightful converted barns which form Rudge Farm Cottages, and where you will find comfortable ac...
Dorset Hideaways
From £508
Bramble offers generous luxury en-suite accommodation for up to four guests, with stylish features including a copper bath and shower tray, a modern wood burning stove and a din...
Dorset Hideaways
From £943
A stylish, contemporary property with generous accommodation, a large garden and ample parking, ideal for families. Kittiwake is well-situated within walking distance of the bea...
Harmonic astronomical predictions, tidal coefficients & flow rate
| Day | High & Low Tides (Local Time) | Tidal Range | Coeff / Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 11 Nov | ▲ High 19:20 (3.70m) | -- | |
| Today | ▼ Low 00:53 (0.86m)▲ High 07:33 (3.89m)▼ Low 13:12 (0.93m)▲ High 19:50 (3.58m) | 3.03m | Spring (93) |
| Fri 13 Nov | ▼ Low 01:25 (0.99m)▲ High 08:01 (3.79m)▼ Low 13:45 (1.04m)▲ High 20:21 (3.44m) | 2.80m | Spring (87) |
| Sat 14 Nov | ▼ Low 01:56 (1.15m)▲ High 08:32 (3.66m)▼ Low 14:17 (1.18m)▲ High 20:53 (3.27m) | 2.51m | Coeff 79 |
| Sun 15 Nov | ▼ Low 02:27 (1.33m)▲ High 09:04 (3.49m)▼ Low 14:49 (1.35m)▲ High 21:29 (3.08m) | 2.16m | Coeff 70 |
| Mon 16 Nov | ▼ Low 02:57 (1.52m)▲ High 09:41 (3.29m)▼ Low 15:24 (1.54m)▲ High 22:12 (2.89m) | 1.77m | Coeff 60 |
| Tue 17 Nov | ▼ Low 03:31 (1.71m)▲ High 10:27 (3.10m)▼ Low 16:09 (1.73m)▲ High 23:11 (2.74m) | 1.39m | Coeff 51 |
The shoreline consists primarily of sand, shingle. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.
Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.
Bacterial levels are highly susceptible to storm runoff. Heavy rainfall in the local catchment is likely to trigger storm overflows and agricultural runoff, rendering the water temporarily unsafe.
Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.
Monitored as a coastal beach. Coastal beaches are subject to tidal flows and marine dilution, whereas inland lakes/rivers suffer from low water circulation, meaning bacteria can linger longer.
Wessex Water Services Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.
Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1988. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.
Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the Dorset area.
Lodges & Holiday Parks
UK Holiday Cottages