Portland Castle

Portland Castle was built by Henry VIII during his reign of 1540. The fortress was built to protect Weymouth against possible attack from the armies of France and Spain.

Built with Portland stone, this 450 year old Tudor fortress remains intact and is now under the care of English Heritage.

The history of Portland Castle stretches back from the reign of Henry VIII to the Civil War Sieges, when it was used as a jail for prisoners and enemies of Oliver Cromwell. During the Victorian era, the castle became a private residence for Captain Charles Mannering, the man who built what has now become known as the largest man-made breakwater harbour in the world.

Portland Castle was also used as a Seaplane Station during WWI and as an embarkation point for the D-Day invasion of Northern Europe during WWII.

Days Open to the Public

Dates Opening Times Days Open

1 Apr - 30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

1 Jul - 31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

1-31 Oct 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

1 Nov - 31 Mar Closed

Where to stay in Portland: The Weymouth and Portland Borough Council websites provide information about guest houses, bed and breakfasts, self catering flats and hotels around the beaches and near the town centres of Portland and Weymouth. There is a wide selection to choose from and all are reasonably priced. The accommodation providers on these websites have grading standards to help you choose a place to stay that satisfies your requirements.

Copyright © 2008 portlandcastle.co.uk — Portland Tourism Information

Dates	Opening Times	Days Open
1 Apr - 30 Jun	10am-5pm	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul - 31 Aug	10am-6pm	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep	10am-5pm	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Oct	10am-4pm	Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Nov - 31 Mar	Closed