Castletown Beach

Beach in Dorset

England

Castletown Beach

Portland Harbour, TV Sir Tristram (RFA Sir Tristram) Launched December 1966. RFA Sir Tristram was a Round Table class logistics landing ship (L3505) transferred to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1970. She was badly damaged during the Falklands War of 1983 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falklands_War" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falklands_War">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> and needed to be rebuilt. After the re-build, she saw action in the Gulf War <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> , and the Balkan conflicts <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_Wars" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_Wars">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> of the 1990s. In 2003 the ship was deployed as part of the largest British fleet for 20 years in support of the invasion of Iraq <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_invasion_of_Iraq" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_invasion_of_Iraq">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> .

RFA Sir Tristram was decommissioned on 17 December 2005 but was converted to a Special Forces Training Vessel (TV Sir Tristram) in 2008 and is now moored permanently at Portland.

More information at <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.portlandhistory.co.uk/tv-tristram.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.portlandhistory.co.uk/tv-tristram.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> (The Encyclopaedia of Portland History). — Portland Harbour, TV Sir Tristram (RFA Sir Tristram) Credit: David Dixon

Castletown Beach is a picturesque coastal area located in Dorset, England. Situated near the town of Portland, this beach offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

The beach itself stretches for approximately one mile, with fine golden sand that is perfect for sunbathing or leisurely walks along the shore. The crystal-clear waters of the English Channel provide a refreshing swimming experience for those looking to take a dip. The beach also benefits from being sheltered by the iconic Chesil Beach, which helps create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

One of the main attractions of Castletown Beach is its close proximity to Portland Harbour, one of the largest man-made harbours in the world. This historic harbor has been used for centuries for various maritime activities, including fishing, sailing, and even hosting the sailing events of the 2012 Olympic Games. Visitors can witness the vibrant activity of boats and yachts coming and going from the harbor, adding to the beach's charm.

Castletown Beach is also known for its stunning views. From the beach, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Jurassic Coastline, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its geological significance. The rugged cliffs, formed over millions of years, provide a dramatic backdrop to the beach and offer excellent opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

Facilities at Castletown Beach include ample parking, public toilets, and a nearby café serving refreshments. It is worth noting that the beach is relatively quiet compared to other popular tourist destinations in Dorset, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a more peaceful and relaxed coastal experience.

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Castletown Beach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.568533/-2.4422072 or Grid Reference SY6874. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Portland Harbour, TV Sir Tristram (RFA Sir Tristram)

Launched December 1966. RFA Sir Tristram was a Round Table class logistics landing ship (L3505) transferred to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1970. She was badly damaged during the Falklands War of 1983 Link

and needed to be rebuilt. After the re-build, she saw action in the Gulf War Link

, and the Balkan conflicts Link

of the 1990s. In 2003 the ship was deployed as part of the largest British fleet for 20 years in support of the invasion of Iraq Link

. RFA Sir Tristram was decommissioned on 17 December 2005 but was converted to a Special Forces Training Vessel (TV Sir Tristram) in 2008 and is now moored permanently at Portland. More information at Link

(The Encyclopaedia of Portland History).

David Dixon

Inner Pierhead Fort , Portland Harbour

The remains of a Victorian fort at the South Ship Channel, one of the three entrances to Portland Harbour. The Inner Pierhead Fort is situated on the end of the inner breakwater, which abuts from the dockyard of the harbour, on the northern face of the island. It was constructed 1859-1862, and is 100 feet in diameter. The inner breakwater is Grade II-Listed, and its designation includes the fort (List Entry Number: 1203106 Link

Heritage Gateway).

David Dixon

Breakwater at Portland Harbour

The South Ship Channel is on the right.

David Dixon

Portland Harbour, South Ship Channel

One of three entrances through the sea wall/breakwater into Portland Harbour. It has a chain slung across it to prevent vessels entering.

David Dixon

South Ship Channel, Portland Harbour

One of three entrances through the sea wall/breakwater into Portland Harbour. It has a chain slung across it to prevent vessels entering.

David Dixon

View towards Portland Harbour over East Weare

Gareth James

View over Portland Harbour

Gareth James

Cruise ships anchored outside Weymouth Harbour

Sandy Gerrard

Portland Inner Breakwater

This shows the south ship channel entrance to Portland Harbour on the left. The breakwater is attached to the Island of Portland out of image to the right. A chain is extended across the opening to prevent vessels from using it.

Nigel Mykura

Sir Tristram

This is the sister ship to Sir Galahad, destroyed in the Falklands. It sits just inside Portland Harbour by the South Ship Channel, the most southerly of the three entrances to the harbour. In the background is the breakwater. The ship is now used as a training ship

Nigel Mykura

Outer Breakwater Portland

This shows the outer breakwater at Portland as the main subject and the Dorset Coast in the background. This view was taken from Grove Road in the North East side of Portland.

Tom Jolliffe

Five submarines!

Photo c1935 5 submarines and a steam vessel, possibly Portland Harbour.

Ethel Tiller 1885-1946

Grove, railway trackbed

Once Easton & Church Hope Railway, now a footpath to King's Pier. Link

Mike Faherty

Grove, footpath

From SY7073 : Grove, railway trackbed to King's Pier, through dogwood, buddleja and old man's beard scrub.

Mike Faherty

East Weare, vegetation

Buddleja, old man's beard, brambles, dogwood and the occasional sycamore on the lower reaches of Grove Cliff.

Mike Faherty

Grove, gate

At the south-eastern boundary of Portland Port. Access seems disused; there is a hole in the gate, but apparently only scrub beyond.

Mike Faherty

Grove, King's Pier

With C17 foundations, now concreted over. The fence marks the south-eastern boundary of Portland Port, but is poorly maintained - there is a gap where the fence has toppled over.

Mike Faherty