Beaches on Portland
Posted July 7th, 2010 | No Comments
On your first visit to Portland, you may be wondering what exactly the coast line has to offer. On this lovely peninsula there are many tucked away coves and beaches for you and your family to explore. From fine sands to gently sloping pebbles, you are sure to find an adventure for every day of your stay.
Chesil Beach is definitely the first beach you will see as you make your way onto the isle. It runs for seventeen miles, stretching from Weymouth’s West Bay all the way down to Portland. With stunning views of the harbour on the horizon, this beach is a must-see. The beach is made up of pebbles which grade in size from east to west, the largest of which are on the Portland side. Though well known for the variety of water sports to be had, the beach is not great for young swimmers as there is steeply shelving shingle, strong currents and rough waters. Dogs are welcomed on all parts of this beach. You can access Chesil beach at numerous points along the coast road, where you can find bus stops, parking and toilet facilities.
For an old-world experience, stop by Church Ope Cove. This pebble beach is a perfect place for inexperienced swimmers, as the steep cliffs surrounding the cove provides a break from the prevailing winds. Set atop the cliffs is the 12th century ruins of St. Andrew’s Church, which you can access via steps from the cove. Here you can still walk under the sweeping archway of the church door, which is nestled in among climbing vines and verdant green shrubbery. If you look up above the grounds of the church, you can spot Rufus Castle, an old Norman relic from the fifteenth century. You can find Church Ope Cove by driving the A354 to Portland Bill; it is near the museum. Parking is limited here; there is space for about twenty cars opposite Pennsylvania Castle, which is a quarter of a mile away. Bus service is available to both Weymouth and Portland. To reach the beach you will need to descend around 180 steps from the cliff top to the shore. Toilets are available on the beach.
If sandy beaches are what you are looking for, Sandsfoot Beach is the answer. Though technically classified as private, it is open to the public so long as you leave nothing behind. This small stretch of sand is the epitome of tranquillity. Located within the harbour walls of Weymouth and Portland, it is well connected with local bus routes, the closet stop being on Rodwell Road Wyke Regis. The gentle waters make it a great place for all ages to swim, though there are no lifeguards or facilities to be found here. The nearest cafe can be found at Sandsfoot Castle, a stronghold of King Henry VIII which finally fell into ruins in the 1700s.