About
Portland Castle is one of Henry VIII's coastal artillery forts, its low rounded walls designed to protect the harbour and deflect incoming cannon fire. Explore the Tudor kitchen, armoury and gun rooms, then follow the audio tour through a story that stretches into the world wars. Interactive displays and opportunities for children to dress as castle guards make the small fortress a hands-on visit. Reviewers particularly enjoy the harbour views, helpful reception staff and chance to examine the surviving defences at close quarters. The Governor's Garden offers a sheltered pause, with refreshments available in the Captain's House Tearoom and picnic space in the grounds. Ground-floor areas and the garden are accessible, but steps restrict access to the upper floor and gun decks. Dogs can join the visit on short leads, including inside the castle, shop and lower tearoom. Parking is separate from admission, so check the current charge and member-sticker rules.
ClosedPick a day for times and prices
- Until 1 Nov
- Daily 10:00–16:00
- From 2 Nov
- Closed
Off-peak days are £1.00 cheaper for an adult.
Today, Monday 26 October
Standard day- Castle10:00 – 16:00
Standard prices, non-members
| Ticket | On the day | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £10.00 | £8.50 |
| Child | £5.00 | £4.25 |
| Concession | £9.00 | £7.65 |
| Family | £25.00 | £21.25 |
| Family (one adult) | £15.00 | £12.75 |
Opening times may change at short notice.
Open daily 10am-5pm until 24 October 2026, then 10am-4pm from 25 October to 1 November. Closed 2 November-20 December 2026. Check the official calendar for holidays, later dates and event exceptions.
Last entry normally 30 minutes before closing.
EH members receive free standard admission with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary admission; check special events separately.
Accessible Captain's House, ground floor, shop and Governor's Garden. No wheelchair access to the first floor or outer gun deck; steps also lead to the lower gun deck. Gravel and stone paths. Ten accessible bays around 5m from the entrance; accessible toilets and baby changing available.
Parking: Visitor parking is free for EH members displaying a valid car sticker; non-members must pay. Current tariff not confirmed. Ten accessible bays are listed close to the entrance. Do not rely on older reviews describing universal free parking.
Directions: Driving pin: Parking Portland Castle, matched to the public/visitor arrival parking described by EH at https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/portland-castle/plan-your-visit/directions/. Main attraction Google identity is stored separately. Walk from parking to admissions.
Dogs: Dogs on short leads welcome in the grounds, castle, beach, shop and lower section of the tearoom. Keep dogs on a short lead at all times. Assistance dogs welcome under EH access guidance.
Image: Portland Castle seaward defences. Mark.murphy at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portland_castle_closeup.jpg
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