The award-winning series Broadchurch burst onto British television screens in 2013, captivating audiences across three series filmed entirely in a stunning coastal location. Starring acting legends David Tennant and Olivia Colman, the crime drama examines how a single devastating event tears through a tight-knit community. Yet the real unsung hero is the Dorset landscape, which provides a haunting atmosphere and serves as a backdrop for pivotal moments.
West Bay: The Heart of Broadchurch
Most coastal sequences were shot at tranquil West Bay, with its iconic 50-metre cliffs heavily featured. The plot kicks off when Danny Latimer's body is discovered on East Beach beneath these imposing cliffs. The wider West Bay area also provided the backdrop for the café, police station, newsagents, Sea Brigade Hall, and harbour. Additionally, the caravan park spanning all three series sits nearby, alongside beach huts in Eype and Freshwater. The picturesque town of Clevedon in North Somerset also served as a key filming location, though the Dorset coastline steals the spotlight.
What to See and Do
West Bay boasts two magnificent beaches: East Beach, famous for its towering cliffs, and West Beach, a sheltered haven perfect for families. The area forms part of the celebrated Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth to Dorset. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas, superb clifftop walks, and the West Bay Discovery Centre, which explains the cliffs' geology. One TripAdvisor reviewer described it as "a lovely beach to walk along" with "stunning cliffs," while another noted the cliffs are "very spectacular but prone to rock falls."
Broadchurch's Lasting Impact
Since the show aired in 2013, visitor numbers to West Bay have surged. A survey of 60 tourism-related businesses found that over three-quarters enjoyed a significant upturn in custom, crediting Broadchurch for the boom. Actor Andy Buchan, who played Mark Latimer, told Visit Dorset: "I would take a holiday in Dorset every 10 minutes if I could. It is a spectacular part of the world." Despite its popularity, visitors are warned to avoid sitting under the cliffs due to frequent rockfalls. West Beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards from July to September and is better suited for young children.
A Perfect Seaside Getaway
Just two hours from Bristol, West Bay offers a perfect escape. One visitor called it "excellent for a breath of fresh air" with "stunning coastline and golden cliffs." Whether you're a Broadchurch fan or simply seeking natural beauty, the Dorset coastline promises an unforgettable experience.
