Local Activities
Climbing
2
Explore the stunning cliffs and breathtaking vistas of Portland, Dorset, UK, where every ascent unveils a panorama of rugged coastline and shimmering seas. Perfect for climbers of all levels,
Portland offers a diverse range of routes amidst a backdrop of natural beauty.
Whether you’re scaling the famous limestone crags or bouldering along the scenic shore, each climb promises an exhilarating adventure.
Join fellow climbers in this picturesque haven and discover why Portland is a must-visit destination for every climbing enthusiast.
Diving
Portland and the Dorset coast offers divers scenic drifts, abundant sea life, wrecks of various ages and sizes and both deep and shallow areas. Shore dives include the Ferrybridge at a depth of between 5 and 8 meters with plenty of marine life and Chesil beach where you can find some wreckage and again an abundance of sea life. The British Sub Aqua Club voted Diving in Weymouth and Portland one of the top 10 best UK diving locations.
Sailing
Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay are the main areas used for sailing. The harbour covers an area of 8.6 square kilometres (2,125 acres), this is ideal for sailing as it is exposed to reliable winds from most directions,but is sheltered from large waves and currents by Chesil Beach and the breakwaters.
Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Acadamy have 3 Ramps available A shallow ramp is used by the dinghies, two wider and steeper ramps are used by larger craft. Tractor assistance is available. The Sailing Academy has food, plenty of parking, toilets and showers. There are also a few pontoons availble for loading and unloading. Best to phone to make sure there is room for you as they regularly hold regattas and sailing competitions. TEL 01305-866000
Public Slipway: Free but parking can be expensive once you have launched.
Directions: From Weymouth follow the signs to Portland through Wyke Regis and onto the road (A354) along Chesil beach. Once on Portland, take the second exit off the large roundabout that leads uphill and onto Portland. Next take the first left that leads down into Castletown. The slip is on your left approximately 300 metres past the mini-roundabout. The concrete ramp is straight and approximately 10 feet wide, it has a grippy surface but you will need to kick a few stones clear before recovering your boat. At low tides the slip does not reach the sea but you can still launch / recover boats as the stony beach is quiet firm.
Directions
From Portland causeway: A354 Portland Beach Road
With Chesil Beach on your right and the harbour on your left; (approximately 1½ miles). Follow signs to Easton. This takes you up a steep hill through Fortuneswell. The road continues up for approximately one mile to a roundabout in front of the Heights Hotel. Take the 2nd exit signposted Easton.
From Easton follow signs to Southwell and Portland Bill – stay on this road for approximately 1½ miles. You then come into Southwell and a small roundabout by the Eight Kings pub. Turn left towards Portland Bill.
After 1 mile. You will come to the second of 2 very sharp left hand bends, on this bend there is a sign for the Portland Bunkhouse (right hand turn leading sharply up the hill). The lane runs towards a large white house. Drive PAST the white house and you will see a compound with a low building inside it on the right. This is the Portland Bunkhouse. Please park within the compound or in the parking area opposite the gates. It is fitted with sensor lights for late arrivals.
View Availability
Only £20 PPPN. Bedding included.
Room Information
History of The Portland Bunkhouse, (formally: The Royal Navy Transmitter Station).
In April 1904 the Marconi Transmitter Station as it was known was moved from the grounds near the lighthouse to the current location of the Portland Bunkhouse. The Transmitter Station’s call sign was known as TWQ.
By the 1960’s the Transmitter Station was known as the RN Portland Bill W/T Station. At this point there were 8 High Frequency Transmitters (believed to be Marconi) on site and one massive high power transmitter which was rarely used. The Royal Navy had a permanent watch of 3 men and also technicians would come up from the Osprey between 09:00-16:00 Monday-Friday. There are some photos in the Gallery showing how it used to look.
In 2008 the building was taken over by a local dive operator for storage and occasional overnight accommodation for divers.
In 2012 the current owner took it on and now runs it as The Portland Bunkhouse.
View Availability
Only £20 PPPN. Bedding included.
Directions
Only £20 PPPN. Bedding included.
Making your Booking
Please fill in the provided form, and we will be in touch with you to confirm that the room is available. One you submit your form it can take 2-3 days for a response.