Posted on Friday 21 March 2025
Tuesday 20th May – Arrive PORTLAND HEIGHTS Hotel (see google) for a 3 night stay to include a fine (See the hotels reports on the internet) Dorset Breakfast and three course evening meal each day. Meet ‘new friends you have not yet met’ – and discuss your plans to explore over the next few days. You may want to take a look at the SIDON memorial in the grounds before meeting in the bar between 1700 & 1900.
Wednesday 21st May 0930 We will be collected by coach to be taken to the former Naval Base – now known as Portland Port – for a tour and briefing by the CEO – followed by a buffet lunch . Return to the hotel (and our cars ) at 1230 for an afternoon exploring the Isle of Portland. A few ideas are below.
How about a trip to the famous Lighthouse…or Portland Castle ? Check out what is now going on at the former Air Station or HMS OSPREY ( We asked for a visit but the new operator Heliops were unable to oblige. Their website HELIOPS makes very interesting reading however? You can see them over the fence but no closer!!
Or how about a visit to the Sculpture Park and Nature reserve (in one of the many old quarries – famous for extracting the well known Portland Stone) With, perhaps a visit to The Jailhouse Cafe at HMP Verne nearby? Or perhaps visit the naval cemetery ? Or the Portland Museum and wander down to Church Ope Cove?
Thursday 22nd May Visit to The Portland D- Day Centre & museum and then take a day trip over to Weymouth by boat at 1100 ( A fascinating ex MOD vessel itself – built in 1943 – with an interesting career involving air balloons and the defence of Portland harbour) OR if interested in travelling a bit further you may wish to sign up for one of the local tours , at your expense, as advertised at info@dorsettours.com ( Corfe Castle ? Swanage Steam Railway? Jurassic Coast? Durdle door? )
Friday 23rd May Check out is before 1100. Depart for home or via a few more local attractions perhaps?
Portland has a great website at www.portlandtourism.co.uk to give you a few more ideas
Perhaps those visiting Portland by car would be happy to offer a lift locally to others in the group? If not let’s talk and see what we can organise.
Two small cruise liners will be visiting Portland on different days whilst we are in town but most of their passengers will be on tours elsewhere in Dorset.
What’s the Cost?
Three Nights – Half Board and includes visits to Portland Port Visit & The Portland D Day Centre and Museum (Two redundant Mulberry Harbours remain nearby)