Portland, Dorset: 11 Amazing Things to Do

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Whether you’re looking for some family fun or just want to explore new places, there are lots of things to do in Portland, Dorset! The Isle of Portland is a quaint little town with tons of history and culture.

It’s small, has plenty to offer, and is perfect for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s known for its beautiful coastal scenery, historic pubs, and excellent museums.

Perched at the top of the Dorset coast, Portland is a peninsula surrounded by stunning coastal views and beautiful Jurassic hiking trails. Portland has strong historic links with stone quarrying and its location on the tip of Dorset gives it both beautiful ocean views, and makes it an ideal spot for exploring.

The island is one of the UK’s hidden gems and there are so many things to do on the Isle of Portland. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for pristine beaches, a thriving bird population, and plenty of interesting historical attractions.

11 things to do in Portland, Dorset?

There are so many things to do on the Isle of Portland! Portland is well known for its coastal scenery, Jurassic past, historic pubs, and excellent museums. There is plenty for all the family to enjoy.

Here are the 11 absolute best things to do in Portland, Dorset:

1. Explore Portland Castle

Cost: £7.70 per adult

Portland Castle is a must-visit attraction. It’s located right on the coast and is a great place to explore if you want impressive coastal views. You can also climb up to the top for some excellent panoramic photos.

The castle was built in the early 1540s as part of a major defence program by Henry VIII. It was designed to defend Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour from the French invasion. But, it’s also well-known for its use during the Second World War.

The museum is open every day from March – October and the entrance fee is around £7. The castle remains an iconic part of Portland’s heritage.

2. Climb Portland Bill Lighthouse

Cost: £8.50 per adult

Another of Portland’s most well-known landmarks, the lighthouse is one of the oldest coastal lighthouses in England. It has been guiding ships to safety since 1903. It was also used during both world wars to guide Royal Navy sailors.

The Portland Bill Lighthouse remains an important landmark and one of the top things to do in Portland, Dorset. Not only does it provide vital navigational support but it’s also become part of local history with its prominent role in the D-Day landings.

The lighthouse is open daily from April – September. You can climb to the top for some incredible views of Portland Bill, Weymouth Bay, and Chesil Beach. You can also get a guided tour or see exhibitions about its history during your visit.

3. Visit Portland D-Day Center

Cost: £10 per adult.

Located close to the Castle, the Portland D-Day Center tells the stories of those who lived and fought on this beautiful coastal island during World War II. It’s also connected to one of the biggest military operations in history – D-Day, which helped pave the way for victory during WWII.

It was named as a tribute to all those who fought in the Battle of Normandy. It has been designed to give visitors a full understanding of what life was like in England during World War II. There are lifesize tanks, bombs, and weapons. Plus, you can also discover the stories of those who lived and fought here during this remarkable period in history.

The Portland D-Day Centre remains an essential part of the islands’ history, so make sure you don’t miss it! It’s open Tuesday-Sunday, from 10.30am-3.30pm, and entrance is £10 for adults.

4. Walk (part of) The South West Coastal Path

Cost: Free

One of the best free things to do on the Isle of Portland is to walk the South West Coastal Path. This long hike offers some stunning views of Portland’s unique coastline. It covers 630 kilometres, from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, along the Devon and Cornwall coasts.

It’s one of the UK’s top hiking trails and an incredible experience for anyone who wants to attempt it. The paths are well-maintained. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for a picnic or just to take in some coastal views.

Make sure you wear appropriate clothing though. You can experience some brisk sea breezes and chilly temperatures – it is England after all!

5. Visit the Portland Museum

Cost: £4.95 per adult

Another of the best things to do in Portland is the Portland Museum. It was originally opened in 1930 and has been designed to celebrate everything about this stunning island, from its wildlife to important historical events that have shaped it into what it is today.

You can learn more about how life on a working harbour works, discover the history of Portland’s quarries and get a glimpse at some of its most famous residents.

The museum is situated in the hamlet of Wakeham, which is on the southern outskirts of the village. The artefacts are housed in two 17th-century thatched cottages, which have both been designated as Grade II Listed since 1951.

6. Admire Chesil Beach

Cost: Free

England’s largest, and one of Europe’s best barrier beaches, Chesil Beach has been an important part of Portland’s heritage for centuries. The beach stretches from West Bay in Dorset to the Isle of Portland. It’s home to some incredible rock formations and wildlife habitats.

The best time to visit Chesil Beach is during high tide because that’s when its true beauty really comes out. You can also take a tour boat or kayak along this incredible stretch of coastline too.

