Portland Castle, one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts, overlooks the Harbour and is well worth a visit if you’re visiting Portland Bill and Chesil Beach.

Explore the Tudor stronghold, Captain’s House, and a Contemporary Heritage Garden, all of which were developed as part of a special English Heritage Scheme and designed by Christopher Bradley-Hole.

Come face to face with King Henry VIII in the Fantastic Hall, dress up as a Tudor soldier or Royalist Gunner in the Armoury, or challenge the family to a game of Shove Groats or Nine Men’s Morris for a taste of Tudor evening entertainment – great family fun for all!

Step outside to the upper gun platform and walk along the wall walk where you can enjoy far-reaching views out to sea and get close to the powerful cannons, and step inside to the kitchen with its displays of food to see how staff would have prepared and cooked food for the troops based at the castle.

The audio tour takes you on a journey through the castle’s history, from its Tudor beginnings as a Royalist stronghold against French and Spanish invasion, to its function as a World War 1 seaplane station and importance as a training site for joint operations, including the D-Day landings.

Enjoy a variety of light lunches, including freshly made sandwiches, soups, and refreshing drinks, after you’ve explored the castle. Enjoy a selection of delectable pastries or a cream tea with freshly baked scones, luscious jam, and delectable clotted cream.

Alternatively, you may unwind with a steaming cappuccino in the covered courtyard, which overlooks the Contemporary Heritage Garden. Cross the dry moat over the bridge to reach the circular amphitheatre-style garden with stone walls, which is ideal for a quiet summer afternoon spent listening to the rustle of the grasses.