Top Things to Do in Portland, England on a Cruise Stop

Welcome to Portland Cruise Terminal!

Nestled in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, Portland serves as your gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and historical sites in England. From the rugged charm of the Isle of Portland to the architectural splendours of Salisbury Cathedral, your journey through Dorset is sure to be unforgettable. Here’s a curated guide to the best experiences awaiting you.

Exploring the Isle of Portland

Begin your adventure on the Isle of Portland, a limestone tied island rich in maritime history and renowned for its iconic Portland stone, used in many famous buildings including St. Paul’s Cathedral. Explore the quaint lighthouses and the rugged cliffs offering panoramic views of the English Channel. Don’t miss the Portland Bill Lighthouse, a perfect spot for dramatic seaside photographs.

Chesil Beach is an incredible 18-mile-long pebble beach, created entirely by nature over thousands of years. It’s one of the most photographed landscapes in Dorset and offers breathtaking views across England’s famous Jurassic Coast.

The Portland Olympic Rings offer one of the finest viewpoints on England’s south coast, with panoramic views across the famous 18-mile Chesil Beach, the Jurassic Coast and the English Channel. Originally created to celebrate the 2012 London Olympic Games, they have become one of Portland’s most popular photo stops.

Weymouth: A Coastal Delight

A short drive from Portland, Weymouth offers golden sandy beaches alongside a vibrant harbour. Stroll along the Georgian seafront for a taste of its classic British seaside charm. The bustling quayside is perfect for sampling fresh seafood, while the historic Nothe Fort presents intriguing military exhibits with stunning views over the Jurassic Coast.

The Town Bridge opened in 1930

Weymouth Harbour is one of England’s prettiest seaside harbours, lined with colourful Georgian buildings, independent shops and traditional pubs. It’s the perfect place to enjoy fresh fish and chips, an ice cream or simply watch the fishing boats and yachts come and go.

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Weymouth Beach is a classic English seaside resort, famous for its golden sand, colourful beach huts and gently sloping bay. Overlooking the beach is the historic Jubilee Clock, built in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and one of Weymouth’s most recognisable landmarks.

Journey Through Time at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

Venture further to experience the geological wonders of Durdle Door, an awe-inspiring natural limestone arch formed by millennia of water erosion. Nearby, Lulworth Cove, with its white pebbled beach and crystal waters, makes a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon. The area’s striking coastal formations provide insights into Earth’s ancient past, revealing 180 million years of geological history.

Our guide talking about the geology of Durdle Door.

The South West Coast Path is England’s longest National Trail, stretching an incredible 630 miles around the coastline of southwest England. Following dramatic clifftops and hidden coves, it offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the country and is a favourite with walkers from around the world.

Looking to visit Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove? View here.

Lulworth Cove is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Jurassic Coast, famous for its perfectly formed horseshoe-shaped bay created by thousands of years of coastal erosion. Its crystal-clear waters, white pebble beach and dramatic limestone cliffs make it one of the most photographed locations in Dorset.

Medieval Majesty at Corfe Castle

History enthusiasts will revel in a visit to Corfe Castle. This iconic ruin offers a glimpse into a thousand years of history, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and the charming village of Corfe. Its dramatic past includes tales of royal treachery and civil war, making it a must-visit for those fascinated by England’s rich heritage.

The 11c Castle can be seen over the Purbeck rooftops of the Village.

Corfe Castle is one of England’s most famous medieval castles, built by William the Conqueror shortly after the Norman invasion of 1066. Today, its dramatic ruins overlook the picturesque village below, offering spectacular views and over 1,000 years of English history.

Tours that include Corfe Castle: View here.

The Swanage Railway is a beautifully restored heritage steam railway, where vintage steam locomotives travel through the rolling Purbeck countryside between Corfe Castle and the traditional seaside town of Swanage. It’s one of the finest surviving examples of Britain’s golden age of steam travel.

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Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral

No visit to Dorset would be complete without a trip to Stonehenge, an enduring enigma dating back over 5,000 years. This prehistoric monument continues to bewilder and fascinate visitors from around the world. Continue your journey through time with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral, home to the finest original copy of the Magna Carta and a masterpiece of early English architecture.

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Stonehenge from Above.

Salisbury Cathedral Tour

Salisbury Cathedral is home to Britain’s tallest church spire at 404 feet and one of the finest examples of early English Gothic architecture. It also houses one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, the historic 1215 document that helped shape democracy and the rule of law around the world.