Things to see & do > Isle of Portland
More things to see and do in and around Weymouth
Joined to the mainland by the world famous Chesil Beach and a public roadway, the isolated, rugged landscape and spectacular coastal scenery of Portland contrasts dramatically with the vibrant fishing port of Weymouth.
Although the lighthouse at Portland Bill is probably the Isle's most famous visitor attraction, there are actually three lighthouses, two castles, breathtaking coastal walks, excellent sporting facilities and wildlife in abundance.
Portland's geographical position makes it an ideal area for bird watching, especially around the headland of Portland Bill. The spring and autumn periods are without doubt the best time to visit when migrating birds are using the area as a stopping off point.
The view from Portland Heights looking towards Weymouth and the
Chesil Beach. The village of Fortuneswell is in the foreground
The island's unique landscape is almost totally devoid of trees but the limestone soil provides an ideal environment for many wild flowers and grasses. The really vigilant walker may be rewarded by finding the small, deep purple flower of the early Gentian, a very rare plant found only in a few sites in the Britain. There are 57 species of butterfly in the British Isles and over half of these can be seen on Portland, including the cretaceous Silver Studded Blue which is only found here. Much of the island is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and, of course, it is at the heart of Dorset and East Devon's Jurassic Coast - England's first and only natural World Heritage Site.
The rocky coastline of Portland
Portland is an island steeped in history and folklore and the story of the island's proud maritime traditions and smugglers tales can all be found in the Portland Museum. Founded in 1930 by Dr Marie Stopes, the famous pioneer of birth control, the museum is housed in two thatched cottages in Wakeham, one of which inspired Thomas Hardy to use it as the home of Avice Caro in his novel The Well Beloved.
Portland was described by Thomas Hardy as "carved by time out of a single stone" and it is this creamy white limestone that many of the world's most famous buildings are built of, including St Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, the Royal Naval College at Greenwich and the UN building in New York.
The unique landscape, excellent special interest activities, attractions and events make Portland an exciting destination at any time of the year.
