Portland Bill is perhaps best known for its lighthouse, which is painted in distinctive red and white stripes, and is located at the southernmost tip of the Isle of Portland. During a guided tour, visitors are welcome to climb the steep steps of the lighthouse. You can enjoy impressive views of the English Channel from the top as well as watch yachts and fishing boats navigate a dangerous stretch of water, known as the Portland Race.
There are treacherous waters off Portland, and the lighthouse ensures the safe passage of passing vessels. Visitors can view interactive displays and can even experience a simulation resembling a stormy voyage at sea. And the visitor centre provides historical information about the lighthouse and its keepers.
Walking on Portland Bill is a great experience as it offers a wide range of walks of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. Pulpit Rock is a stunning rock formation perched above the sea and is a nice place to take a leisurely stroll. Or if you are feeling energetic there is the opportunity to circumnavigate the entire island by following the circular clifftop path. During your coastal walk you may also see small crab and lobster boats being launched from the old cranes which lie just past the beach huts.
Portland Bill is an excellent place to observe storms, because the rocky coastline creates huge waves during high winds and rough seas. When it’s windy the large green area inland is a great place to fly a kite and on a sunny day there are plenty of places that you can enjoy a picnic.
A bite to eat at the Lobster Pot is the perfect way to recharge after exploring the coastline. A high level of service and a delicious, yet simple, menu have made it extremely popular and well-known locally. A pub lunch or a Sunday roast at The Pulpit Inn is also a great idea.
Weymouth operates an open top bus service to Portland Bill and it’s a great way to see the Isle of Portland. If you visit by car you can find ample parking within easy walking distance to the lighthouse and café.
