THE isle of Portland – that long, low wedge that can be seen to the east from all along the West Dorset coast – is an explorers’ paradise, with curiosities of history and folklore just waiting to be discovered.

Portland is not really an island at all, of course, being joined to the mainland by the south-east tip of Chesil Beach and a road bridge.

It provides a most dramatic coastal landscape, with places of interest that include Portland Bill, Pulpit Rock and the lighthouse overlooking the English Channel.

To add to that there are Portland Museum and Shipwreck Exhibition, Church Ope Cove with the ruins of Rufus Castle and St Andrew’s Church.

There are also gardens, a sculpture park, a butterfly reserve, art galleries and cliff walks offering spectacular views.

Particularly worth a visit is Portland Castle, built in 1539 to protect the harbour against invasion and now the property of English Heritage.

Portland’s name is known throughout the world for its association with the famous limestone, used for centuries as building stone both in Great Britain and overseas.

The quarrying of the Jurassic limestone on the island has had a tremendous impact on the landscape and the inhabitants of Portland, contributing much of the island’s unique history and customs.

No one knows exactly when quarrying started, although the earliest use of Portland stone is thought to be the stone age tools and slingshots found in various archaeological sites on the island.

The stone was used by Inigo Jones in 1620 to build the Banqueting Hall in London, and after the Great Fire of London in 1666 Sir Christopher Wren used it to rebuild St Paul’s Cathedral.

Tout Quarry and its environs, on the western side of Portland, are highly valued areas of national geological and ecological interest. The quarry is open to the public but care should be taken to avoid disturbing flora and fauna and to not get into danger.

Since 1983, when Portland Sculpture Trust initiated a revival of creativity in the disused stone workings, well-known sculptors and students have created more than 40 sculptures in the quarry itself.

For a different way of getting to the island, take the ferry boat service from Weymouth Harbour that drops you off at the Castle Jetty.