Portland Castle

Henry VIII's paranoia about foreign invasion produced some cracking coastal defences, and this squat artillery fort guarding Portland Harbour is one of the finest survivors. Built in the 1540s as part of his Device Forts programme, it's still remarkably complete with its distinctive D-shaped design and thick walls bristling with gun positions.

Walking through the castle today, you get a proper sense of how these Tudor gunners lived and worked. The Governor's House sits at the heart of the complex, while the gun deck offers brilliant views across Weymouth Bay and the Fleet lagoon. Kids love clambering around the battlements and peering through the cannon embrasures.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved Tudor architecture and the castle's role in defending the Royal Naval base at Portland. It saw action right through to World War Two, when it housed anti-aircraft guns. The audio guide brings the stories to life without being too dry.

From nearby holiday parks like Chesil Beach Lodge Park or Haven Littlesea, it's an easy drive down to Portland. Allow a couple of hours to explore properly, though younger children might lose interest after an hour. The castle works brilliantly as part of a Dorset coast tour, especially combined with a trip along the famous Chesil Beach or up to Weymouth's Georgian seafront.