explore
Portland
Explore portland
Connected to the mainland by the breathtaking sweep of Chesil Beach, the Isle of Portland offers a magnificent blend of beauty and excitement. As a major feature of the Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage site – Portland is well known for its fascinating landforms and spectacular sea views so there’s plenty to see, and do, during your visit.
The Island
The Isle of Portland offers a whole host of water sports including: sailing, diving, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, kite surfing and coasteering. We can help you find the experience that you’re looking for, thanks to our many partners across the island. So, whichever way the water interests you, Portland is sure to satisfy.
If land-based activities are more your thing, Portland boasts walking routes, rock climbing spots, cycle paths, bird watching areas and horse-riding facilities.
From the secluded pebble beach of Church Ope cover to the Tout Quarry Sculpture Park, there’s size and scale to suit any visit. And with more than one Castle to choose from, you can explore the culture of the Island easily from the Estate. You’ll be spoiled by the views from the South West Coastal path, steeped in history at the Portland Museum, and staggered by what Portland really has to see.
Activities
Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Climbing
Cycling
Scuba Diving
Sailing
Stand Up Paddle Boarding & Kayaking
Travel & Directions
The Estate can be found on the Pennsylvania Rd, between Wakeham and Southwell on the South West coats of the Island of Portland.
By Road
Approximately 3.5 hours from Central London and 2 hours from Heathrow
By Rail
Direct train line from London Waterloo to Weymouth with collection arranged from station, transfer time 15 minutes
By Plane
With many airports within no more than a few hours drive, international travel is simple.
By Helicopter
A helipad located on The Estate Grounds, providing the option for a truly unique entrance.
Places to Explore
Some of the most wonderful places you really should visit, anytime you come to Portland.
Church Ope Cove
Once a famous smuggling beach, Church Ope Cove is popular for fishing, snorkelling, swimming, and even diving, as it provides access to numerous wrecks in the surrounding waters.
Portland Museum
Founded in 1830 by Dr Marie Stopes, Portland Museum is the place to learn about the area’s history – local industry, the sea, the prisons, the people and the fossils of the Jurassic Coast.
Rufus Castle
With foundations dated as early as 1142, and ruins from the late 15th Century, Rufus Castle is a Norman Keep built on the rock promontory overlooking Church Ope Cove.
The Tout Quarry Sculpture Park
Craftsmen and artisans have worked with Portland’s Stone since Roman times. The Tout Quarry Sculpture Park keeps this part of Portland life alive with a fantastic park for visitors and the local community.
Chesil Beach
An 18 mile pebble beach, Chesil Beach stretches northwest from Portland to West Bay. Lying at the centre of the Jurassic Coast, Chesil is an important area for wildlife.
Portland Castle
Built by Henry VIII in the 1540’s, this historic English Heritage site has an educational audio tour where visitors can discover the Castle’s long history and involvement in WWI and WWII.
Portland Bill
Located on the Southerly tip of Portland, and home to the famous Portland Bill Lighthouse.
The South West Coastal Path
The South West Coastal Path is 630 miles (1013 km) of diverse coastline from Minehead to Poole, and the Estate sits directly above a section of the path.
