Portland Bird Observatory
and Field Centre
Accommodation
The Observatory offers comfortable, hostel-style accommodation with shared facilities for up to 24 guests in the lighthouse and adjacent annexe. In addition, the adjoining self-contained lighthouse-keepers cottage sleeps four and is particularly suitable for a family or small group that require a little more privacy.
Our accommodation is primarily aimed at visitors wishing to enjoy the natural environment of Portland and is popular with, for example, birdwatchers, naturalists, walkers/ramblers, artists/stone-carvers, climbers and water sports enthusiasts; we can also accommodate school/college or other groups on residential field-trips and study visits.
The Observatory is not available for hire for private functions and events and it is not possible to book the exclusive use of the accommodation and facilities for visits of this nature.
The lighthouse and annexe
Accommodation in the lighthouse and annexe is in twin-, three- or four-bedded bunkrooms, with guests having the use of a shared kitchen, bathrooms and other facilities.
A twin bunkroom in the annexe
Blankets and pillows are provided, but guests should bring their own sleeping bag/duvet or sheets, pillowcases, towels and indoor footwear. There is a spacious lounge overlooking the sea and the trapping garden. Electric heating is available in all the rooms. No meals are provided, but the kitchen is fully equipped with crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils; electric cookers, a microwave oven and fridge/freezer are available in the kitchen. Lighting and hot water are included in the nightly charge, but electricity for the heaters, cookers and showers is charged for via slot-meters. Pets are not permitted in the bedrooms or communal areas in the lighthouse and annexe.
The lighthouse kitchen
The overnight charge for a bed in the lighthouse and annexe is £9 per person for Observatory members and £12 per person for non-members.
The lighthouse-keepers cottage
The cottage is self-contained, with its own kitchen and shower, and sleeps four in a twin bedroom and a twin bunkroom.
Twin bedroom and bunkroom in the cottage
As in the lighthouse, blankets and pillows are provided, but guests should bring their own sleeping bags/duvets or sheets, pillowcases, towels and indoor footwear. Electric heating is available throughout the cottage. No meals are provided, but the kitchen is fully equipped with crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils; an electric cooker, a microwave oven and fridge/freezer are available in the kitchen. Lighting and hot water are included in the nightly charge, but electricity for the heaters, cooker and shower is charged for via a slot-meter. Quiet and well-behaved pets are permitted in the cottage.
The cottage lounge and kitchen
The overnight charge for the cottage (as a whole, not per person) is £36 for Observatory members and £48 for non-members.
Enquiries regarding accommodation should be made by telephone or e-mail:
01305 820553 (UK), ++44 1305 820553 (international)
