Portland Bill Lighthouse stands as an iconic landmark at the southern tip of Portland, offering spectacular coastal views, fascinating maritime heritage, and access to dramatic coastal scenery. Built in 1906, this distinctive red-and-white striped lighthouse continues operating as vital navigation aid for ships navigating the treacherous Portland Race tidal race. Visitors can climb the 153 steps to the lantern room gallery for breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing the Jurassic Coast, Chesil Beach, and vast ocean expanses. The visitor center explains lighthouse history, keeper’s life, and maritime navigation. The surrounding Portland Bill area features dramatic coastal scenery, fascinating geology with tilted rock strata, excellent rock pooling, and the South West Coast Path providing spectacular clifftop walking. Seabird watching, including puffins during migration, attracts birdwatchers. The lighthouse, coastal scenery, and wild exposed location create memorable experience. Perfect for coastal walk additions, photography, and maritime history enthusiasts.
Photo by Malc McDonald from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Portland Bill Lighthouse
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more places within 10km
Portland Bird Observatory
Premier birdwatching site recording rare migrants at crucial coastal migration point.
Portland Museum
Charming museum in 17th-century cottages showcasing fossils, maritime history, and island heritage.
Church Ope Cove, Portland
Picturesque cove with medieval church ruins, sheltered swimming, and dramatic cliff scenery.
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park
Unique outdoor sculpture park in disused quarry featuring 60+ contemporary stone artworks.
Fossil Forest (Penn's Weare, Portland)
Remarkable 145-million-year-old in-situ fossil tree stumps from Jurassic period forest on Portland.
Church Ope Cove
Beautiful sheltered cove beneath ruined Rufus Castle with clear waters and historical richness.