THINGS TO DO
Skin Deep is a long standing scuba diving charter that offers an all inclusive package diving holiday for club divers around the UK. Diving from their shore based 11m catamaran dive boat.
They operate from Portland Marina in Dorset and cover the majority of the central section of the English Channel although most of their charters are based around the classic wreck diving locations off Weymouth & Portland.
They are licensed for up to 12 divers on any one charter to sea and have an on board compressor for filling cylinders between dives so there's no having to bring a second scuba tank for that second dive.
This is a community farm on Portland in Dorset and is the home to the only flock of rare breed Portland Sheep on Portland. They also have wallabies, goats, ducks, chickens, geese, pigs, donkeys, shire horse and Lunar the farm dog. They are open every day between 10am and 5pm or dusk, whichever is earlier, and welcome visitors. Take the children along to meet, feed and learn about the animals.
Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park is an abandoned stone quarry which has now been turned into a stone sculpture park. It is situated on the top of Portland near to the Portland Heights Hotel. Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park features a pleasant walk around the quarry with various stone carvings to be seen and also sometimes some local stonemasons will be working in an area of the quarry. This provides an interesting look at some talented stonemasons at work. Also lots of local wildlife and flora can be observed.
The OTC is a windsurfing, kite surfing and stand up paddling (SUP) centre located right on the water’s edge, within the grounds of the National Sailing Academy on Portland. Accessible at any tide state and exposed to the best wind statistics on the south coast, The OTC has an affiliated RYA/AALA accredited school to cater for all abilities, and has the very latest equipment on hand to test.
Situated in the ancient hamlet of Wakeham and above the cove at Church Ope, Portland’s Museum was founded in 1930 by Dr Marie Stopes in two early 17th century stone cottages. Inspired by one of these cottages, Wessex author, Thomas Hardy made it the home of Avice, the heroine in his novel “The Wellbeloved”.
Today the Museum houses many of the artifacts associated with the history and culture of the Island and Royal Manor of Portland and tells the story of local industry, the Sea, the Prisons and the People.
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 couples alike, and only half a mile from The Bunker, this historic adventure can easily be combined with some more contemporary seaside fun.
Climbing
Multiple locations across the island
Portland is justifiably famous for the wealth of quality sport climbing available on its lofty white cliffs. The West Coast in particular has now become one of the UK's best venues for well-bolted sport routes across the grades. The East Coast offers bouldering and deep water soloing into the mix as well as serving up its own excellent set of sport routes including many in the easier grades.
Paracademy Extreme has been teaching people to kite surf and power kite since 1999 at Portland Harbour. They offer kitesurfing courses from beginner to instructor training courses and their courses range from 1 day taster kite surf to full 3 day kiteboarding courses. Plus power kite courses, kite buggy and IKO Instructor Training Courses for those wanting to teach kite surfing around the world. They also offer 1 to 1 training too.
Watersports
Surrounded by the sea
Portland offers a range of watersports, including stand up paddleboarding, kayaking the Jurassic coast and windsurfing, all in the safety of Portland Harbour, a beautiful stretch of water that’s accessible in most conditions. After hosting the sailing for the 2012 Olympics I'm sure you'll find all your watersports needs here at Portland.
Castletown D-Day Centre is an authentic recreation of the busy wartime dockyard on the Isle of Portland, from which in 1944, thousands of American troops of the 5th US Corps and the US 1st infantry, embarked, bound for the heavily defended beaches of Nazi occupied France.
At The Tank Museum they bring the history of tanks and tank crew to life… Supported by the world’s best collection of tanks & action packed live displays.Our exhibitions tell the story of armoured warfare from World War One to the present day. As you explore the Museum's six large halls you will come face to face with vehicles that have seen action in all the major wars of the 20th Century and hear first-hand accounts from those who fought in them.
This unique collection of over 300 vehicles is regarded as the best in the world and includes the world's first ever tank - Little Willie, the feared German Tiger tank and the modern Challenger 2.
Newly opened in 2015, the former lighthouse keepers' dwellings now feature fun and informative maritime displays and interactives.
Surrounding Portland
Coastal Walk
This is a walk of dramatic, rugged cliffs, nationally rare plants, hidden coves and stunning views. The Isle of Portland is a large mass of limestone which is linked to the mainland by the shingle ridge of Chesil Beach. Centuries of quarrying and military presence have altered the natural landscape, leaving visible records of the history of this important part of Dorset. The Isle’s white limestone has been used for construction since Roman times. Nature has reclaimed some of the disused quarries, which become a stunning mass of grasses and wildflowers in the spring and summer months.
Follow either the road and cycle way from Ferry Bridge, or the shingle ridge of Chesil Beach, to join the Coast Path as it climbs to the top of the cliff providing stunning views. The Path then offers fairly easy walking around the Isle along old quarry tracks, with some short, steep ascents and descents in places. Take time to enjoy the impressive views from Portland Bill before walking the east coast back round to Ferry Bridge.
Cycling
Enjoy 24 miles of cycling on traffic free routes around Weymouth and Portland with cycle routes and maps. Keep your bike secure with 250+ free cycle parking berths (use your own lock) spread across the town centre.