Portland Museum
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Overview
Portland Museum was founded by family-planning pioneer Dr Marie Stopes in 1930, and comprises two 17th-century thatched cottages and a modern extension. One of the cottages was known as 'Avice's Cottage' in Thomas Hardy's The Well-Beloved, and this now tells the story of Portland Stone and the Jurassic Coast. The adjoining Marie Stopes Cottage houses a display of maritime and local history, including displays on Portland prisons, railways, and Victoriana. The gallery features the history of John Penn, Thomas Hardy and Marie Stopes, as well as local customs and archaeology. Events are held throughout the year.
Features
- Opening Times
- Opening Times: Open Easter-Oct, 5 days a week (see website for opening days and times)
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
- Children
- Suitable for children of all ages
About the area
Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Caravan & Camping
Pebble Bank Caravan Park
- Launderette
- Ice pack facility
- Cafe/Restaurant
- Wifi available
Nearby places to stay
Chesil Beach Holiday Park
Set next to the water with stunning views of the famous 18-mile beach, Chesil Vista Holiday Park offers a choice of accommodation styles. With lots of leisure activities and a bar and g...
Swallows Rest
This beautiful, rural B&B with coastal views has highly individual bedrooms. Each is richly decorated and well equipped – ideal for any type of break. Public areas include a comfortable...
Pebble Bank Caravan Park
This site, although only one and a half miles from Weymouth, is in a peaceful location overlooking Chesil Beach and The Fleet, and is an excellent place to stay. The bar and restaurant ...
The Beaufort Guesthouse
Just a few steps from the sandy beach, this friendly, family-run establishment is ideally located for a seaside break. Bedrooms are soundly appointed with all the necessary essentials, ...
Crown Hotel
Crown Hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the old harbour and is ideal for shopping, local attractions and transportation links, including the ferry. Public areas include an exten...
Hotel Rex
Built as the summer residence for the Duke of Clarence, Hotel Rex benefits from a seafront location with stunning views across Weymouth Bay. Bedrooms, including several sea-facing rooms...
Gloucester House
Located right in the heart of Weymouth, this elegant townhouse offers stylish, high quality, modern accommodation – many of the rooms benefit from uninterrupted sea views. Guests can en...
Littlesea Holiday Park
Just three miles from Weymouth with its lovely beaches and many attractions, Littlesea has a cheerful family atmosphere and fantastic facilities. Indoor and outdoor entertainment and ac...
