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All you need to know
Wild and beautiful, holidays on the Isle of Portland are all about getting outside and exploring on foot, bike or on the water; enjoying great food and relaxing beach days or discovering the islands fascinating maritime history.
The fascinating and ruggedly beautiful Isle of Portland marks the southernmost point of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, joined to the mainland by the iconic golden sands of Chesil Beach. There’s masses to do on this unique island; from museums and castles to watersports and excellent places to eat, plus fabulous beach days on Chesil Beach and the other pretty coves dotting its coastline.
Get away from it all on holiday to the Isle of Portland and you’ll find pretty villages surrounded by beautiful countryside, but being just four and a half miles long by about a mile wide it’s easy to explore. Pull on your walking boots or get on your bike and discover the Portland loop of the South West Coast Path, a 9.5 mile stretch of dramatic coastline with panoramic views, hidden coves and interesting bird and plant life. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous there’s rock climbing, abseiling and kite surfing along with world class sailing courses at the National Sailing Academy based in Portland, famous for training Olympic sailors including Sir Ben Ainslie. Or simply hire a kayak or paddleboard and take a leisurely paddle along Chesil Beach for a picnic.
Other days can be spent clambering over the ruins of Rufus Castle dating from the 15th century, or climbing the 153 steps to the top of Portland Bill Lighthouse which guards the island’s southernmost tip. History enthusiasts and families will also love Portland Castle, one of Henry VII’s finest coastal forts where you can find out about the island’s pivotal role in protecting the UK against French and Spanish invasion along with some fabulous views, lots to do for kids and an excellent tea room. And if that’s not enough there’s the Portland Museum and Portland D Day museum which are definitely worth a visit and will keep all ages entertained.
Add to all this some excellent pubs, cafes and restaurants dotted around the island serving excellent seafood, and it’s clear that on a holiday on the Isle of Portland there’s something for everyone. Whether you like action packed days or the simple pleasures of relaxing on the beach and enjoying good food, the Isle of Portland is a great choice for your self-catering holiday.
Enjoy this fascinating authentic recreation of the busy wartime dockyard on the Isle of Portland, from which in 1944, thousands of troops embarked bound for the heavily defended beaches of Nazi occupied France. The centre features an impressive array of original WW2 artifacts, weapons and wartime vehicles.
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A fascinating attraction charting the history or the lighthouse at Portland Bill. Learn about the grueling lives of the lighthouse keepers and find out about Trinity House the organisation that operates the lighthouse and has safeguarded the mariner for over 500 years.
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Visit Nothe Fort at the entrance to Weymouth Harbour, for fabulous panoramic views across Dorset's Jurassic Coast, a museum of the Fort's history, parade ground, impressive guns positioned high on the ramparts, and fun trails and tunnels to keep the children busy.
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This was well worth a visit, lots to look at even in inclement weather.
August 2023
Visit in combination with the Sea Life Centre or as a stand alone attraction, Pirate Mini Golf is a fun day out for aspiring salty sea dogs of all ages.
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Discover the wonders of the underwater world at Sea Life Centre, Weymouth. Walk through underwater tunnels, laugh at the penguins antics, admire the grace and power of sharks, rays, turtles and much more. A great day out for all ages.
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On the summit of the Isle of Portland, this hotel bar and restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy some great food and drink while taking in the fabulous views over Chesil Beach. Open for breakfast, dinner and popular Sunday Roasts.
The Heights Hotel, Isle of Portland, Dorset DT5 2EN (T: 01305 821361)
4 of us had an evening meal on our first night in Portland. The Vegetarian option was certainly not up to standard, it was very poor quality and expensive. We thought the the whole menu was expensive. The staff were friendly and attentive.
October 2023
Found just a stone’s throw from Portland Bill Lighthouse with fabulous views of the English Channel, The Pulpit Inn is the perfect place to stop off and re-fuel whilst exploring the island. Sit outside in the garden and take in the views, or cosy up on the sofas by the woodburner in colder months whilst enjoying some homemade food and excellent selection of local drink.
The Pulpit Inn, Portland Bill, Dorset DT5 2JT (T: 01305 561089)
Owned and run by the same family for 3 generations The Lobster Pot is a Portland institution and a crime to miss especially if visiting Portland Bill Lighthouse. In a unique setting on the cliff edge next to the lighthouse, this friendly cafe enjoys fabulous views of the magnificent Jurassic coast and out across the Channel. The speciality is their delicious home made cream teas but you can also enjoy other drinks, sandwiches, cakes and light meals.
The Lobster Pot, Portland Bill, Portland DT5 2JT (T: 01305 820242)
Popular beach bar and diner housed in a shipping container overlooking Portland harbour. A great spot to enjoy some delicious relaxed style dining making use of the area’s delicious local seafood and produce.
Ferry Bridge Boatyard, Portland Beach Rd, Weymouth DT4 9JZ (T: 01305774954)
Friendly and relaxed beach cafe overlooking Chesil Beach with its own oyster beds so you can enjoy super fresh oysters at your table within minutes of them leaving the water. Also specialising in fresh local crab and plenty of other delicious seafood all cooked to perfection and served on the sunny terrace.
Crab House Cafe Ferrymans Way, Portland Rd, Weymouth DT4 9YU (T: 01305788867)
A pretty little bay just off the road linking Weymouth with the Isle of Portland. Perfect for picnics and swimming or lying back in the sunshine and watching the colourful kite surfers criss crossing the horizon. Dog friendly.
A quiet beach, popular with the locals with lovely swimming from a gently sloping sandy shoreline.
One of the Jurassic Coast’s most popular beaches, the long golden sandy arc of Weymouth beach has plenty of room for everyone. This sheltered bay with is gently sloping shoreline and blue flag status waters offers excellent swimming and a safe environment for watersports. And if that’s not enough the beach hosts plenty of attractions to keep all ages occupied from festivals and sporting championships to punch and Judy shows, donkey rides and pedalos. Dog friendly all year and plenty of parking both in town and on the harbourside.
A pebble beach that stretches 18 miles along the South West coast, Chesil Beach encompasses a number of smaller beaches between Portland and West Bay. Much of it is separated from the mainland by an area of water called the Fleet Lagoon, which varies in size according to the tide. Hamm Beach is the eastern side of he beach facing Portland Harbour and both beaches are important areas for wildlife with a number of designations to help protect resident species. It lies in the centre of the Jurassic coast and is a World Heritage Site. The beach is popular with visiting families, walkers and anyone visiting the area. Made of pebbles and shingle, it’s popular with local anglers and mackerel fishing families. Close to the village of Abbotsbury which is about a mile away, there are cafes, pubs and facilities within the vicinity, as well as surrounding attractions. Parking is also available and dogs are allowed on the beach
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One of Dorset’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, Durdle Door is a magnificent natural limestone arch which was formed when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone about 10,000 years ago. There is also a pretty shingle beach with clear waters and safe swimming. Well worth a visit but can get very busy during summer months so best to arrive early to guarantee a parking space or use public transport. There is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the car park to the beach including steps and some uneven ground.
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We walked from Lulworth to Durdle Door, quite a climb up but great views. The beach at Durdle Door is sand and stones, with lots of steps down to it but interesting for its geography.
October 2023