EXPLORE PORTLAND | Walking Tour

Your tour begins at your Dorset hotel, where you’ll board a private vehicle destined for the isle of Portland — connected to the Dorset mainland by the narrow strip of Chesil Beach. The landscapes feature in Hardy’s 19th-century novel, The Well-Beloved.

Travel through Weymouth and see locations connected to the author: Hardy worked as an architect here for a year and the town therefore features in several of his works. 

Proceed to Dorchester, the setting of The Mayor of Casterbridge, and visit the statue dedicated to Hardy and the house he designed. Take a turn around the quaint market town with your guide, who points out places of interest.

Your next stop is Hardy’s Cottage, a cob and thatch cottage in which the literary legend was born. Delve into Hardy’s early life in the nearby visitor center and enjoy the picturesque natural scenes that surround.

After paying your respects to Hardy’s final resting place, return to your vehicle and relax during the journey to your Dorset hotel.

• Your tour begins at your Dorset hotel, where you’ll board a private vehicle destined for the isle of Portland — connected to the Dorset mainland by the narrow strip of Chesil Beach. The landscapes feature in Hardy’s 19th-century novel, The Well-Beloved. Travel through Weymouth and see locations connected to the author: Hardy worked as an architect here for a year and the town therefore features in several of his works.  Proceed to Dorchester, the setting of The Mayor of Casterbridge, and visit the statue dedicated to Hardy and the house he designed. Take a turn around the quaint market town with your guide, who points out places of interest. Your next stop is Hardy’s Cottage, a cob and thatch cottage in which the literary legend was born. Delve into Hardy’s early life in the nearby visitor center and enjoy the picturesque natural scenes that surround. After paying your respects to Hardy’s final resting place, return to your vehicle and relax during the journey to your Dorset hotel.

Discover the history behind Portland's most scenic walkway in the South of England! Learn how Portland has been quarried for 100's of years for it's precious white stone! Walk one of the best cliff faces in England with views stretching out across the English Channel & Jurassic Coast! Arguably the best view in England, we stop and grab a cup of tea at the top of Portland with Chesil beach view 18 miles before us. If time allows, we head to Portland Bill Lighthouse and to the southern most tip of the Jurassic Coast!

Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers