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Portland, Dorset
Anyone for a trip down memory lane for a mid week escape in May ?
I recently visited Portland to research this trip to the area. Few ex-Navy people have happy memories of the place but I was very pleasantly surprised when we had a look around…life has moved on and the harbour area of nearby Weymouth is a delight.
Accommodation
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. Free private parking and Wifi is provided.
The Heights Hotel is 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 as seen above (the image above is the view from the restaurant!).
Itinerary
Tuesday 20th May
Arrive Portland Heights Hotel for a 3 night stay to include a fine Dorset Breakfast and three course evening meal each day. Meet "new friends you have not yet met" - and discuss your plans to explore over the next few days. You may want to take a look at the SIDON memorial in the grounds before meeting in the bar between 1700 & 1900.
Wednesday 21st May
0930 We will be collected by coach to be taken to the former Naval Base - now known as Portland Port - for a tour and briefing by the CEO - followed by a buffet lunch . You MUST bring Photo ID with you!! Return to the hotel at 1230 for an afternoon exploring the Isle of Portland. A few ideas are below...
How about a trip to the famous Lighthouse…or Portland Castle ? Check out what is now going on at the former Air Station at HMS OSPREY ... we asked for a visit but the new operator Heliops were unable to oblige. (Their website HELIOPS makes very interesting reading however? You can see them over the fence but no closer!!)
I quite fancy a visit to the Sculpture Park and Nature reserve (in one of the many old quarries - famous for extracting the well known `Portland Stone.) With, perhaps a visit to The Jailhouse Cafe at HMP Verne nearby? Others may wish to visit the naval cemetery ? Or the Portland Museum and wander down to Church Ope Cove?
Thursday 22nd May
Visit to The Portland D-Day Centre & Museum and then take a trip over to Weymouth by boat at 1100 ( A fascinating ex MOD vessel itself - built in 1943 - with an interesting career involving air balloons and the defence of Portland harbour) OR if interested in travelling a bit further you may wish to sign up at your expense for one of the local tours as advertised at dorsettours.com ( Corfe Castle ? Swanage Steam Railway? Jurassic Coast? Durdle door? )
Friday 23rd May
After breakfast it’s time to check out and head home. ( Before 1100 please) or via a few more local attractions perhaps?
Portland has a great website at www.portlandtourism.co.uk to give you a few more ideas
(We are assuming you will be visiting Portland by car and would be happy to offer a lift locally to others in the group. If not let’s talk and see what we can organise.)
Two small cruise liners will be visiting Portland on different days whilst we are in town but most of their passengers will be on tours elsewhere in Dorset.
What’s the Cost?
Three Nights - Half BoardIncludes:
£379 per person when sharing a double/twin room
£569 For Single use of a double room
Want to book?
Send me an e-mail at Mikecritchley7@icloud.com or phone 07977 534949 to confirm a room is available please… If so, then send us a deposit of £100 per room to our bank clearly marked PORTLAND / Your surname.
Our bank details are
Santander Bank Sort Code 09-01-28 a/c 96780823
Full payment will then be required by 16th April please. We look forward to meeting if you have travelled with us before or have been recommended by a friend!
Tuesday 20th - Friday 23rd May 2025
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