Portland Villages
Source: Portland Community Partnership
Chiswell - One of Portland's ancient hamlets, a fishing village with cottages built on the back of the Chesil beach. The village lies at the point where the massive Chesil Beach joins Portland to the Dorset mainland. Equally magnificent on a warm summer's day as it is in the full force of a winter's storm.
Castletown - Once a busy area serving the numerous sailors that came through from the Dockyard, it is now a centre for those wishing to dive in the waters off Portland. An area steeped in military history it was also the site that much of the world famous Portland Stone was shipped to London from. The Tudor fortress, Portland Castle sits formidably on the waterfront and is well worth a visit.
Fortuneswell - Originally known as Fortunes' well because it was an island settlement established around a small watercourse. The main road through to the top of the isalnd has a wide variety of properties, some are small Portland stone cottages that were built on steep slopes. As you climb the hill St. John's Church, built in the 1800's, is on the left hand side.
Verne Common - Although now a large housing estate the area has evidence of Roman settlements. The view from the top at the entrance to The Verne is simply breathtaking with views across Chesil beach, Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay.
The Grove - A small settlement that originally housed the old Borstal officers. At the cliff edge you can see the Purbeck cliffs and the Victorian Portland Harbour. Look out for the wild Portland goats on the cliffs below.
Easton - The shopping centre of Portland surrounds the Victorian gardens in the centre of the main square. There are a range of traditional shops and modern cafes for you to choose from.
Westcliff - Go through the housing estate to get to the West side of the island and you can enjoy fantastic views of Chesil Beach and beyond and take a leisurely cliff top stroll to the Bill.
Weston - An area with a mixutre of housing and convenience stores. It is overseen by the magnificent Georgian St. George's Church at the top of the road which although no longer consecrated is open during the day for people to visit.
Southwell - Portland's most southerly village made up of quaint quarrymen cottages and new houses with a village pub in the centre of the village. Park here and access the wonderful round-island cliff walks.
Portland Bill - This is the southern most tip of the island and has Portland's most famous landmarks, the lighthouse and Pulpit rock. Enjoy the spectacular sea views across the English Channel.
