The Isle of Portland is only four miles long and under two miles wide, but for such a tiny landmass, it has a rich and varied history. Both war and stone have played a large part in the history of Portland. It served as the embarkation port for allied troops during World War II on D-Day; they left Portland and arrived on the shores of Normandy in Nazi-occupied France for a bloody battle that would help the Allied forces win the war.

The earth that makes up the Isle of Portland has also played a part in its economic history. Limestone has been quarried over the decades and used for some of the most important buildings in the United Kingdom and beyond, including St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and the United Nations Headquarters in New York. 

The culture here is very much focused on the outdoors. Rock climbing, scuba diving, sailing, and kite-surfing are all popular pastimes for the adventurous. It has also served as the host for both Olympic and Paralympic sailing events.