Portland, in Dorset, is a must-visit place that offers the beauty of the seaside keeping the charms of the history in Britain
Portland is a beautiful seaside retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a traditional yet stunning coastal destination.
It’s on the south coast, west of the West Country, in Dorset, and is almost an island, connected by the Chesil Beach to a 18-mile long beach linking to the West Bay. Portland is famous for its pale limestone, which was used to construct St Paul’s Cathedral. The area still has active quarries and many historic stone structures, including churches, castles, harbours, and even prisons – so you certainly won’t run out of things to see and do.
According to the latest available data, Portland has a population of 13,417, offering a tranquil environment rich in natural beauty, history, and attractions. If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly destination during the school holidays, this could be the ideal spot.
Things to do in Portland
Although there are plenty of things to visit in Portland, these are the most recommended ones by the locals:
- South West Coast Path: Isle of Portland Circuit – A popular 20.8 km circular trail for hiking, running, and walking, taking around six hours to complete.
- Portland Bill Lighthouse – Climb 155 steps to the Lantern Room for spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast.
- King Henry VIII’s Coastal Fort – One of the king’s prestigious defensive forts, steeped in history.
- Memory Stones – A fascinating arc of large stones with audio recordings that share Portland’s extensive history.
Since Portland is best explored on foot, outdoor activities such as climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, and windsurfing are also popular. Those wanting to experience dramatic stormy seas should visit Portland Bill, one of the best spots for witnessing the power of the waves.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy food and drinks with a view, Billy Winters is a great choice, offering stunning views of the sailing waters. For those preferring to take in the beauty of Chesil Beach, The Crab House Café is the best place.
Chesil Beach connects West Bay to Portland
It’s not your typical British seaside destination, but it has a unique charm that sets it apart. Chesil Beach is an 18-mile-long shingle barrier stretching from West Bay to Portland, making it one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks.
Author, John Fowles, described perfectly the Chesil in his famous quote: “It is above all an elemental place, made of sea, shingle and sky, its dominant sound always that of waves on moving stone: from the great surf and pounding… of sou’westers, to the delicate laps and back-gurgling of the rare dead calm…”
Behind Chesil Beach lies The Fleet Lagoon, a large saline lake and one of the few remaining undisturbed brackish lagoons in the world. It is home to the famous mute swan colony at Abbotsbury, which the only place in the world where visitors can walk through a nesting colony. Naturally, it remains one of Dorset’s top tourist attractions. A fascinating fact, but not a surprising one, is that the view of Chesil Beach from the coast road above Abbotsbury was voted Britain’s third-best view by Country Life magazine.
Portland’s beauty goes beyond its landmarks, offering a peaceful atmosphere that makes it perfect for relaxation and disconnection from everyday life. For those planning a visit, buses run regularly between Weymouth and Portland, including an open-top service during the summer.
