The Isle of Portland is part of Dorset like no other: wild, natural and ruggedly beautiful. This unique, tied island marks the southernmost point of the Jurassic Coast and is joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach.
Day 1 SUNDAY Departing our area we head to Athelhampton House & Gardens, one of the finest Tudor houses in England. Here you can step back in time and view the beautiful historic house and stunning gardens. In the afternoon we continue to our hotel for our 4-night stay.
Day 2 MONDAY We commence our day with a visit to Portland Bill’s Lighthouse Visitors Centre before visiting Portland Castle, one of Henry VIII’s coastal artillery forts built to defend Portland Harbour. Next, we continue to nearby Weymouth with free time to explore its beautiful Georgian Seafront, esplanade and bustling harbour.
Day 3 TUESDAY An excursion to discover the Isle of Purbeck. Arriving at Norden we board our train for a delightful single journey ride on the Swanage Railway through pretty Corfe Castle to the lively seaside resort of Swanage. Free time to discover the towns relaxed atmosphere before rejoining our coach and a scenic drive back to our hotel.
Day 4 WEDNESDAY Today, we travel via Chesil Beach to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. In summer, the garden becomes a lush, exotic paradise with towering tree ferns, cascades of hydrangeas and the iconic giant gunnera. Next, we visit Abbotsbury Swannery - the only place in the world where you can walk freely through colonies of nesting mute swans, where at any time, there may be as many as 1,000 of these graceful birds in the sanctuary.
Day 5 THURSDAY Departing after breakfast we return via Dorchester, the county town of Dorset. Famous as the birthplace of the famous author and poet Thomas Hardy, the town has a rich history dating as far as the Iron Age. Our return home will be in mid-afternoon.
Set on the summit of the Island of Portland near Weymouth, The Heights Hotel has stunning views over Chesil Beach, Lyme Bay and Portland Harbour. A modern hotel with high standards and well-appointed ensuite bedrooms with Tea and Coffee facilities. Local produce is served in the bar, bistro and coffee shop, which have beautiful sea and coastal views. There is a lift.
