Visit the Isle of Portland wild, natural and beautiful

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.

You can reach Portland by road from Weymouth. For visitors choosing to travel by public transport, there are regular buses between Weymouth and Portland, including an open top bus during the summer months.

Portland - 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.

Outdoor pursuits on Portland

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

Walkers 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 one of the island’s main attractions. It is open in the peak season and if you're feeling energetic, you can climb the 153 steps to the top of the tower for some exceptional views of the coastline.

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. The local landmark Pulpit Rock is an easy walk from the lighthouse and nearby café. 

A paradise for wildlife

Portland’s unique geology and position makes it home to an extraordinarily rich variety of birds, animals and plant life. If you want to find out more about the wildlife around Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, the Wild Chesil Centre is the place to go. The centre is free to visit and has interactive displays and exhibits where you can learn about the local geology and natural habitats.

The Bill is the first point of landing for thousands 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?!

Historic Portland stone

Portland stone has been quarried on the island for many years. It 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 quarry that is particularly well worth a visiting; this reserve has been transformed into a stone sculpture park and over 60 works of art can be seen here for free, including designs by Antony Gormley.

Olympic sailing waters at Portland

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 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 near The Heights Hotel 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 the water? Billy Winter's is a fantastic location for watching the sailing action out on the water, or if you want to enjoy a few sundowners overlooking Chesil Beach, head over to The Crab House.

Plan your break to Portland

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