Visit Portland

Portland is a part of Dorset like no other; wild, natural and ruggedly beautiful.

This unique, tied island marks the southernmost point on the Jurassic Coast and is joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach. Its isolated location, quaint villages and rocky, coastal scenery give the island its own special atmosphere, perfect for exploring.

An Island of Discovery

Just four miles long by a mile-and-a-half wide at its broadest point, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there wasn’t much to see here on this tiny isle – but you’d be wrong!

Steeped in maritime history and heritage, there are museums, castles and not one but three lighthouses to explore, not to mention the folklore and tales of pirates and smugglers to discover.

Know before you go

If you are planning to visit during the Covid-19 pandemic, things will be a little different in Portland this year but the business and the community will still offer you their friendly welcome. If you would like to know what to expect when visiting, please read the new ‘know before you go’ information about Portland to help you plan ahead and enjoy your visit.

Outdoor Pursuits

Portland’s coastline is a mecca for the sporty, with adventure seekers flocking to enjoy the many activities on offer including renowned rock-climbing, abseiling, diving and excellent sailing and kite surfing thanks to the reliable winds.

Walkers and cyclists delight in the Portland loop of the South West Coast Path, which circles around the island mapping out an unmissable 9.5 mile trail of dramatic, rugged cliffs, nationally rare plants, hidden coves and stunning views.

Portland Bill and Pulpit Rock

The distinctive red and white striped Portland Bill Lighthouse and visitor centre is the island’s main draw and is open to tourists in the high season where you can climb the 153 steps to the top of the tower for some exceptional views.

If you’re not a fan of heights, there’s still plenty to see from land level. Looking out to sea from Portland Bill fills you with a feeling of exhilaration, especially on a stormy day where the waves crash powerfully against the craggy shore and across the Portland Race.

A Paradise for Wildlife

Portland’s unique geology and position makes it home to an extraordinarily rich variety of birds, animals and plant life.

The Bill is the first point of landing for millions of migrating birds and the Portland Bill Observatory is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Take a wander inland and you’ll discover butterfly havens, wildflowers and even the odd grazing goat!  Did you know that there are 57 species of butterfly that occur in the British Isles and half of these can be seen on Portland?!

Corner Stone of History

Portland stone has been quarried on the island for many years and is used in prestigious buildings all around the world including London’s St Paul’s Cathedral and the United Nations HQ in New York.

Quarrying still continues on the island although many of the disused quarries have now been reclaimed by nature. Tout Quarry is one particularly well worth a visit; this reserve has been transformed into a stone sculpture park and over 60 works of art can be seen here including designs by Antony Gormley.

Olympic Sailing Waters

Portland is known world-wide for its sailing waters, the National Sailing Academy is based here which was the host venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.

As well as catering for skilled sailors, the academy run fab lessons for beginners so why not give it a go yourself and skim across the waters that saw Ben Ainslie become the most decorated sailor in Olympic history!

A short trip up to the north of the island, will take you to the Olympic rings, one of the best viewpoints on the island.  Wait until the sun is setting and the rings become the foreground to the most spectacular view of Chesil Beach. If you’re looking for your next Instagram snap, it’s here!

Portland's Food and Drink

Fancy enjoying something to eat or drink with views over Portland Harbour? The Boat That Rocks is the perfect location for watching the sailing action out on the water on enjoying a few sundowners on the outdoor terrace. Serving a delicious locally-sourced menu with vegan and gluten free options, as well as fresh seafood specials, we're sure you'll have a fabulous time.

All over the island you'll find great little cafes, restaurants and pubs - some are now offering takeaways to enjoy out and about or delivered to your door.

With so much to explore, you’ll have a fantastic break in Portland! You might like to download our Portland town map and Visitor Guide for some more information and inspiration, or head over to our Things to Do on Portland page for even more ideas.