Location: Isle of Portland
Top Things to do in Isle of Portland
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Isle of Portland, England
The Isle of Portland is a limestone tied island, 4 miles (6 km) long by 1.7 miles (2.7 km) wide, in the English Channel. Portland is 5 miles (8 km) south of the resort of Weymouth, forming the southernmost point of the county of Dorset, England. A barrier beach called Chesil Beach joins it to the mainland. The A354 road passes down the Portland end of the beach and then over the Fleet Lagoon by bridge to the mainland. Portland and Weymouth together form the borough of Weymouth and Portland. The population of Portland is 12,400.
Restaurants in Isle of Portland
1. Tout Quarry Sculpture Park and Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 325 reviews
An abandoned stone quarry which has now been turned into a nature reserve and stone sculpture park. The remnants of the quarry's limestone has been used to create sculptures within the quarry. The site has been left to regenerate naturally, with control of invasive scrub forming the main management. Tout Quarry is a creative and educational resource for visitors, schools and universities who come to learn about wildlife and stone heritage through Dorset Wildlife Trust and the Portland Sculpture and Quarry Trust. Over the past two years DWT has removed a huge percentage of cotoneaster and thus allowed many native plants and flowers to prosper. UPDATE You may notice some work being done at the North East end of the quarry,a quote from our Warden "At present if you go through that entrance you will follow the path up to a level compacted stone circle. The circle once finished will have 10 'Memory stones' in a sort of sun dial shape. Each stone will be hand carved in situ, incorporating a different Portland theme. For instance one stone will have wildlife carvings, another heritage etc. The stones will also reflect light in different directions."
Reviewed By Joolsmason70 - Weymouth, United Kingdom
Only been here once before and came with my Mum and Alf the dog. Managed to see all of the amazing sculptures this time, stunning scenery, safe for dogs, amazing for kids and a lovely walk leading out onto the coast path overlooking Lyme Bay
2. Chesil Beach Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 217 reviews
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS FOR THE DWT CENTRE AND NOT THE TASTE CAFE. Family-Friendly Visitor centre with information about Chesil Beach and its wildlife. Bird watching, views under the sea, gifts, boardwalk to the beach and lots more... The centre is run by friendly, knowledgeable, local volunteers and is open 7 days a week, from 10am-4pm before Easter and 10am-5pm after Easter. The Fine Foundation Centre is halfway along the causeway between Weymouth ans Portland on the A354 (Portland Beach road - DT4 9XE) There is a pay and display council owned carpark.
Reviewed By 286barryg - Yeovil, United Kingdom
Visited centre whilst staying at Chesil Vista holiday park. Right next to Chesil beach itself with ample parking. Contains restaurant shop for souvenirs and interesting exhibits about Chesil formation and adjacent wildlife. Visitors come from all over the world to see this area. They can then walk along Chesil complete with dogs if required and enjoy the abundant wildlife. Cant wait to go back
3. The George Inn, Portland, Dorset
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By lorrainebO3068VL - Isle of Portland, United Kingdom
Stunning roast yet again at the George, staff lovely and friendly perfect hosts, and they even found me a Christmas pudding, delicious, thank you everyone x
4. Church Ope Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By 246joeym - Coventry, United Kingdom
Always a beautiful place to visit. Been visiting for years. A great “hidden gem” toilet facilities on the beach and a place to get water. Very beautiful. The walk back up the cove is steep but the route is properly paved with steps - there are a lot of steps but places to sit for a rest on the way. There is free parking which is brilliant. Beautiful white pebbles and cliff views.
5. Fancy's Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Fancys Farm is free to enter and is open every day of the year except Christmas Day from 11am to 4pm. Most of our wide variety of animals are super friendly and love to be petted. Feed is available in the main building at £1 per cup. We have a children's play room and outside toys which are all donated as we can't afford to buy them. All of our animals receive the best care possible but some are rescued and may not look at their best as they are recovering from previous poor care. All of our friendly staff are happy to help and answer any questions that you may have, if you would like a free tour please ask for Jon. Our shop sells a variety of meat and eggs produced on the farm along with hot and cold food and drinks. Please enjoy your visit.
Reviewed By frenchiwilson - London, United Kingdom
With free entry and such big fields, this farm is incredible. All the animals are really friendly and are clearly looked after really well. You can buy a cup of food from the shop for £1 and feed the goats and sheep. This is really fun as it’s hand on with the animals. They have so many like pigs, goats, ducks, horses, alpacas, donkeys and rabbits etc. We will continue to visit here everytime we come to the island.
6. St George's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
St George's is one of the most magnificent 18th-century church in Dorset. It rises from the rocky and dramatic peninsula of Portland and is the masterwork of a local mason named Thomas Gilbert whose grandfather supplied the Portland stone used to build St Paul's Cathedral. The interior is fabulously preserved with its lectern, pulpit, box pews and galleries all surviving. The sprawling churchyard is a treasure trove of fabulous headstones and memorials that tell tales of murder, piracy and adventure in a gloriously atmospheric setting.
Reviewed By 331jaye - Isle of Portland, United Kingdom
Went up to St. George’s church with my jack Russell denzal, always have a wander around the grave yard looking at the headstones it’s so interesting!!! The church is awsum if you haven’t been before it’s one of the many Jewell’s of Portland there was a guide on when we visited John and he welcomed me and denzal in which was great there’s so many places don’t allow your dog in.. even had a ring of the bell!! Even if there isn’t a guide the doors open on a automatic timer around 10 I believe until 16.30hrs the door is stiff and you will need to gently nudge it... the church has recently had new gates put onto the entrance compliments of Tesco portland its a wonderful church with lots of history looked after by a fabulous church charity well worth a visit guys
7. The Grove Prison Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By 814steveg
This an interesting little museum, packed with artefacts relating to life in the prison/borstal/YOI. The volunteer curators and former prison officers, Paul and John, provided an excellent level of knowledge and many interesting stories of prison life. Doesn't take much time to see, so do pop in and have a chat with them if you're in the area.
8. St Andrew's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By jamief997 - Newport, United Kingdom
Just follow the signs from church ope cove up to this 13th century church ruins. Very interesting spot, bit muddy on a wet Feb day.
9. Rufus Castle
10. Verne High Angle Battery
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