Guidebook for Dorset

Sue
Guidebook for Dorset

Food Scene

You can sit inside and out and enjoy the view of the sea whilst eating their excellent food. They do a lovely cream tea and we can never resist their ice-cream in a cone whenever we visit Portland Bill.
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Lobster Pot
Portland Bill Road
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You can sit inside and out and enjoy the view of the sea whilst eating their excellent food. They do a lovely cream tea and we can never resist their ice-cream in a cone whenever we visit Portland Bill.
The Cove House Inn is situated right on the promenade at Chiswell and is a lovely traditional Portland Pub with lots of lovely old photos of the fisherman on Chesil Beach and the shipwrecks of days gone by. The bonus is, they do great food, you can sit inside and out and enjoy the most amazing sunset across the sea...perfect.
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The Cove House Inn
91 Chiswell
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The Cove House Inn is situated right on the promenade at Chiswell and is a lovely traditional Portland Pub with lots of lovely old photos of the fisherman on Chesil Beach and the shipwrecks of days gone by. The bonus is, they do great food, you can sit inside and out and enjoy the most amazing sunset across the sea...perfect.
Good menu including a really good menu selection for children.
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The Galley Bistro
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Good menu including a really good menu selection for children.
Just a minutes walk down the road from Anchor Cottage is L ‘n’ O’s Bistro, which I can thoroughly recommend. I see that they now do breakfast and brunch at the weekends. Check out their menu online, I think you will be tempted to treat yourselves.
LnO's Bistro
93 Weston Rd
Just a minutes walk down the road from Anchor Cottage is L ‘n’ O’s Bistro, which I can thoroughly recommend. I see that they now do breakfast and brunch at the weekends. Check out their menu online, I think you will be tempted to treat yourselves.
The Boat That Rocks is a restaurant overlooking Portland Harbour with seating inside and out and they are also a live music venue. The location is also good to walk and explore Hamm Beach and is close to the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy and Portland Castle.
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The Boat That Rocks
7 Hamm Beach Rd
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The Boat That Rocks is a restaurant overlooking Portland Harbour with seating inside and out and they are also a live music venue. The location is also good to walk and explore Hamm Beach and is close to the Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy and Portland Castle.
Billy Winters is right on the edge of Portland Harbour with seating inside and outside. I can thoroughly recommend their food and is good for families. It’s a great place to chill out and explore Hamm Beach.
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Billy Winters
Portland Beach Road
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Billy Winters is right on the edge of Portland Harbour with seating inside and outside. I can thoroughly recommend their food and is good for families. It’s a great place to chill out and explore Hamm Beach.
I can thoroughly recommend this local butcher, he has a great selection of good quality meat and he has the best beef burgers for BBQ’s.
Ian Burden
8 Reforne
I can thoroughly recommend this local butcher, he has a great selection of good quality meat and he has the best beef burgers for BBQ’s.

Sightseeing

You cannot stay on Portland without visiting Portland Bill, you can walk or drive. If you enjoy walking, head for Westcliff to walk to the Bill and take in the panoramic view of the Dorset coastline on the way. At the bill is the Lighthouse and visitor centre, Pulpit Rock, the Bird Observatory in the old lower Lighthouse and The Lobster Pot Cafe. There is also Red Crane which is used by local fisherman and divers to lower their boats into the sea, if you are lucky you might see the crane in operation. The cranes are an important part of Portland history, not only for fisherman but they were also used to lower Portland stone onto boats to transport to build places like St. Paul’s Cathedral
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Portland Bill
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You cannot stay on Portland without visiting Portland Bill, you can walk or drive. If you enjoy walking, head for Westcliff to walk to the Bill and take in the panoramic view of the Dorset coastline on the way. At the bill is the Lighthouse and visitor centre, Pulpit Rock, the Bird Observatory in the old lower Lighthouse and The Lobster Pot Cafe. There is also Red Crane which is used by local fisherman and divers to lower their boats into the sea, if you are lucky you might see the crane in operation. The cranes are an important part of Portland history, not only for fisherman but they were also used to lower Portland stone onto boats to transport to build places like St. Paul’s Cathedral
If you take a trip to Abbotsbury and beyond, drive to the top of Abbotsbury Hill and pull in to the lay-by at the top and take in the amazing view of Chesil Beach, Weymouth and Portland. It is one of the best scenic views you will ever see.
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Abbotsbury
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If you take a trip to Abbotsbury and beyond, drive to the top of Abbotsbury Hill and pull in to the lay-by at the top and take in the amazing view of Chesil Beach, Weymouth and Portland. It is one of the best scenic views you will ever see.
For breathtaking coastal scenery take a trip to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door to see a unique form of geology which has been formed by coastal erosion and melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age. Park at Lulworth and you can explore both together, but you have to conquer a couple of steep hills to get to Durdle Door, but it is worth it.
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Durdle Door
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For breathtaking coastal scenery take a trip to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door to see a unique form of geology which has been formed by coastal erosion and melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age. Park at Lulworth and you can explore both together, but you have to conquer a couple of steep hills to get to Durdle Door, but it is worth it.

