Isle of Portland Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the stunning Jurassic Coast in the county of Dorset, the Isle of Portland is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and unparalleled outdoor adventures. This small island, connected to the mainland by the breathtaking Chesil Beach, boasts a rich maritime heritage and stunning landscapes that will captivate the hearts of any traveler.

One of the island's most iconic landmarks is the Portland Bill Lighthouse, proudly standing at the southernmost tip of the island. This striking structure has been guiding ships along the treacherous English Channel for over 300 years and offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline. Visitors can explore the lighthouse, learn about its fascinating history, and even climb to the top for an unforgettable vantage point.

For nature enthusiasts, the Isle of Portland is a paradise waiting to be discovered. The rugged cliffs and stunning beaches provide a haven for birdwatchers, hikers, and photographers alike. Chesil Beach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches for 18 miles and offers breathtaking views of the sparkling sea and rolling waves. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, collect unique pebbles, or simply bask in the tranquility of this natural wonder.

History buffs will be enthralled by the island's rich maritime past. The Portland Museum, housed in two former cottages, showcases the island's history through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits. Learn about the island's famous stone quarries, which provided the building blocks for iconic landmarks such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the United Nations headquarters.

No trip to the Isle of Portland would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine. The island is renowned for its fresh seafood, which can be savored in charming coastal pubs and restaurants. Feast on locally caught crab, lobster, or the famous Portland oysters, and let your taste buds savor the flavors of the sea.

Alternative names: Area: 4.44 mi²Elevation: 341 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°33'8"N, 2°26'29"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Isle of Portland Top Attractions

Isle of Portland Attractions - What to See and Explore

Isle of Portland offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland Castle, Portland Cenotaph. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sailing • Boat tours • Tours
Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy
Nestled on the rugged coastline of the Isle of Portland in the United Kingdom, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is a premier event venue that has made a name for itself in the world of competitive sailing.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse • View point
Portland Bill Lighthouse
Portland Bill Lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse at Portland Bill, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. The lighthouse and its boundary walls are Grade II Listed.
Forts and castles • Museum • Military museum
Portland Castle
Portland Castle is an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, between 1539 and 1541. It formed part of the King's Device programme to protect against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire, and defended the Portland Roads anchorage.

Memorial
Portland Cenotaph
The Portland Cenotaph is a war memorial located on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It is situated at New Ground, looking down to Underhill of the island and overlooking Chesil Beach, as it stands in front of Portland Heights Hotel.
Park • Nature and wildlife
Tout Quarry
Tout Quarry, now known as Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve, is a sculpture park and nature reserve based within a disused quarry on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It is located within the north-west corner of Tophill.
Nature • Natural attraction • Cave
Cave Hole
Cave Hole is a large cave on the south east side of the Isle of Portland, a large peninsular in Dorset, England. It has a blowhole and a wooden crane, known as Broad Ope Crane on the cliff top.
Monuments and statues
Chiswell Earthworks
Chiswell Earthworks is a land sculpture, located on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It is found above Chesil Beach's most southerly part Chesil Cove, at the end of the promenade sea wall, towards West Weares. It was created by John Maine RA, between 1986 and 1993.
Forts and castles
Rufus Castle
Rufus Castle, also known as Bow and Arrow Castle, is a partially ruined castle overlooking Church Ope Cove on Portland, England. Its name derives from King William II, known as William Rufus, for whom the original castle was built. The existing structure dates largely from the late 15th century, making it Portland's oldest castle.
Cemetery
Royal Navy Cemetery
Royal Naval Cemetery is a cemetery on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. The site overlooks Portland Harbour, and is found below the main entrance to the Verne Citadel.
Church
United Reformed Church
The United Reformed Church is a former United Reformed Church in Chiswell, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It was founded in 1825 and closed in 2009.
Memorial
Trinity House Obelisk
The Trinity House Obelisk, also known as the Trinity House Landmark, is a 19th-century obelisk located at Portland Bill, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. Built as a daymark, it has been Grade II Listed since 1978. The obelisk was built in 1844 to warn ships off the coast of Portland Bill.
Ruins
St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's Church is a ruined church located above Church Ope Cove on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. St Andrew's was Portland's first parish church and remained as such until the mid-18th century.
Park
Victoria Gardens
Victoria Gardens is a public garden, located at Underhill, Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It is found close to Fortuneswell village and overlooks both Victoria Square and Chiswell.
Church
Underhill Methodist Church
Underhill Methodist Church is a Methodist Church, opened in 1899, located in Fortuneswell, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset. It was built between 1898–1899, replacing a 1793 chapel built by Robert Carr Brackenbury, the founder of Methodism on Portland.
Forts and castles • Historical place
Verne High Angle Battery
The Verne High Angle Battery is a former 19th-century gun battery on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. Situated close to the Verne Citadel, the battery is Grade II Listed, and forms part of the citadel's scheduled monument status.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Old Lower Lighthouse
The Old Lower Lighthouse is a disused 19th-century lighthouse on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, southern England. It is located along the eastern side of Portland Bill.
Church • Georgian architecture
St George's Church
St George's Church is a Church of England church on the Isle of Portland, built between 1754 and 1766 to replace St. Andrew's which had fallen into disuse and was no longer suitable as a place of worship.
Church
St Andrew
The Avalanche Memorial Church, also known as the Church of St Andrew, is a Church of England church in Southwell, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It was built in 1879 and remains active as part of the Portland Parish.
Forts and castles
Blacknor Fort
Blacknor Fort is a 20th-century fort on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It is located at Blacknor Point on the western side of Portland, close to Weston village.

Day trips

Isle of Portland – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Isle of Portland, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Tank Museum (Bovington Camp), Stourhead, Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve.

13 milesNE
History museum, Military museum, Museum
The Tank Museum, Bovington Camp
Nestled in the heart of Dorset, The Tank Museum in Bovington Camp stands as a formidable archive of armored warfare. This impressive establishment is not just a museum; it is a journey through the history of tanks and their impact on global conflicts.
39 milesN
Scenic walking areas, Garden, History museum
Stourhead
Nestled in the verdant Wiltshire countryside, Stourhead is a stunning example of an 18th-century English landscape garden. This picturesque estate, with its classical architecture and tranquil lake, is often referred to as a living work of art.
44 milesW
Golf
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, located in the United Kingdom, is a site of remarkable natural beauty and biodiversity. This coastal haven stretches across 506 acres, encompassing a variety of habitats including sand dunes, grasslands, ponds, and marshes, which...
8.6 miNE
Natural limestone arch and iconic photo op
Durdle Door, Lulworth
Nestled on the Jurassic Coast near Lulworth in Dorset, United Kingdom, Durdle Door is a striking natural limestone arch that has become an iconic part of the British coastline. This geological wonder, sculpted by the relentless forces of the sea, is part of the...
4.4 miN
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
The Esplanade, Weymouth
The Esplanade, a picturesque street in the coastal town of Weymouth, England, is a quintessential British seaside promenade that offers both locals and tourists a charming slice of the Dorset coast. With its sweeping views of Weymouth Bay and its Georgian architecture...

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Best Time To Visit Isle of Portland

Learn when is the best time to travel to Isle of Portland weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and March.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in April, May, June and July. Most of it rains in January and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Isle of Portland?

The top attractions to visit in Isle of Portland are:

What is the best time to visit Isle of Portland?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January, February and March.