AttractionEnglish Heritage

Portland Castle

Castletown, Dorset

One of Henry VIII's best preserved artillery forts, and one of the few where your dog is welcome inside the castle, on the beach and in the tea room.

Portland Castle is one of the best preserved of Henry VIII's coastal artillery forts, and its squat, rounded seaward face was deliberately designed to deflect incoming cannon shot rather than stop it dead. It sits right on the water in Portland Harbour, and you can trace its career from Tudor gun platform through the Civil War to the D-Day embarkations, when American troops left this harbour for Omaha Beach.

Whilst you follow the presentations, interactive exhibits and audio tour, your dog can come almost everywhere with you, because this is one of the most generous policies in the portfolio: dogs are welcome in the grounds, inside the castle itself, on the beach, in the shop and in the lower section of the tea room, on a short lead at all times. That beach access matters, because nobody is left waiting outside.

Portland Harbour is sheltered, and Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland cliffs are close by if your dog wants something wilder afterwards. Parking is free for members and charged otherwise. There is a café, shop, toilets, gardens and picnic seating.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs are welcome in the grounds of Portland Castle, including the castle, the beach, the shop and the lower section of the tea room. Please note that dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times.
Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: £9.35 adult; £4.67 child · £23.37 family
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Café / restaurant, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
Telephone: 01305 820539
Parking: Free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker. Non-members must pay.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland Castle dog friendly?
Portland Castle is exceptionally dog friendly, with one of the most generous access policies you'll find at a heritage attraction. Dogs are welcome in the grounds, inside the castle itself, on the beach, in the shop and in the lower section of the tea room — so nobody gets left waiting outside while you explore.
Are dogs allowed at Portland Castle year round?
The listing doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on dog access, so there's nothing to suggest it's limited to certain times of year. It's always worth checking directly with English Heritage before your visit, particularly outside peak season.
What should I know before visiting Portland Castle with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on a short lead at all times throughout the site, including on the beach. Parking is free for English Heritage members displaying a valid car sticker, while non-members will need to pay. If your dog fancies something wilder after the visit, Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland cliffs are close by.