Parks & Nature

Portland is a very interesting place and you can do a circular walk of the Island from Anchor Cottage along Westcliffe to Portland Bill, then on to Church Ope Cove to East Weares and follow on to Portland Heights to overlook Chesil Beach. Then head for Tout Quarry and the top end of Westcliff to end your walk. You can also enjoy a walk at the bottom of Portland at Chiswell Cove and along Hamm which joins Portland to the main land. For keen bird watchers there is the Bird Observatory at Portland Bill and the Visitors Centre along the Portland Beach Road and The Fleet.
Portland
Portland is a very interesting place and you can do a circular walk of the Island from Anchor Cottage along Westcliffe to Portland Bill, then on to Church Ope Cove to East Weares and follow on to Portland Heights to overlook Chesil Beach. Then head for Tout Quarry and the top end of Westcliff to end your walk. You can also enjoy a walk at the bottom of Portland at Chiswell Cove and along Hamm which joins Portland to the main land. For keen bird watchers there is the Bird Observatory at Portland Bill and the Visitors Centre along the Portland Beach Road and The Fleet.
For Bird Watchers and nature enthusiasts you can visit Radipole Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre, Lodmoor Nature Reserved, Lorton Meadows Wildlife and Conservation Centres and Abbotsbury Swannery.
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Weymouth
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For Bird Watchers and nature enthusiasts you can visit Radipole Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre, Lodmoor Nature Reserved, Lorton Meadows Wildlife and Conservation Centres and Abbotsbury Swannery.
Abbotsbury Swannery is well worth a visit for people of all ages. It’s quite something find yourself amongst the swans in their natural habitat. I would combine this with a visit to the Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens, both together make a great day out. You can buy a passport ticket to gain entry to both attractions and The Childrens Animal Farm (I only recommend the Animal Farm if you have children] bear that in mind when buying your tickets.
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Abbotsbury Swannery
New Barn Road
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Abbotsbury Swannery is well worth a visit for people of all ages. It’s quite something find yourself amongst the swans in their natural habitat. I would combine this with a visit to the Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens, both together make a great day out. You can buy a passport ticket to gain entry to both attractions and The Childrens Animal Farm (I only recommend the Animal Farm if you have children] bear that in mind when buying your tickets.

Arts & Culture

Portland is steeped in history so make your way to Castletown D-Day Centre to find out about Portland Dockyards important role in WW2, this has the Tripadvisor certificate of excellence and is great for families. A ten minute walk away from here is Portland Castle built by Henry VIII to defend England against France and the Holy Roman Empire. Portland Museum is within easy walking distance of Anchor Cottage and is great to learn all about Portland’s history, this also has a Tripadvisor certificate of excellence. During school holidays Portland Museum and Castle sometimes have themed events for children.
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Castletown D-Day Centre
Castletown
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Portland is steeped in history so make your way to Castletown D-Day Centre to find out about Portland Dockyards important role in WW2, this has the Tripadvisor certificate of excellence and is great for families. A ten minute walk away from here is Portland Castle built by Henry VIII to defend England against France and the Holy Roman Empire. Portland Museum is within easy walking distance of Anchor Cottage and is great to learn all about Portland’s history, this also has a Tripadvisor certificate of excellence. During school holidays Portland Museum and Castle sometimes have themed events for children.
Visit Weymouth Museum and The Tudor House Museum (both located in Hope Square, Weymouth) to learn all about the history of Weymouth from the start Black Death to King George III visits putting Weymouth on the tourist destination map.
Weymouth Museum
40b Hope Square
Visit Weymouth Museum and The Tudor House Museum (both located in Hope Square, Weymouth) to learn all about the history of Weymouth from the start Black Death to King George III visits putting Weymouth on the tourist destination map.
The Nothe Fort was built by the Victorians to defend Portland Harbour and is one of the best well preserved forts of its kind. Explore the underground passageways to learn about the history of the fort and from the ramparts and gundecks enjoy the panoramic views of Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour. On your way to the Nothe Fort, park at Bincleaves Road and enjoy the scenic views as you walk along the promenade at Newton’s Cove and through the Nothe Gardens to get to the fort.
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Nothe Fort
Barrack Road
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The Nothe Fort was built by the Victorians to defend Portland Harbour and is one of the best well preserved forts of its kind. Explore the underground passageways to learn about the history of the fort and from the ramparts and gundecks enjoy the panoramic views of Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour. On your way to the Nothe Fort, park at Bincleaves Road and enjoy the scenic views as you walk along the promenade at Newton’s Cove and through the Nothe Gardens to get to the fort.

Essentials

A small Co-op just a minutes walk from Anchor Cottage.
The Co-operative Food
11B Weston Rd
A small Co-op just a minutes walk from Anchor Cottage.
A decent size Tesco just a couple of minutes drive from Anchor Cottage.
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Tesco Superstore
Park Road
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A decent size Tesco just a couple of minutes drive from Anchor Cottage.

