Isle of Portland

The Isle of Portland is a limestone peninsula connected to the Dorset mainland by Chesil Beach, an 18-mile shingle bank. Portland stone from the island's quarries built St Paul's Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, and much of central London. The deep harbour, one of the largest man-made harbours in the world, has served the Royal Navy for centuries and hosted the sailing events at the 2012 Olympics. Ships anchor offshore and you tender to the shore. Portland Bill, the southern tip, has a lighthouse and views along the Jurassic Coast in both directions. The quarries themselves, now partly overgrown, have become a popular spot for climbing and have unusual sculpture trails. Tout Quarry is worth walking through for the carvings left by visiting artists. The coastal path around the island is about 12 miles and passes military fortifications, sea cliffs, and a couple of pubs. Portland is quiet compared to nearby Weymouth, which suits it.