High Angle Battery on the Isle of Portland
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High Angle Battery is located on the Isle of Portland and we visited recently to explore the historic site.
Constructed in the 1890’s, the Victorian gun battery was built to help defend Portland Harbour against invasion. Its main purpose was to fire shells at a high angle onto any attacking ships below. With the high position and underground buildings, tunnels and concealed gun emplacements it made it almost invisible to enemy warships.
Despite its incredible design, advancements in ship speed meant the site quickly became disused and the battery went out of use after only 10 years, never firing a single shot in combat.
This site is now a Scheduled Monument and in 2022 it was placed on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.
High Angle Battery is located close to the New Ground and you will find free parking close by plus an information board which is worth reading. You will need to watch young children as there are high walkways on the upper gun level and broken glass in some of the tunnels. Our children loved exploring and went in and out of the many ‘ghost tunnels’ and rooms.
While you are there, I’d recommend walking over to the Verne Citadel to marvel at the stunning coastal views and pop into Fancy’s Farm to feed the animals.
If you are driving and heading towards the Height Hotel on the New Ground road then keep your eyes on the right and look for a low stone circular wall. Within this circle you will find some super cool dinosaur footprints which are preserved in slabs of limestone.
You can also go and visit Tout Quarry Sculpture Park where there are estimated to be over 70 sculptures to discover in the abandoned stone quarry. To read more about Tout Quarry Sculpture Park, please visit the Dorsetmums Blog.
All activities mentioned are free and makes for a great day out if you pack a picnic.
If you are looking to stay on the Isle of Portland for a few days then I can thoroughly recommend The Penn Estate. If you would like to read about our recent break away from home then please visit the Dorsetmums Blog.