Entertainment & Activities

Lodmoor Country Park is great for families. It is home to Weymouth Sealife Centre, Pirate mini golf, SandWorld, Go-Karting, Big Slide, Rare Birds, OutDoor Gym/Play Area, Pitch and Putt and Lodmoor Nature Reserve. Next door is Weymouth skate park for keen skateboarders and scooter enthusiasts. If you plan to go the the Sealife Centre I would advise you to buy your admission tickets online, you will make a huge saving!!!
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Lodmoor Country Park
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Lodmoor Country Park is great for families. It is home to Weymouth Sealife Centre, Pirate mini golf, SandWorld, Go-Karting, Big Slide, Rare Birds, OutDoor Gym/Play Area, Pitch and Putt and Lodmoor Nature Reserve. Next door is Weymouth skate park for keen skateboarders and scooter enthusiasts. If you plan to go the the Sealife Centre I would advise you to buy your admission tickets online, you will make a huge saving!!!
Abbotsbury Animal Farm is a great day out for families with children primary and pre-school age. It’s a great day out, I have been there many times with my children and we have always enjoyed it. There are lots of animals to see, pony rides, goat feeding, guinea pig feeding, pony grooming, indoor and outdoor play areas. You can take a picnic or eat at their cafe. You can purchase a passport ticket which will also give you entry to Abbotsbury Swannery and the Subtropical Gardens and at a lower rate and you do not have to visit them all on the same day. I would recommend a visit to all 3 attractions.
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Abbotsbury Childrens Farm
New Barn Road
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Abbotsbury Animal Farm is a great day out for families with children primary and pre-school age. It’s a great day out, I have been there many times with my children and we have always enjoyed it. There are lots of animals to see, pony rides, goat feeding, guinea pig feeding, pony grooming, indoor and outdoor play areas. You can take a picnic or eat at their cafe. You can purchase a passport ticket which will also give you entry to Abbotsbury Swannery and the Subtropical Gardens and at a lower rate and you do not have to visit them all on the same day. I would recommend a visit to all 3 attractions.
This is a great day out for children and adults who like inflatables on the water. You need to be fit and a good swimmer. It’s a one hour session on the water but well worth the money. My tip would be to take beach shoes because they have a better grip on the inflatables. There’s also a mud trail there too, we have not done that yet but it looks like fun if you like getting muddy. See their website for details and you need to book online. You can take a picnic or buy food there.
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Dorset Adventure Park
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This is a great day out for children and adults who like inflatables on the water. You need to be fit and a good swimmer. It’s a one hour session on the water but well worth the money. My tip would be to take beach shoes because they have a better grip on the inflatables. There’s also a mud trail there too, we have not done that yet but it looks like fun if you like getting muddy. See their website for details and you need to book online. You can take a picnic or buy food there.
If you like monkeys, then Monkey World is well worth a visit for people of all ages, but is definitely a great family day out. It is quite extensive with good play areas and you can take a picnic or buy food there. We have been there many times as a family and thoroughly recommend it to you. It is a good value day out.
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Monkey World - Sentro ng Pagliligtas ng mga Unggoy
Longthorns
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If you like monkeys, then Monkey World is well worth a visit for people of all ages, but is definitely a great family day out. It is quite extensive with good play areas and you can take a picnic or buy food there. We have been there many times as a family and thoroughly recommend it to you. It is a good value day out.

Everything Else

Bovington Tank Museum is a great day out and thoroughly recommended, we have been there several times as a family and never get tired of it, they just keep adding to the exhibits. Apart from the live tank displays it is all undercover, so it’s the perfect place to go on a rainy day. It is a good value day out and you can take a picnic or buy food there.
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Museo ng Tank
Linsay Road
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Bovington Tank Museum is a great day out and thoroughly recommended, we have been there several times as a family and never get tired of it, they just keep adding to the exhibits. Apart from the live tank displays it is all undercover, so it’s the perfect place to go on a rainy day. It is a good value day out and you can take a picnic or buy food there.
The Sub Tropical Gardens are well worth a visit. There are not any play areas for children but it is still a nice place to visit and view the gardens. There is a climb to a high view point of the Chesil Beach Coastline, it is worth it to take in the amazing view. It is also worth combining a visit to the Abbotsbury Swannery which you can buy a passport ticket for making it better value for money, this also includes entry to the Children’s Animal Farm but is only worth going to if you have children so bear that in mind when buying your tickets.
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Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Bullers Way
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The Sub Tropical Gardens are well worth a visit. There are not any play areas for children but it is still a nice place to visit and view the gardens. There is a climb to a high view point of the Chesil Beach Coastline, it is worth it to take in the amazing view. It is also worth combining a visit to the Abbotsbury Swannery which you can buy a passport ticket for making it better value for money, this also includes entry to the Children’s Animal Farm but is only worth going to if you have children so bear that in mind when buying your tickets.