Dorset is the perfect place for a holiday in 2011. We have three stunning properties perfectly positioned in the middle of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast and very close to the South West Coastal Path, ideal for walking. Portland is an ideal base for watersports also. Windsurfing, sailing, fishing and canoeing activities can all be found in the seas around Weymouth and Portland, the location of the sailing events for the 2012 Olympics.
Weekend Breaks - Dorset Coastal Cottages - Weymouth Accommodation
Posted March 19th, 2011 | No Comments
Enjoy a weekend break in a Dorset Coastal Cottage. Quarries Reach is free for the weekend of 25, 26, March £130 for 2 nights. April 8th and 9th a choice of 3 houses and April 15th and 16th a choice of 2 houses. Take in some sea air, enjoy the sunshine at Weymouth and Portland Dorset. What better Weymouth accommodation could you find? 
Special Offer self-catering Weymouth and Portland
Posted February 3rd, 2011 | 2 Comments
Take advantage of our special offers for May and visit Weymouth and Portland Dorset. Enjoy the sea air and the fabulous sea and coastal views from our self-catering houses in Dorset. Try a spot of sailing at Portland, the venue for the sailing events of the Olympic Games. Contact Laser Sailing for a short course.
To book, either call or email deborah@dsare.co.uk
Self-catering accommodation in Dorset
Posted January 24th, 2011 | No Comments
Get Hooked on Shore Angling Around Portland
Posted August 21st, 2010 | No Comments
It is so easy to get hooked on shore angling around the isle of Portland! In fact, it is considered by many to be one of the best spots in the UK for shore angling, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced. There are so many different species of fish that abound in this area, including Mullet, Bass, Pollack and Wrasse. And depending on which area you choose to cast your line, the variety of fish species can become even more exquisite.
Chesil Beach, the long stretch of coast line that connects Portland to Weymouth, has the prestige of being voted the number one angling spot in the whole of Britain for two years running by “Improve Your Sea Angling” magazine! It is a shingle beach which slopes deeply almost immediately; this makes casting almost effortless. And, if you’re in need of supplies, then it is easy to pop into the Chesil Beach Angling Centre.
Portland Bill is another favoured site, with Bass, Pollack, Mackeral, Wrass, Garfish, and Conger being prevalent in these waters. Though the tides run strong here, you can turn this to your advantage by using the currents to release and retrieve your lures.
At Church Ope Cove, you can fish in the shadows of the ancient Rufus Castle which dates back to Norman times. Angling here is great for families, as the beach is protected from prevailing winds by the enveloping cliffs. Beachcasting at night can be particularly rewarding, as Bass and Conger are common.
Finally, stop at Ferry Bridge to complete your angling tour of Portland. The bridge itself is the only road that links the isle to the rest of England. Though fishing from the bridge itself is not recommended, there are plenty of rock outcrops that offer a great stance from which to spin or floatfish.
Things to Do on Portland
Posted July 2nd, 2010 | No Comments
The Isle of Portland in Dorset is one of the main gateways to the legendary Jurassic Coast of southern England. This gorgeous stretch of land is known for its abundance of highly prized limestone which is quarried and used to construct many well known buildings, like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, throughout the UK. Limestone might be the most profitable of Portland’s exports, but it is really the natural jewels that you can find on this peninsula which attracts so many of the tourists that visit here year after year.
The first glimpse of Portland can be seen as you drive onto the island bypassing the long stretch of Chesil beach. Along this beach you can find every kind of water sport you can think of to fill your days. Windsurfing, diving and sailing are well established pastimes in this region, and it is here that will be the venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing event. If diving is more your fancy, you can hire guides and instructors to aide your venture into Portland Harbour, the deepest man-made harbour in the United Kingdom. There are many old wrecks to explore underneath the water’s surface, including some fascinating relics from WWII.
On land, you can make your way to Portland Bill, the southern-most point in Dorset, which is the location for the red and white striped lighthouse that is still in use today. Two other lighthouses are also on the Bill; the Old Lower Lighthouse, home of the Portland Bill Bird Observatory, and the Old Higher Lighthouse, which is privately owned. A former owner of the Higher Lighthouse was Dr. Marie Stopes, the pioneer of birth control who opened the first family planning clinic in London in 1921. She also founded the Portland Museum which features maritime artefacts and history.
Also of interest is the sheer amount of pure, unadulterated land to be found here! You can walk or cycle around the cliffs or even take this opportunity to explore more of southern Dorset. Don’t forget to visit the two castles that are on the peninsula, Portland Castle and Rufus Castle. Portland Castle was built under King Charles in the sixteenth century to defend this run of coast from the French and the Spanish. It is one of the best preserved castles from this era and is not to be missed. Rufus Castle, named after William II with his red hair, is the ancient Norman castle that was originally built in the twelfth century, though what remains today was mainly rebuilt around the 1400s. It stands on a rock overlooking the Church Ope Cove.