Chesil Beach is also one of the UK’s most stunning beaches. It remains one of the most popular attractions in Portland and is a ‘must-see’ for visitors to the island.

7. See the Stonemasons at Work

Cost: £18 per adult and you have to prebook online.

If you’re interested in how Portland’s limestone has been shaped over the years, then a visit to one of its working quarries should be on your itinerary.

Stonemasons have carved this unique island into some amazing buildings and structures. This includes churches and cathedrals right through to bridges and ornate homes.

You can learn more about the history of Portland’s quarries and even see some stonemasons who still work them today.

8. Climb Pulpit Rock

Cost: Free

Another natural wonder and incredible thing to do on the Isle of Portland, Pulpit Rock is a rock formation off the coast of the island.

Not to be confused with the famous Pulpit Rock in Norway, it’s a unique example of how erosion by the sea can create some great rock formations. It’s now been designated as part of England’s Heritage Coast.

In the 1870s, quarrymen at Bill Quarry destroyed a natural arch by cutting away at it, and Pulpit Rock was formed. The result is a pillar of rock that stands at around 151 meters tall and offers some stunning views out to sea.

You can actually climb to the top of this rock too but be super careful. There are no guards and things could be quite awful if you slipped. I really don’t recommend this if it’s raining.

But, if it’s a dry day, you can use the groves in the rock to pull yourself up on top of it. The views from the top are pretty impressive and, if you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie, you’ll love this!

9. participate in Water Sports

Cost: Depends on what you do!

Portland is an island. Because it’s surrounded by the ocean, it has some great watersports on offer. With lots of beaches, coves, and bays to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

Some popular water sports that are available include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing along the coastline. It can get a little chilly out at sea so it’s best to wear some appropriate clothing and a wetsuit.

10. Explore Verne High Angle Battery

Cost: Free

The Verne High Angle Battery was constructed in the late 19th century. It’s one of Portland’s most impressive historic sites.

It has four large gun emplacements which were used to defend Portland Harbour during both World Wars. There’s also a central command post that dates back more than 100 years.

The Verne Battery is located within the town of Verne, at the foot of the citadel. It is Grade II Listed and part of the citadel’s planned monument status.

11. Visit Weymouth

Cost: Free to explore

Just a 25-minute drive away, Weymouth is a beautiful seaside town that you won’t want to miss out on. As well as some stunning beaches and watersports, Weymouth offers cafes, restaurants, bars, and family attractions.

It’s a great day trip and one of the best things to do in Portland, Dorset.

A trip to Weymouth will also give you the chance to visit the Nothe Fort, the second of Henry VIII’s defence forts in the area. It’s a really interesting site to explore.

You’ll see the historic links between the seaside town and the beautiful Island of Portland.

Where is the Isle of Portland?

Portland is located in Dorset and is a peninsula surrounded by the sea. It juts out from the edge of Weymouth and forms an arc around a lot of the Jurassic coastline.

The island is connected to the mainland by the historic Chesil Beach, a huge pebble ridge, and one of the best beaches in Europe. But it’s not just beach vibes and ocean views. Portland is also home to some fascinating history and relics of the World Wars.

How do I get to Portland?

Portland is quite a long way from London. If you were to drive, it would take 4 hours (or more depending on traffic out of London). Although the road trip would give you plenty of opportunities to stop at various cities along the way, including Sailsbury and Southampton. 

If you were to take the train, it would be a similarly long journey. The train goes directly to Weymouth from Waterloo, but you’d then have to catch a bus from Weymouth to Portland. Altogether, the journey would also take close to 4 hours.

Access to the Isle of Portland is also possible by bus. There’s a National Express line that goes directly from the capital to Weymouth. You would then have to change and catch another bus to Portland.

Overall, all journeys would take around 4 hours from London. But, in my opinion, driving is the nicest option. It gives you more flexibility for stops and you can visit more UK destinations.

Is Portland worth visiting?

Definitely! It might be much less conspicuous than its neighbours of Weymouth, Bournemouth, and Lyme Regis, but there are still plenty of things to do in Portland. It’s a great place for some family fun or if you’re looking for coastal views and stunning beaches.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Portland, Dorset

Overall, Portland is one of the best places to visit in Dorset. There’s a wealth of history here, from the fort to the historical centres and lots to explore. Whether you like beautiful beaches, maritime history, or simply a UK seaside escape, I’m sure you’ll love your time in Portland. I know I did! 🙂

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