Portland Museum occupies two charming 17th-century thatched cottages founded by pioneering scientist Dr. Marie Stopes in 1930. One cottage was famously featured as Avice’s home in Thomas Hardy’s novel ‘The Well-Beloved’. The museum’s extensive collections span dinosaurs and Jurassic fossils, maritime history including shipwreck salvage from vessels like the Earl of Abergavenny, Portland stone quarrying heritage, and Victorian social history. Highlights include the rare 145-million-year-old Portland Turtle fossil and exhibits on smuggling, seafaring, and stone carving craftsmanship. Located near Rufus Castle and picturesque Church Ope Cove, this volunteer-run museum offers an intimate introduction to Portland’s unique island heritage and geology.
Photo by Christine Matthews from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Portland Museum
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
Fossil Forest (Penn's Weare, Portland)
Remarkable 145-million-year-old in-situ fossil tree stumps from Jurassic period forest on Portland.
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park
Unique outdoor sculpture park in disused quarry featuring 60+ contemporary stone artworks.
Church Ope Cove, Portland
Picturesque cove with medieval church ruins, sheltered swimming, and dramatic cliff scenery.
Church Ope Cove
Beautiful sheltered cove beneath ruined Rufus Castle with clear waters and historical richness.
Portland Castle
Exceptionally preserved Henry VIII coastal fort from 1539, overlooking Portland Harbour.
Chesil Beach Centre (Fine Foundation)
Environmental center interpreting Chesil Beach's extraordinary geology, Fleet lagoon ecology, and conservation.