There is a wide selection of holiday accommodations available to suit all budgets, ranging from hostels to B&Bs, self-catering cottages to hotels. Wherever you choose to stay, make sure to ask the owner’s recommendations on their favourite places to visit in Portland, as this little jewel of the south has tonnes to offer.
Birdwatching on Portland Dorset
Posted April 12th, 2010 | 1 Comment
For avian enthusiasts Portland offers a wealth of diverse and exciting locations to choose from to watch birds.
There is the opportunity to view terns, shearwaters, skuas, and scoter. From late April to the middle of May Pomarine Skuas pass through (a real treat to behold).
A good starting point would be a visit to the Portland Bird Observatory. There you can find information on local birds as well as information on where to go, depending on the season.
Pulpit rock is one of the most popular places to go, as it offers a chance to glimpse some rare and exciting varieties of birds. It’s a great place to watch for sea birds and to observe the Puffins that inhabit the area (early summer is the optimum time to view them). Purple sandpipers are another attraction.
Sandsfoot Castle is another popular destination, as it offers the opportunity to see grebe and diver species.
Radipole Lake nature reserve is located right in the centre of Weymouth and is an excellent choice for families or those new to birdwatching. It offers some of the most gorgeous vantage points and several interesting trails. If you plan on being at Radipole in the autumn, you could see Bitterns, Bearded Tits, and Egret roosts. Whatever time of year, you are sure to make the acquaintance of many of the different species of bird that make the reserve their home, or a stopover.
Radipole Lake is owned by the RSPB, as is Lodmoor nature reserve where you can watch as hundreds of Swallows and Martins migrate through this wondrous area each year.
With miles of carefully maintained trails, you can wander for hours looking for your favorite species.
LATE AVAILABILITY PORTLAND DORSET
Posted February 8th, 2010 | 12 Comments
If you are looking for late availability in self-catering cottages in Weymouth & Portland Dorset or a Dorset holiday in July or August then look no further there is a contemporary cottage available for a short break. Bargain price of £120 a night for up to 6 people comfortably staying in a fabulous house with panoramic sea views.
View the 2012 Olympic Sailing Venue Via Webcam
Posted January 8th, 2010 | No Comments
There is now a webcam overlooking Portland Harbour, overlooking the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (the venue for the 2012 Olympic Sailing Competition.
Click on the Icon to open the page with the webcam on it, or click here
(Note - you may need to download a browser plugin in order to view the video)
You can also keep up with the latest olympic sailing news from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council here:
http://www.weymouth.gov.uk/home.asp?sv=708
Portland is a Great Place for Rock Climbing - Over 850 Sport Routes!
Posted December 21st, 2009 | No Comments
The Jurassic Coast has several excellent spots for serious rock climbers and boulderers, of which Portland is one of the finest. There are over 30 traditional routes, 160 bouldering problems, 99 dws routes and 859 sport routes.
Portlands west coast is considered one of the UKs best venues for sport routes (which are well bolted), across all grates. The east coast offers many easier sport routes, as well as bouldering and deep water soloing.
Rockfax.com is an excellent resource offering a database of route information for the whole of Portland climbing route information.
The Wessex Mountineering Club occasionally meet on Portland.
If you need a climbing partner for your rock climbing in portland try this website: http://www.climbfind.com/places/outdoor-rock-climbing/united-kingdom/portland
A new cool contemporary alternative to boutique hotels and unique places to stay in Weymouth and Portland Dorset
Posted December 3rd, 2009 | 2 Comments
Freesat, free wifi, ipod dock, parking
Try a new stylish and cool contemporary alternative to boutique hotels and unique places to stay in Weymouth and Portland. You may be fatigued of staying in hotels night after night and prefer to relax in the comfort of your own ‘business pad’.
Like a Boutique Hotel on Portland, Just with Extras!
Our houses are as well-equipped as a boutique hotel room with a few extras and all that is needed for business people staying away from home.
Stylish kitchens, free Wifi, Freesat TV, good mobile signals, Ipod docking stations and parking. You will also benefit from fabulous sea views to help you relax after a busy day.
Accommodation - A Great Hotel Alternative
For a small upgrade we can stock your fridge with breakfast goodies and your freezer with some quick to prepare meals. We can also provide you with extra towels depending on the length of your stay.
You may be relocating to Dorset, or maybe you have a short-term contract to work in the area and need somewhere to stay Monday - Friday, or for a longer let.
Conferences and meetings are often held at Portland Sailing Academy or the Heights Hotel and you may prefer not to stay at the venue itself. Likewise, corporate sailing events are organised at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy or you may have to stay in the area in connection with the preparation for the Olympic Games.
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