Portland Castle |
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Discover one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses - Portland Castle. Perfectly preserved in a waterfront location overlooking Portland harbour, it is a marvellous place to visit for all the family whatever the weather. You can try on armour, explore the Tudor kitchen and gun platform and see ghostly sculpted figures from the past. An excellent audio tour, included in the admission price, brings the castle's history and characters to life. Features include the Captains House (tea-room) and Governor's Garden for visitors to relax in enjoying the harbour views.
The history of the Castle stretches back 450 years to its origins as a Tudor stronghold built to defend Britain against French and Spanish invasion. Its later history includes Civil War sieges and use by Oliver Cromwell as a jail for his enemies. In Victorian times it became a private residence for one of the great citizens of Portland, Captain Charles Manning, builder of the great Portland breakwater, which turned the bay between Weymouth and the Isle of Portland into the largest man-made harbour in the world. During the First World War it was a Seaplane Station and during the Second World War was at the forefront of the massive preparations to recapture northern Europe culminating in D-Day.
General Information:
Car park, including disabled bays Tearoom Shop Audio tour Toilets including disabled Level access to grounds and ground floor of buildings
The history of the Castle stretches back 450 years to its origins as a Tudor stronghold built to defend Britain against French and Spanish invasion. Its later history includes Civil War sieges and use by Oliver Cromwell as a jail for his enemies. In Victorian times it became a private residence for one of the great citizens of Portland, Captain Charles Manning, builder of the great Portland breakwater, which turned the bay between Weymouth and the Isle of Portland into the largest man-made harbour in the world. During the First World War it was a Seaplane Station and during the Second World War was at the forefront of the massive preparations to recapture northern Europe culminating in D-Day.
General Information:
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Directions |
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By Car:
In Castletown, Isle of Dorset. Signposted from A354. By Train: Weymouth Station 4½. By Boat: From Weymouth Quay, telephone Castle for details. |
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Portland Castle Postcode for SatNav: DT5 1AZ
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Contact
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Days Out near Portland Castle
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Portland Museum (2 Miles)*
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Weymouth Sea Life Park (3 Miles)*
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Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens (6 Miles)*
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Abbotsbury Childrens Farm (9 Miles)*
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Abbotsbury Swannery (9 Miles)*
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Dinosaur Museum (10 Miles)*
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The Keep Military Museum (10 Miles)*
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Dorset County Museum (10 Miles)*
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Lulworth Heritage Centre (11 Miles)*
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Lulworth Castle and Park (11 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Portland Castle
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Fortuneswell (1 Mile)*
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Weymouth (2 Miles)*
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Overcombe (5 Miles)*
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Preston (6 Miles)*
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Dorchester (10 Miles)*
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Moreton (11 Miles)*
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Piddlehinton (14 Miles)*
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Piddletrenthide (14 Miles)*
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Cerne Abbas (16 Miles)*
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Corfe Castle (17 Miles)*
Also near Portland Castle |
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