Free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. Non-members must pay.

 

After exploring the castle, relax and refuel in the Captain’s Tearoom, which serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, crisps, cakes and ice creams, along with alcoholic tipples and treats for your four-legged friends. For a traditional treat, tuck into a cream tea with home-made scones, jam and clotted cream. Sit inside or head into the sheltered courtyard to enjoy lovely views of the garden.

Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free alternatives are available.

Take a look at our allergen and nutritional information.

You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the grounds. Picnic benches are situated between the site entrance and the Captain's House, and there is a grass lawn next to the castle that offers excellent views of the grounds.

The gift shop sells a wide range of English Heritage souvenirs and gifts, including books, confectionery, magnets, postcards and Tudor and Royal themed items. The gift shop is located inside the Captain's House, and is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

There are separate male, female and disabled toilets, including baby-changing facilities.

Dogs are welcome in the grounds of Portland Castle, including the castle, the beach, the shop and the lower section of the tea room. Please note that dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times.

The Governor's Garden 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 enjoy the dramatic sea and harbour views.

The free audio tour tells of the castle’s 450 year history and the part it played in the First and Second World Wars (40 minute duration).

Baby Changing Facilities

There are separate male, female and disabled toilets, including baby changing facilities.

Bottle / Food Warming

Yes

Child Sized Portions

Yes

High Chairs

One highchair is available for use on the site.

Play Areas / Adventure Playground

There isn't a formal adventure playground, however, there is plenty of room for children to run and play in our large open areas. Please note ball games are not allowed.

Push Chairs Allowed

Yes, however visitors may have some difficulty getting pushchairs to the upper level of the castle (although they can be left in the entrance to the Captain's House or in the alcoves on the ground floor of the castle if this should be the case).

Sling Loan

Yes

Toy / Dressing Up Box

Children can have fun dressing up in outfits that would have been worn by the castle guards.

Foreign Language Audio Tours

The audio tour is only available to listen to in English, however visitors can also request scripts in French and German.

English Heritage welcomes amateur photographers to our sites and we hope you will share your pictures of your visit with us on social media. If you are looking to use one of our sites for commercial, corporate or professional photography or as a filming location, please contact our filming team as soon as possible to check availability and acquire the relevant permissions and paperwork. Due to the delicate nature of our sites, English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.