Portland, Dorset, United Kingdom

Portland Castle

Portland Castle is a fortified fort built in 1539 by Henry VIII to reinforce the south of the kingdom’s borders. The castle only took part in actual military operations during the English Civil War of 1642-1649. Having historically been a royal residence, Portland was a stronghold of the Royalists; however, during the war it changed hands several times. After the restoration of the monarchy, the town’s residents received a special grant from the king for their loyalty and courage. Today, the castle hosts guided group tours with stories from the Tudor era, and visitors can take a look at the kitchen and view the artillery platform. On the grounds of the castle, the Captain’s House café operates daily. Visitors are invited to have a picnic on the grounds of Portland.

Rufus Castle

Another castle near Portland - Rufus Castle, also known as the Castle of Luke and Arrows. The castle dates back to around the 15th century, and some of its parts made from the same Portland stone were built as early as the 12th century. The castle was constructed directly on the rock, and most of the original structure collapsed under the effects of erosion, wind, and time. Nearby is the half-ruined St Andrew’s Church, very old and steeped in romantic legends. The thing is that on many of the old graves in the churchyard, a skull and crossbones can be seen, leading many to conclude that this cemetery was used by pirates. But in fact, skulls and crossbones were simply a common symbol of death at the time, and pirates were usually buried at sea.

Portland Bill Lighthouse

The Portland Bill Lighthouse is located at the very south of the island. The Portland Bill Lighthouse was built for ships heading to Portland and Weymouth through dangerous waters off Portland Island, and also serves as a landmark for vessels sailing in the English Channel. The lighthouse tower is painted with distinctive white and red stripes. Construction was completed by 1906. Perhaps the lighthouse is the biggest attraction in Portland and the most frequently photographed spot on the island. It is open to the public, and guided tours are held regularly.

Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach is a shingle beach stretching 29 km; its width is 200 meters. It is part of the coastline formed back in the Jurassic period, and it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the past, shipwrecks were frequent in the bay that surrounds the beach, which is why the writer Thomas Hardy called it the “Dead Man’s Bay.” Part of the beach is state-owned, while part is an area open to the public.

Church Bay Opup

Church Hope Bay has a special charm. It is a small, secluded beach on the sheltered eastern side of the island, not far from the village of Weykham. Some distinctive features set it apart from other beaches on the island. First of all, in Portland in general there aren’t many beaches, and this one is also sandy. Secondly, it is believed that this is where the very first landing by Viking seafarers in Britain took place. For decades, a large old rusting hand winch lay on the beach at Church Hope. Nobody knows why it was never removed, and the winch features as the central subject in many picturesque photos of the bay.

Pulpit Rock

Rock of the Pulpit (Pulpit Rock) is one of the island’s most famous attractions. It was left untouched during the development of the limestone deposits, but at the same time it was slightly modified for religious reasons. From the shore, a huge stone slab was propped against the rock, meant to resemble an open Bible resting on a priest’s lectern. That is how the rock got its name. Today, the rock is incredibly popular with tourists, who make a point of taking photos from its summit despite the official sign warning of danger.

Citadel Vern

The Citadel Verne was built in 1860-1881 to protect the harbor. It is located on the top of the hill of the same name. The project was created by royal engineers, and construction was carried out not only by regular workers, but also by prisoners. The fortress could house up to one thousand people, and its firing positions faced three sides. Since 1949, the citadel has been used as a prison. It consists of two forts: the inner Fort Pyerhead and the outer Fort Breakwater. The citadel was built in such a way that it was possible to see any ship passing by the island, while from the sea it was not visible. With the arrival, however, of torpedo boats and large-caliber guns, the fortress lost its importance. The firing battery was decommissioned in 1906.

Jurassic Coast Shore Excursion

Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most astonishing places on Earth. A breathtaking 150-kilometer-long coastline bordered by cliffs, which are about 185 million years old. During the excursion, you’ll enjoy stunning views and discover many natural attractions, such as the natural limestone rock arches of Durdle Door or the unique Lulworth Cove Bay, located near the Portland port.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check after booking your cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.