Visit the mysterious Isle of Portland to learn about its history and take in its breathtaking views
Start with a visit to one of the best preserved of Henry VIII’s coastal defence castles, built in the early 1540s to protect against Spanish invasion . We then climb steeply to The Batteries where you can take in the breathtaking views from high above the 18 mile (29 km) Chesil bank, stretching away along the Jurassic Coast all the way to Start Point in Devon.
Above pretty Church Ope Cove with its colourful beach huts you can visit an abandoned sailor’s church and then drop into the fascinating Portland Museum to learn about quarrymen, sailors and pirates. Famous Portland Bill with its iconic lighthouse is a great place to grab an icecream and take a stroll or do some bird-spotting.
Finally, we will explore Tout Quarry where over sixty sculptures are to be discovered, including ‘Still Falling’ by the internationally renowned sculptor Antony Gormley as well as the ‘Memory Stones’ which line up with the passage of the sun at solstice and equinox. Afterwards, why not end the day at Weymouth harbour where you can sit with an ice-cream or drink and watch the boats go by.
From £125
1st April to 30th October