Portland Castle

Discover one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal fortresses. Perfectly-preserved in a waterfront location overlooking Portland harbour, it is a marvellous place to visit for all the family whatever the weather. You can try on armour, explore the Tudor kitchen and gun platform and see ghostly sculpted figures from the past. An excellent audio tour, included in the admission charge, brings the castle’s history and characters to life. From its origins as a Tudor stronghold built to defend against invasion, its later history included Civil War sieges, use as a jail, a First World War Seaplane Station and during the Second World War it was at the forefront of the massive preparations for the D-day invasion.

Features include the Captain’s House (tea-room) and Governor’s Garden for visitors to relax in enjoying the harbour views with refreshments or come face to face with King Henry VIII in the Great Hall.

Opening Times

April - October 2008 1 Apr 2008 - 31 Oct 2008

Tickets Information

Road Directions

Off A354 (Chesil Beach Road). Turn left at Victoria Square (follow Brown and White EH Signs).

Public Transport Directions

Nearest railway station is Weymouth station 4 miles. Bus: First Southern National 1, 501 from Weymouth. Waterbus from Brewer's Quay Apr-Oct.

 Facilities

• Gift Shop

Provider Preferences

• Haunted
• Indoor Attraction
• No Smoking Attraction
• Of historic, literary or architectural interest
• Outdoor Attraction - Contemporary waterside heritage garden.

Accessibility

• Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors - Induction loop at all sales points.
• Facilities for Visually Impaired Visitors - Audio guide and touch tour.
• Guide Dogs Permitted - All areas.
• Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
• Ramp/Level Access
• Toilets for Disabled Visitors

Children & Infants

• Facilities for children

Parking & Transport

• Coach Parking
• On site parking
• Parking (free) - Free coach parking 50m from entrance.

Catering

• On-Site café/restaurant - The Captains House tea rooms, Open Apr-Oct. Seats 48. Serves light snacks, sandwiches and refreshments.
• Picnic Site

Payment Methods

• Approx length of visit - 02:30
• Blue Badge Guides admitted free - Coach driver and tour guide also admitted free.
• Delta accepted
• Groups Accepted
• JCB accepted
• Maestro accepted
• MasterCard accepted
• Max group size - 100
• Min group size - 11
• Solo accepted
• Special group rates
• TIC Staff Admitted Free
• Visa accepted

Establishment Features

• Available for wedding receptions
• Cater for groups
• Dogs Accepted - On leads
• Event venue - Look out for Summer Special events
• Licenced for civil marriages
• Printed Material in Foreign Languages
• Toilets - Including disabled.

Specialist Features

• Marketed towards families

Printed Material in Foreign Languages

• French printed material
• German printed material

Tours and Demonstrations

• Educational Visits Accepted
• Guided Tours Available for Groups - Essential to pre-book. Audio tours also available - please pre-book.