Portland Museum

217 Wakeham
Portland
Dorset
DT5 1HS

Tel: +44 (0)1305 821 804
Email: portlandmuseum@googlemail.com

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The Museum was founded in 1930 by Dr Marie Stopes, its first curator and famous birth control pioneer. It is housed in two thatched picturesque cottages nestling above Church Ope Cove. One cottage inspired the author Thomas Hardy to centre his famous novel "The Well Beloved " around it, making it the home of "Avis" the novel's heroine.

There is a purpose-built Gallery , home of the Island's History which is related through a wealth of exhibits, curiosities and folklore. In the garden is a fascinating collection of local fossils, ammonites, fossilised wood etc. and other local masonry and artefacts.

Marie Stopes Cottage, 17th century, is now the home of the Island's Shipwreck and Smuggling Exhibition. There are numerous artefacts and pictures, all with a tale to tell. The ground floor has displays of the life and work of Dr Marie Stopes and the traditions of the Court Leet and Royal Manor of Portland.

Portland Museum is set in the historic centre of Portland, England's first and only natural World Heritage site, in recognition of the unique 185 million years geology and fossil record of the beautiful 90 mile stretch of coastline.

General Information:


  • Shop
  • Toilet
  • Picnic area
  • Free parking
    •
    Opening Times
    (2011 times)
    2nd May - 30th June:
    Friday - Tuesday 11.00am - 4.30pm.

    1st July - 31st August:
    Every day 11.00am - 4.30pm.

    1st September - 31st October:
    Friday - Tuesday 11.00am - 4.30pm.

    November - Easter:
    Closed.

    Admission Charges
    (2011 prices)
    Adult £3.00; Senior Citizen, ES40 £1.10; Student (with card) £1.10.

    Child over 5yrs £1.00.

    Group visits available throughout the winter, by prior appointment.

    Directions
    A354 from Weymouth to Portland. Through Fortuneswell to Portland Height Hotel, then follow brown signs to Portland Museum.
    Show map of Portland Museum...

    Portland Museum Postcode for SatNav: DT5 1HS

    Nearby Attractions
    Portland Castle (2 Miles)*
    Discover one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses - Portland Castle, perfectly preserved in a waterfront location overlooking Portland harbour.
    Weymouth Sea Life Park (5 Miles)*
    Experience an up close and personal look into the lifecycle of our Sharks. Observe how they develop from eggs into babies, then juveniles into adults.
    Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens (8 Miles)*
    The Garden is now a mixture of formal and informal, with charming walled garden walks and spectacular woodland valley views.
    more nearby attractions...
    more things to do in Dorset and days out in Dorset...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Heights Hotel & Leisure Centre (1 Mile)*
    Set on the summit of Portland near Weymouth, amidst the newly awarded World Heritage Jurassic Coast, this hotel has stunning views over Chesil Beach and Weymouth 2012 Olympic Sailing venue.
    Russell Hotel (5 Miles)*
    Positioned on the historic Victorian esplanade, with wonderful, uninterrupted views of Weymouth Bay, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a prime location.
    Hotel Prince Regent (5 Miles)*
    With glorious views across the sparkling bay to the craggy Dorset coastline, this Georgian hotel centres itself on traditional hospitality. Choose from a choice of comfortable rooms, most with superb sea views.
    more hotels near Portland Museum ...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Little Owl Cottage (1 Mile)*
    Lovely two bedroom quarryman's cottage, situated in the village of Southwell on the Isle of Portland, less than one mile to famous Portland Bill. Approx 5 miles to Weymouth.
    Spindrift Cottage (1 Mile)*
    Spindrift Cottage is located in the middle of the quiet village of Southwell on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. The cottage is over 150 years old, made from the world famous local Portland Stone.
    Rosa Cottage (1 Mile)*
    A charming Victorian cottage, beautifully renovated and furnished to a very high standard in the popular area of Fortuneswell, Portland. The famous Chesil beach, part of the World Heritage Coast, is 5 minutes walk away
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
    more self catering near Portland Museum ...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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