Getting Here

Portland

Portland is a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway. With b-side as your guide, you’ll discover great ways to experience all the island has to offer and find out what’s going on. Our projects, events and festivals take place all over the Isle of Portland in Chiswell, Fortuneswell, New Ground, Grove, Easton and Wakeham.

How to get here

Train

Trains to Weymouth run from London Waterloo via Southampton Central and Parkway (South West Trains) and from Bristol Temple Meads (First Great Western). Take a look at Trainline for train times.

Trainline website

Taxi

Taxi contact numbers: Weyline 01305 777777 Portline 01305 821600 Weymouth Cars 01305 782222

Bike

Portland is a great place to cycle and it’s a fantastic way to see our festival too. For all info on cycle routes in Dorset visit the Dorset Council website.

Dorset Council Cycle Routes

Boat

There is a daily ferry service from Coastline Cruises from Weymouth to Portland. Enjoy a refreshing sea journey through Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour. Jump on board at Weymouth Brewers Quay at 10.30am, 12.30pm or 2.30pm. The journey takes 40 mins and returns at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, with later sailings at peak times. £10 Adult Single, £15 Return. Bookings can be made in advance or bought directly at the Harbour Side Kiosk. It is essential to check sailing times on 01305 785000 / 07749 732428 or via their Twitter feed.

Coastline Cruises website

Bus

Buses run frequently between Weymouth and Portland. Links to areas further afield are available too, such as Dorchester and Exeter. Service Number 1 from Kings Statue [K4] Weymouth to Portland, does a circuit of the island as far as Southwell. It runs approx. every 10 mins Monday – Friday, 15 mins Saturday - Sunday, and every 20-30 mins in the evenings. The 501 from Kings Statue Weymouth to Portland Bill via Portland Castle and Easton, runs five times daily. Visit First Group's website or call 0345 646 0707 (Mon – Sat 7am-7pm, Sun 7am-6pm).

First Group Website

Car

From the South and London: Follow the A35 towards Dorchester, but turn off on the junction for the A354 (that has signs for Weymouth). From the West Country: Follow the signs for Bridport, and then at the roundabout near Morrisons take the coast road towards Weymouth, or the main road towards Dorchester. Once you are in Weymouth there are many signs for Portland. Visit the Dorset Council website for up to date travel information.

Dorset Council Travel

Where to stay

Below is a selection of some of the great B&Bs, cottages and hotels on the island. During festival season some of these offer special packages for b-side visitors.

The Aqua

Castletown, Portland, Dorset DT5 1BD

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Seventyseven

77 Fortuneswell, Portland DT5 1LY

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Want to learn more?

You can find out more about this intriguing island using the website links below.

Exploring Portland www.geoffkirby.co.uk/Portland

The encyclopedia of Portland www.portlandhistory.co.uk

Portland Museum www.portlandmuseum.co.uk

Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Portland Bird Observatory www.portlandbirdobs.com