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A quick guide to the beaches on the Isle of Portland in Dorset – with everything you need to know to plan a visit!
Despite being an island, Portland has surprisingly few beaches. Its wild, rugged coastline is perhaps better suited to clifftop walks and sea fishing. But there are a couple of secluded coves to be found here – not to mention the 18-mile-long strip of shingle that ties the Isle to the mainland! This guide gives a quick overview of each one, with all the info you need to know about visiting…
Beaches in Portland
Chesil Beach
An 18-mile-long shingle tombolo (sandbank) stretching from Portland to West Bay. Great watersports conditions in Portland Harbour!
Beach Type: Pebble and shingle
Nearest Parking: Chesil Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: At the Wild Chesil Centre (near car park)
Popularity: Usually not too busy
Dogs Allowed: All year (restrictions apply in certain areas)
Food & Drink: Several cafes, pubs and restaurants along the beach and in Portland Marina.
Facilities & Attractions:
- Wildlife Trust Wild Chesil Centre
- Watersports equipment rental and lessons
- Portland Marina
- Portland Harbour (ideal watersports conditions)
Chesil Cove (Chiswell)
The southernmost end of Chesil Beach, closest to Fortuneswell town centre.
Beach Type: Pebble and shingle
Nearest Parking: Masonic Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: At Quiddles Cafe
Popularity: Usually not too busy
Dogs Allowed: All year (restrictions apply in certain areas)
Food & Drink: Several cafes, pubs and restaurants nearby. We recommend Quiddles Cafe overlooking the beach.
Facilities & Attractions:
- Fortuneswell town centre within walking distance
- Portland Skatepark
FYI: While this is a popular swimming spot, the conditions aren’t always safe, and there are no lifeguards on duty, so extra care should be taken.
Church Ope Cove
Small, secluded beach accessed via a steep cliffside staircase.
Beach Type: Pebble
Nearest Parking: Church Ope Car Park (approx 1/4-mile away)
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: On beach
Popularity: Usually quiet
Dogs Allowed: All year, off lead
Food & Drink: The closest option is Hayloft Cafe at Pennsylvania Estate (above the cove).
Facilities & Attractions:
- Portland Museum (in Wakeham, above the cove)
- Rufus Castle (clifftop ruins)
Top Tip: Take this Church Ope Circular Walk (1.3 miles) to discover the surrounding wildlife.
Little Beach
A remote, rocky cove that can only be reached by walking the coast path.
Beach Type: Rock & Pebble
Nearest Parking: Church Ope Cove (approx 1 mile walk)
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: None
Popularity: Often empty
Dogs Allowed: All year, off lead
Food & Drink: None – closest option is the Jailhouse Diner in the prison on the cliffs above.
Facilities & Attractions:
- South West Coast Path trails and several walks nearby
Beaches in Portland: Map
- Chesil Beach: Pebble and shingle. Dog-friendly all year.
- Chesil Cove: Pebble. (Southernmost end of Chesil Beach). Dog-friendly all year.
- Little Beach: Pebble and shingle. Dog-friendly all year. (No car park or facilities – only reachable by walking).
- Church Ope Cove: Pebble. Dog-friendly all year. (Few facilities and no beachside parking – only reachable via a steep staircase).
READ MORE: Portland Bill Coast Walk
More Nearby
- Weymouth Beach (Main): Sand. Read more in our guide to Weymouth’s beaches.
- Weymouth Beach (Pier Bandstand): Shingle
- Greenhill, Weymouth: Shingle
- Preston Beach, Weymouth: Shingle & Pebble
- Bowleaze Cove, Weymouth: Shingle & Pebble
- Newton’s Cove, Weymouth: Shingle
- Castle Cove, Weymouth: Sand
- Sandsfoot Beach, Weymouth: Sand
Although there aren’t many beaches on Portland – the Isle makes up for it with that 18-mile-long stretch of shingle connecting to the mainland! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.
