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Portland Castle

Portland Castle
Exterior with the sea in the foreground (c) English Heritage
Aerial View - Aerial View looking towards the sea and the remais of the Mulberry Harbour (c) Aerial View (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography - Aerial View (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography (c) Exterior view - Exterior view (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) Henry VIII model - View of the Henry VIII model in the great hall exhibition. (c) Portland Castle - Exterior with the sea in the foreground (c) The Gunners Quarters/Store - The Gunners Quarters/Store, View of a cross loop and a set of stocks (c)

The history of this fortress, which overlooks Portland harbour, is diverse and fascinating. Built by Henry VIII to defend the anchorage against possible French and Spanish invasion, its squat appearance is typical of the artillery forts built in the early 1540s.

Unusually for a fortress of this period, the castle has seen much interior alteration, though the exterior remains largely unchanged. It first witnessed serious fighting during the Civil War, when it was seized by both Parliamentarians and Royalists. It became a Seaplane Station during World War I, and was in the forefront of the D-Day preparations which helped to end World War II.

The Governor's Garden, designed by Christopher Bradley-Hole as part of the Contemporary Heritage Garden series, contains an impressive circular amphitheatre made from local Portland stone, with two-level seating for about 200 people. This perfectly sheltered spot is a great place to relax and enjoy the dramatic sea and harbour views.

There are audio tours and a Touch Tour for the visually impaired. You can even come face-to-face with Henry VIII in the Great Hall.

Enjoy a refreshing sea journey to Portland Castle from Weymouth aboard My Girl, a World War II veteran boat. 10% discount for EH members - valid April to October 2008. Tel 01305 785000 or visit www.whitemotorboat.freeuk.com

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar-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.
1-31 Oct 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.    
Closed 1 Nov-31 Mar    

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.00
Children:
£2.00
Concession:
£3.20
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.
Map Location:
Telephone:
01305 820539

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Baby changing facilities Education No dogs allowed Audio tours (included in admission price) Shop Events Civil Weddings Hazardous Family Learning Available to hire for corporate and private events Gardens Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Tea Room Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Toilets: Accessible WC.
Shop: Level access.
Refreshments: Tea-rooms 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).
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