Interesting fact...
Local Attractions
Portland Castle
Overlooking Portland Harbour in Dorset stands one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts, built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion. Today it provides a great day out for visitors and its audio tour, included in the admission price tells of the castle's 450 year history and the part it played in the First and Second World Wars. Portland Castle offers lots to do for families and individual visitors alike and is only 2 minutes from Portland Marina. For more information visit the English Heritage website.
Osprey Leisure Centre
The Leisure Centre is just 3 minutes away from Portland Marina and offers lots of fun for everyone. Whether you're playing squash, racketball or badminton, learning martial arts or swimming, there is plenty to keep everyone as active as they want to be. Visit the Osprey Leisure Centre website.
The Ocean Spa
This independently owned spa has a unique boutique spirit, and is run by a team of passionate people from diverse Spa, Beauty, Retail, Gym and Personal Training backgrounds. With innovative bespoke spa treatments and an outstanding Health & Fitness club, encouraging and supporting clients and members to achieve and maintain their goals are at the heart of The Ocean Spa. Situated 3½ miles from Portland Marina. Visit the Ocean Spa website.
Dinghy Sailing, Windsurfing and Kayaking
Take to the water with SailLaser (www.sail-laser.com) and try out market-leading sailboats such as Laser, Sunfish, Pico and SB3. The Official Test Centre proudly brings their unique windsurf centre concept to Portland harbour. Whether a seasoned pro or new to the sport of windsurfing, there is something for everyone at OTC UK (uk.otc-windsurf.com), or try out Second Wind's range of ocean kayaks based at the Portland Marina, (www.second-wind.co.uk/home).
The Sugar Loaf Cafe
Home cooked food, with a friendly, cosy and welcoming atmosphere. What more could you want? Why not visit our friends up at the Sugar Loaf Cafe?
The Cafe is conveniently located in Easton Square on top of portland and is ideal for a break between sightseeing and walking around the island.
Open Morning to night (08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Saturday. 10.00 to 16.00 Sunday). They can be called on 01305 821997 or visit their website here.
If you don't beleive us, just have a look at their Tripadvisor page!
River Cottage
River Cottage HQ is 1 hour's bus ride away from Portland marina. Home to the famous chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his team, Park Farm is the base for running courses and events inspired by the philosophy of the original River Cottage – ranging from a night's dining and entertainment, through to courses in foraging, curing, gardening, breadmaking, butchery and more. For more information visit the River Cottage website.
Tout Quarry
Last worked nearly a century ago by hand, Tout Quarry is a network of pathways, labyrinths and gullies – now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with rare grasses, butterflies and orchids. The sculptures found within the quarry landscape have been carved into the rock face and quarry boulders, constructed from the shale or worked from the quarry landscape itself. Tout quarry now hosts carving and sculpture workshops that are located in the heart of the quarry. For more info visit the Tout Quarry web page.
Portland Museum
Founded in 1930 the museum is housed in two picturesque thatched Portland Stone cottages, nestling above Church Ope Cove. Thomas Hardy took inspiration from the cottages for his novel "Wellbeloved". Be prepared to be amazed by the displays based on four specialist themes - Stone, Sea, Local Archaeology and Famous People. For more information visit the Portland Museum web page.
Abbotsbury Swannery
This is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset. Visit the Abbotsbury tourism website.
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Established in 1765 by the first Countess of Ilchester as a kitchen garden for her nearby castle, it has developed since then into a magnificent 20 acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Many of these plants were first introductions to this country. Visit the Abbotsbury tourism website.
Abbotsbury children's farm
A great place for the under 11's. Bottle feed the baby goats am and pm, cuddle the guinea pigs, ride the ponies, race the toy tractors and have endless fun in the undercover soft play area.Visit the Abbotsbury tourism website.
The Jurassic Coast
As part of Britains prehistoric coast Portland has many natural attractions. Various walks are mapped out to take visitors around the Isle and along the surrounding coastline. From Chesil beach to Church Ope Cove and Portland Bill explore old ruins, three lighthouses, naturalised quarries and many miles of beaches. Visit the South West Coast path website.
Portland Marina is only a 15 min bus ride into Weymouth, where there is a host of other attractions and excellent transport routes to the surrounding areas as well as London.
