Portland Castle

One of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts, Portland Castle overlooks the Harbour and is well worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to Portland Bill and Chesil Beach. Journey back through 450 years of history and explore the Tudor fortress, Captain’s House and a Contemporary Heritage Garden, built as part of a special English Heritage Scheme and designed by Christopher Bradley-Hole. Come face to face with the famous king himself in the Great Hall and explore the Tudor Kitchen, armoury and gun platforms to see how battles were fought and won. The audio tour helps bring the impressive castle to life and takes you through its history, from its Tudor origins as a stronghold against French and Spanish invasion, to its role as a World War 1 seaplane station and importance in World War 2. Let the stories soak in while you enjoy some of the finest local produce in the Captain’s House Tearoom. Portland Castle is also licensed for civil ceremonies- to find out if it could be the perfect venue for your special day, call the castle’s Hospitality Manager.

Opening Times

2009 Opening 1 Jul 2009 - 31 Aug 2009

2009 Opening 1 Sep 2009 - 30 Sep 2009

2009 Opening 1 Oct 2009 - 1 Nov 2009

* Closed from 2nd November 2009 - 31st March 2010.

Tickets Information

Road Directions

From Dorchester, take the A354 to Weymouth. At the first roundabout take a right towards the town centre and seafront. Left at the next roundabout, Radipole Lake is on your left, next roundabout take the 2nd exit. Travel along the harbourside to the next roundabout. Take the 2nd exit, up Boot Hill and continue following the signs for Portland. On reaching the Island, turn left at Victoria Square (follow Brown and White EH Signs).

Public Transport Directions

Train - 2 services an hour from London Waterloo to Weymouth approx 3 hours – National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 www.southwesttrains.co.uk
National Express 08717 818181 www.nationalexpress.com
3 services daily from London Victoria, daily services from Plymouth, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Brighton –
Local transport information – www.traveline.info 0871 200 22 33
Nearest railway station is Weymouth station 4 1/2 miles away. 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

• Car parking
• 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 special events from April to October
• 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 - Audio tours also available - please pre-book for groups.