Tourism

Portland offers that special quality of light and atmosphere identified and appreciated by those artists who flocked to St Ives and Newlyn in the nineteenth century.
At that time the only way to Portland was the long walk along the Chesil Bank or an often hazardous passage by ferry at Smallmouth, the entrance to the Fleet.

Until 1839 and the building of the first Ferry Bridge Portlanders were truly isolated from mainland
influences. They neither needed nor wanted outside interference, they were a strong and distinct
community with their own practices and customary laws based on common sense and equality.
From at least Saxon times Portland was an important part of the royal estates,

Portland people have never acknowledged a squirearchy but through their Court Leet have
looked direct to the Crown. This isolation and the quality of the stone of the island has created
a unique environment and community. Portland is best explored on foot and a range of guided walk leaflets may be obtained from the Tourist and Visitor Centres at Ferry Bridge and at Portland Bill. Here too you should be able to get details of key holders to the locked churches.
Our "Exploring" section has been prepared for those who would like a guided tour.
For places to stay, eat or drink. for more information on specific items, or for information on anything related to this page but not covered, please try the following :

“The Directory”, “Links” “Contact Us”

The sections on where to stay and where to eat will be update as neccessary.