Portland is the perfect place for any active individual looking for an adventure and to get out and about. There are lots of sporty activities on offer, including kite surfing, diving and rock climbing.
The UK’s national centre for sailing is based in the Harbour and there are many ways to get out on the water, whether paddle boarding, windsurfing or kayaking.
The unique landscape is unlike any other part of Dorset, and makes it perfect for exploring. Take a circular walking tour around the coastal path or ramble through Portland many abandoned quarries and nature reserves. It is an ideal place to get back to nature with many rare and unusual species to look out for across the island.
Bird Watching
As Dorset’s most southerly point, Portland is a gateway for thousands of migratory birds visiting the UK and so is the perfect location for bird watching.
The Bill points nearly 6 miles into the English Channel, making Portland the first land many birds see as they cross the Channel to the UK. Coastal vegetation, particularly the blackthorn bushes which attract insects to their blossom in the spring, is an ideal place for birds to stop for food.
The cliff faces around the island are also home to a colony of seabirds with nesting guillemot, razorbills and kittiwakes.
Portland Bird Observatory and Field Centre based in the Old Lower Lighthouses near the Bill, offers information about the latest sighting on the island as well as catering for both bird watchers and other naturalists.
Both the Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach are intentionally protected for their birdlife. They attracts thousands of wintering and migratory waterfowl and a rare colony of little terns which breed on the beach in spring.
Further Information
Climbing
Portland is one of the most popular sport rock climbing and bouldering venues in the south west of England
Climbers have easy access to coastal cliffs with spectacular views out to sea as well as quarries. There are many different venues round the island which vary enormously, and routes to suit all grades of climbers.
One of the most popular spots is The Cuttings on East Weares, with the cliff face rising above the Coastal path making it easy to access. The West side will appeal to the more adventurous with approaches down steep paths.
There are also lots of bouldering locations right round the island The Cuttings Boulderfield on the east, West Weares right at the end of Chesil Beach and beach-level bouldering at Blacknor Beach. Conditions on Portland make it possible to boulder all year.
Portland is also a great venue for deep water soloing, with short routes making it suitable for beginners.
Lots of guides to the different climbing routes can be found online.
Diving
Portland has been a very popular destination for divers for many years. As well as many great sites for observing UK marine life, the seas around Portland, offer easy access to many fascinating wrecks in depth to suit everyone from trainees to those looking for more advanced tech diving.
Local dive operators offer various opportunities to get under the water, from charter boats to shuttle runs. There are great facilities for dive clubs to bring their own boats, with a free slip in Castletown for launching ribs etc., as well as marinas offering overnight mooring. Shore diving is also popular, particularly for those who can manage the walk over the pebbles diving off Chesil Beach.
There are several other businesses offering dive kit for sale and backup services, such as air fills and kit hire.
Harbour permits and permits for diving in and around the Harbour are available online from Portland Port.
Nature
With its unique landscape of coastal habitats and limestone grasslands, Portland is steeped in wildlife. The island is well known as a haven for migratory birds and seabird, but you can also find rare butterflies, bees and bugs, as well as lizards, badgers, foxes and bunnies, as you journey through the landscape.
Dorset Wildlife Trust helps manage some of the disused quarries, which form the Portland Quarries Nature Park, helping to regenerate the natural habitat by managing invasive, non-native species. These quarries include King Barrow Quarries Nature Reserve, Tout Quarry Sculpture Park (internal link) and Verne Yeates Local Nature Reserve.
Limestone grasslands turn yellow in mid summer when swaths of kidney vetch and bird’s-foot trefoil are in flower and attract butterflies and moths. You could also spot a rare bee orchid.
The Butterfly Conservation organisation had also turned a disused limestone quarry into a nature reserve making it the perfect spot for rare Silver-studded Blue butterfly as well as other rare butterflies native to Portland.
Further Information
Butterfly Conservation – Broadcroft Quarry
Riding
Amazing scenery and breath taking views are on offer for those who choose to take a pony trek around Portland.
Getting on horseback is a great way to get a different perspective as you make your way through quarries and along coastal paths.
Local riding stables offer riding tours around the island.
Sailing
Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay are considered to be some of the best sailing waters in the world. Consistent winds and great conditions making Portland a great place to come sailing all year round.
Portland is the home of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. Since opening in 2000, it has hosted many national and international sailing events, including the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is also the training base for the British Olympic Sailing Team.
There are several different organisations offering sailing and water sport training based at the Academy giving everyone the chance to get out on the water.
Walking
Many visitors choose to walk the circuit around the Isle of Portland, following the coastal path with its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and stunning sea views, but there are plenty of shorter options on offer across the island.
Taking a different path along the coast will enable a ramble among boulders on East or West Weares. Follow tracks through abandoned quarries to see rare wildlife (Kings Barrow or Broadcroft Quarries) or discover sculpture by famous artists (Tout Quarry). Or trek along the disused Merchant’s Railway, climbing up to the top of the island to get studding views back to Portland Harbour or along the Portland Branch Railway past historic landmarks, such as Durdle Pier where Portland stone was shipped to London to build St Paul’s Cathedral.
You are never too far from stunning sea views, like those from the top of West Cliff along Chesil Beach and out to Lyme Bay, or views from the east out across to the cliffs at White Nothe along the coast towards Lulworth Cove.
Pick your level and route and enjoy the unique scenery of Portland.
Watersports
Portland is a very popular place for many different watersports, not just for Sailing. The Harbour is sheltered from large waves and currents by Chesil Beach and offers the perfect spot for standup paddle boarders, windsurfers, kite surfers and kayakers.
Easy access to car parking and the shallow shelving shore on the west side of the harbour makes it the perfect place to practise kite surfing skills.
SUP, windsurfers and kayaks can be seen all round the Harbour and more experienced people also venture further afield to the waters around the island.
There are many businesses based on Portland and the area catering to the needs of people looking to get out on the water, both for the complete novice to experts.
Permits for leisure activities in Portland Harbour can be purchased online from Portland Port or from various local retailers.