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Portland Castle

Portland Castle
Aerial View looking towards the sea and the remains of the Mulberry Harbour (c) Skyscan Ballon Photography
Portland Castle - Aerial View looking towards the sea and the remains of the Mulberry Harbour (c) Exterior view - Exterior view (c) Aerial View (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography - Aerial View (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography (c) Portland Castle - Exterior with the sea in the foreground (c) Exterior view of the castle in Summer - Exterior view of the castle in Summer (c) General view including the table and dresser - General view including the table and dresser (c) The Gunners Quarters/Store - The Gunners Quarters/Store, View of a cross loop and a set of stocks (c) Henry VIII model - View of the Henry VIII model in the great hall exhibition. (c)

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 WW1 & WWII. Portland Castle offers lots to do for families and individual visitors alike, and only 4 miles from Weymouth, this historic adventure can easily be combined with some more contemporary seaside fun.

 

See the Tudor kitchen and step inside the Great Hall to come face to face with King Henry himself. Enjoy stunning sea views from the gun platforms, and get close to the powerful cannons. Take a stroll in the Contemporary Heritage Garden before relaxing in the Captain’s Tearoom, which serves a mouth watering selection of hot and cold refreshments.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar CLOSED

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.20 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.00 (5-15 years) until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.10 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.40 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.60 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £10.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £10.50 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Dorset - DT5 1AZ
Road Access:
Overlooking Portland Harbour in Castletown, Isle of Portland
Train Access:
Weymouth 4 1⁄2 miles
Bus Access:
First 1, 501 from Weymouth (passing close to Weymouth railwaystation)
Ferry Access:
From Weymouth Harbour, Good Fri-end Sep (weather permitting). Call the castle for details. 10% discount for EH members.
Map Location:
Telephone:
01305 820539

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Accessible WC.
Shop: Level access.
Refreshments: Tearoom open all day. Snacks also available. Picnics welcome in grounds.
Access:
Access to castle and Captain's House: Ground floor is level in the castle apart from steps to get to the gun room. Narrow doorways in Captain's House. Special audio tour and flip-book for those unable to access upper floors.
Parking:
Disabled parking 30m from entrance. Level tarmac path to castle.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Cannon, cannon balls, bas-relief sculptures to touch. Braille and tactile signs on all displays.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Audio tour with hearing loop included in admission price. Script also available. Audio tour included in admission price.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Free parking for up to 3 coaches.
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
2 1/2 hours
Guided Tours:

Introductory Talk
This short talk includes a brief historical overview of the castle and highlights particular points of interest, so that you can make the most of your visit.

Duration: Max 20 mins.

Price: Included in normal admission price

Minimum-maximum pax: 11-30

Advance booking required.

Call to book: 01305 820539.

Tour of Castle & Grounds
A guided walk around Portland Castle and its Contemporary Heritage Garden with a member of our Visitor Operations Staff, who know the site like the back of their hand.

Duration: 40 minutes

Minimum-maximum pax: please contact site

Advance booking required.

Call for prices and to book: 01305 820539.

Spooky Tour of Castle
Let our experienced site staff guide you around one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts and its eventful past with a special focus on the strange and ghostly. During its 450 year history, it’s been used as a stronghold to fight off French Spanish invasion, in the Civil War, as a WW1 seaplane station and had an important part in WW2. Get spooked by stories of real life experiences of our visitors and staff, as well as local tales passed down through the centuries. Will you smell the lavender lady, hear the mysterious footsteps or see the khaki uniformed man?

Duration: 40 mins approx.

Minimum-maximum pax: please contact site

Advance booking required.

Call for prices and to book: 01305 820539.

Further Info

Disabled access, disabled toilet (Captain's House, ground floor of the castle and Governor's Garden). Captain's House Tearooms (table service and outdoor servery).
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