ITV's gripping crime drama Broadchurch sees detective inspector Alec Hardy (played by Doctor Who star David Tennant) investigating the murder of an 11-year-old boy, Danny Latimer, whose body is found on the beach under looming cliffs. However, the picturesque moody backdrop (filmed in Dorset’s West Bay) demands as much attention as the show’s dark subject matter.
“This is the only place you’d ever want to come on your holidays,” Tennant told ITV News. “The sun was baking [while we were filming]. Four weeks later it’s a little damper, but no less stunning”.
Here’s where to discover the real setting of the show, plus other incredible must-see attractions in the area…
West Bay, Bridport
Two miles away from the town centre sits the idyllic West Bay. Here visitors can explore the nearby fishing harbour (historically known as Bridport Harbour), two piers and the pretty beach. The cove is the setting of the police investigation scene in episode one of Broadchurch, and it’s also where ‘50s film The Navy Lark (about a British Royal Navy frigate) was filmed.
RT Travel: Visit Dorset with Radio Times Travel click here to find out more
Dorset County Museum, Dorchester
This southern county is Thomas Hardy territory. The best place to see the writer’s original scribblings and learn more about his works is at the Dorset County Museum. They’ve also got expos about the geographic wonders of the area, including a collection of Jurassic Coast fossils and weird artefacts found at Maiden Castle, including ancient ear picks and nail cleaners. Nice.
Roman villa, Dorchester
This area was once a thriving Roman village. In the ‘30s, locals discovered a 1st century house at Northern Hay. Step back in time and wander around the remains of the building, and view intact stonewalls, columns and mosaic floors.
The Undercliff, Lyme Regis
On west Dorset's Jurassic Coast visitors will find a nature reserve with dramatic cretaceous rocks. The south west coastal path offers an incredible two-mile jaunt under the cliffs, past astonishing formations, and along the charming beach. Geologists will be impressed – sections of this rock are a staggering 200 million years old (hence the name of the area – Jurassic Coast). At Seven Rock Point look out for swirly ammonite fossils.
Sandworld, Weymouth
The intricate sand sculptures on the beach need to been seen to be believed. Made from just water and local yellow grains, the sculptures stand up to five metres tall and nine metres wide. This season, expo creator Mark Anderson is showcasing a science-fiction-themed display, with models of Doctor Who, Star Wars, Alien and Star Trek.
Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
This extravagant stately home is so grand it could have been Downton Abbey. The spectacular gardens are something to behold, but step inside and see its ridiculously decadent interiors. Rooms are filled with fine antiques and dressings, plus there’s a gold-dowsed Spanish room and bonkers Egyptian-themed designs, including a blue pharaoh model and hieroglyphics, scattered about the place.
Clouds Hill, Wareham
This little house was home to army officer and writer Thomas Edward Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia). It’s now a museum, entirely dedicated to the influential chap. In 1935 he left the RAF and returned to Clouds Hill. Sadly, he was later involved in a fatal motorbike crash close by. His brother donated the property to the National Trust, who has kept it complete with Lawrence’s original furnishings, possessions and photos of his adventures in the desert.
Watch Broadchurch on ITV at 9pm on Mondays
RT Travel: Visit Dorset with Radio Times Travel click here to find out more