Anyone spent any time on Portland?

[DKL]

More than a weeks holiday sort of time.
I know it has a slightly eccentric reputation but can't decide if that's a good thing or not. Access to the sea, not many beaches mind, great walking but a bit dusty in the summer, interesting history. We quite like the run down to the bill, Wakeham area, not so much Fortuneswell.
We're sort of looking for a bolt hole for weekends etc and for coastal access its as cheap as it gets, there may be a reason for this..

[Johnnytheboy]

No, but know the area well.

A lot of really scummy people seemingly live there

More to the point it takes forever to get anywhere, as first you have to get through Weymouth.

[EarlOfHazard]

Not far from Lyme Regis - which is nice.

[Sonie]

It’s good for sailing/windsurfing at WPNSA

[DKL]

Travelling wouldn't really be an issue as that would be the destination not the start point. I haven't found it that much of an issue getting along the coast road west.
Lyme is nice but we have had no luck securing somewhere in our preferred village which is very close by. Oh and that stretch of coast is quite pricey.
Just looking a bit further afield.
Did you feel Portland attracts scummy or they are just there anyway?

[Wacky Racer]

Portland Castle is well worth a visit.

Nearby you have Chesil Beach, Dorchester, Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Beer, Swanage interesting part of the UK (imo)

[WJNB]

Johnnytheboy said:

No, but know the area well.
A lot of really scummy people seemingly live there
More to the point it takes forever to get anywhere, as first you have to get through Weymouth.

Known Portland Bill since the 1950's. A young offenders prison, substantial naval base ( as was), stone quarries, bleak & windswept. Large stock of small cheap mostly terraced housing for the aforementioned prison & naval personnel. Lot of petty crime & most certainly NOT the place to live if you have the choice, most do not. Visit just to enjoy the view over Chesil beach towards Bridport & beyond then leave. In fact don't even bother with that because the view of the beach & Portland itself is better from above Abbotsbury is far superior.