Isle of Portland

The Isle of Portland is not an 'isle' at all, but a peninsula joined to the mainland of Dorset by the narrow spit of Chesil Beach. To the east of Chesil Beach the peninsula curves to form a sheltering bay for Weymouth harbour. On the shore, facing Weymouth, is Portland Castle, a naval fortification built by Henry VIII to control the entry to Weymouth. This is one of the best-preserved of Henry's string of coastal defences built to protect England from possible French attack during the early 16th century.

An older fortification is Rufus Castle, a striking Norman Castle built on a rocky promintory overlooking Church Ope Cove. The castle is named for William II, called 'Rufus' for his red hair. Rufus Castle is located on top of high cliffs, but a path descends the cliffs to a ledge halfway down, where you will find the ruins of a 12th century church.

Portland is famous for 'Portland stone', a much-prized limestone carved from local quarries for centuries. Most of the quarries now lie abandonned, but one has been turned into a sculpture park, with art by local sculptors scattered along trails through the old stone workings. Some of the trails skirt the cliffs overllooking Chesil Beach, and the scenic beauty of the location makes it well worth the walk.

At the southern tip of Portland is a famous lighthouse situated on a rocky outcrop known as Portland Bill.