West Bay, Dorset – Bikers, Breakfast & the Best Mug of Tea on the Coast
Some places just get it – and West Bay on a Sunday morning is one of them.
Roll in early and you’ll find the harbour lined with bikes, the smell of sea salt and sizzling bacon thick in the air, and the hum of engines slowly giving way to conversation and coffee. It’s a proper biker’s ritual, and even if you’ve come from miles away, you feel like part of something.
The Ride: Coastal Roads Worth Waking Up For
The route in from Weymouth (our home town) is reason enough for the trip. Sweeping bends, rolling hills, and sea views that feel like something out of a film – the coastal roads wind their way through some of Dorset’s best scenery. Whether you're on a cruiser, a tourer, or something a bit more aggressive, it's the kind of ride that makes you fall in love with the road all over again.
Watch out for blind corners and hills, there’s lots of them and a few corners are slower, steeper and tighter than they appear!
Top Tip: Anchors Aweigh
Our number one recommendation for food? Anchors Aweigh, right by the harbour. Their breakfast rolls, burgers and sandwiches are hot, fresh, and generous. Even better, the tea and coffee come in proper mugs (none of that cardboard nonsense), and bikers get a discount just for showing up on two wheels.
It’s a family-run spot with a proper local feel. The staff are always smiling, chatty, and happy to swap a story or two – exactly the kind of place you want to warm up in after a coastal blast.
(Many other food outlets, cafes and restaurants are available) .
A Missed Opportunity: Helmet City
One thing that stood out to us – Helmet City, the local motorcycle clothing and accessories shop, is closed on Sundays. It’s a prime location right on the harbour, and with so many bikers in the area that day, it feels like a missed opportunity. Hopefully they’ll open up in future to catch the Sunday crowd.
Traditional River Boat Hire
One of West Bay’s hidden gems is the chance to hire a traditional wooden rowing boat and gently explore the river. Moored just behind the harbour, these charming little boats offer a peaceful escape from the busier quayside. For just £15 per hour, you can row upstream at your own pace, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Dorset countryside. It’s a perfect way to unwind, spot wildlife, and see a different side of West Bay — ideal for couples, families, or solo adventurers looking for a moment of calm. You can leave your gear in the hut, so pack a few sandwiches and have a little river picnic.
Verdict:
West Bay delivers on every front – great rides, great views, great food, and a buzzing community of bikers. Anchors Aweigh seals the deal with a proper welcome and proper mugs, the only thing missing is a Helmet City that’s open on Sundays.
