Portland Bill Lighthouse is a lighthouse situated at the southern most point of Dorset. It was the first of two Lighthouses we visited in 2019
The Lighthouse is 135ft / 40 metres tall, and was first lit up at the start of January 1906. It shines bright enough so all vessels approaching its coast can be warned off from its rugged coastline. It also helps ships navigate the English channel.
There are 153 steps to climb if you want to see the gorgeous views out over the cliffs and coastline. We visited in February 2019, and the below is correct as of that date.
Information
- Address is: Portland Bill, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2JT
- There is parking, charges apply
- Lighthouse Admission – £2 for Visitor Centre, £7 for Visitors Centre and to climb the 153 steps (U16s are free)
- Open all year (although it may be closed due to weather or other reasons)
- More information, please check official website
Getting There
There is only one road on and off the Portland Bill, where the Portland Lighthouse is situated. This road, the A354, is just south of Weymouth, so it is really easy to find. Once on the Isle, just keep heading south and follow the signs to Portland Bill, you can’t miss it!
There is a large car park (charges apply all year) and then just a short walk to the lighthouse. The red and white striped Portland Bill Lighthouse stand tall and proud, and is a great sight against a clear blue sky (or cloudy sky in our case).
The lighthouse also has a suitably loud fog horn. During our visit, it was deemed foggy enough to be blasting out every 30 seconds or so.
Things to do
You can climb the 153 steps to the top of Portland Bill Lighthouse to enjoy the views over the Jurassic coast, but you do have to be at least 1.1 meters tall.
You can also enjoy walks along the South West Coastal Path. I would suggest walking west, towards Pulpit Rock, where you can (with care) climb down and get up close and personal with the rock itself.
While you are there, should you feel peckish, there is a cafe restaurant called the Lobster Pot.
Open 7 days a week, from 9.00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 5:30 pm Saturday and Sunday, the Lobster Pot serves hot food and sandwiches, and has a small gift shop attached if you want to browse for any Lighthouse related souveneirs.
All in all, this is a great place to visit, and see the coast up close. Apart from the parking, you can see the Portland Bill Lighthouse and the coast for free. So worthy of a trip if you are int he area.
Enjoy the photos below, and let me know in the comments what you thought of the lighthouse.
