In its imposing waterfront position sits Portland Castle, a coastal fortress overlooking Portland Harbour and four miles from Weymouth. It was built in the early 1540s to protect against the Spanish and French invasions, and remains as one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts. It has an unusual fan shaped design and, built of local Portland stone, it is almost perfectly preserved.
The castle is a popular tourist attraction and visitors can learn all about the castle's 450 year history along with its role in the First and Second World Wars including an audio tour which brings this history to life.
The stunning sea views from the gun platform are a must, as are the Tudor kitchen and the herb gardens. Portland Castle was also one of the venues for the 2012 Olympics sailing events and regularly hosts wedding ceremonies.