Excursion The isle of portland tour at Portland (GB)

Discover the Isle of Portland on this brief scenic tour.

The Isle of Portland

The Isle of Portland sits strategically in the centre of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast.  Steeped in history and famous for its distinctive stone, Portland is connected to the mainland by a long causeway formed by the famous 18-mile-long Chesil beach.  Once a self-governing region, the ancient Royal Manor of Portland is home to one of the largest natural harbours in Europe.  Maritime heritage dating back many hundreds of years is therefore evident at every turn.  From the harbour itself, fortified in the 16^th Century by King Henry VIII to the DDay Mulberry Harbours floating in the port to this day.  Behind Chesil beach, by the mainland, runs the long shallow Fleet lagoon.   Now a nature reserve, this was once the site of Barnes Wallace's testing range for the bouncing bombs.

Portland itself is formed of very special geology; rich in fossils, the quarries here have produced the valuable stone for many of the country's principal buildings. Sir Christopher Wren used six million tons of Portland stone to rebuild London after the Great Fire of 1666.  St Paul's Cathedral, Whitehall, The Cenotaph, Buckingham Palace and numerous other iconic buildings are formed from this isle!

Portland Castle

During an overview of Portland, see Henry VIII's Portland Castle, neatly guarding the harbour before continuing up to “Tophill” via the small town of Fortuneswell.  At the top, pause for fine views of The Jurassic Coast at Portland Heights and hear about the famous prison, the high level gun batteries and how the hill is completely hollow!  In the distance (on a good day!) see Lulworth and Durdle Door.

Portland Museum

Continue through the townships of Easton and Wakeham, flanked by quarries, before pausing outside the quaint Portland Museum.  Founded in 1930 by Dr Marie Stopes, the famous birth control pioneer, it is housed in two picturesque, thatched Portland Stone cottages, nestling above Church Ope Cove. Inspired by one of these cottages, Wessex author, Thomas Hardy, made it the home of Avice, the heroine in "The Wellbeloved", one of his last novels.  Nearby, the remains of William Rufus'

15^th -century castle guards the cove below.

Portland Bill lighthouse

Travelling to the southerly tip of Portland arrive at famous Portland Bill lighthouse.  Successive lighthouses have been built here to warn mariners of the treacherous Portland Race, where the currents combine and mingle fiercely in impressive style at every change of the tide.  Enjoy some free time to take in the views and sea air before continuing the circuit of the isle to Weston.

Here the still-active quarries offer a dusting of white to the land!  Learn of Portland's own breed of sheep and enjoy fine views of Chesil beach and the quarry workings dating back hundreds of years. Pause at impressive St George's Church, built of local stone in 1754, before you continue your brief Portland overview down the hill again and back to the port.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Isle of Portland, Portland Castle, Portland Museum, Porland Bill Lighthouse

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, an umbrella, weatherproof jacket or coat, and credit cards or local currency for purchases from the ship.