Home / Days Out & Events / Properties / Find a property by map / South West / Dorset / Portland Castle
Sign up for our email newsletter
Unusual Gift Ideas from the English Heritage Shop
Weather Forecast
Hiring a venue
Upcoming Events
Step Inside. Download Pdf
Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service (VAQAS)
Day Planner. Download Pdf
Find a Hotel with Active Hotel

Portland Castle

The Gunners Quarters/Store
The Gunners Quarters/Store, View of a cross loop and a set of stocks (c) English Heritage Photo Library
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
Children:
£2.00 (5-15yrs)
Concession:
£3.40
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £10.00

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 plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1305 820539
Group Booking:
Free parking for up to 3 coaches.
Average Length of Visit:
2 1/2 hours

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).
Newsletter