Church Ope Cove

Coast path steps leading down through greenery towards a pebble cove on Portland — Photo: David Dixon

A secluded pebble cove on Portland's sheltered eastern side, popular for swimming, snorkelling and fishing, and thought to be the site of the first recorded Viking attack on the British Isles. The main path follows the road past Portland Museum and under the arch of Rufus Castle, then down steps on the South West Coast Path; another runs through woodland and the ruins of St Andrew's Church.

Visit the official page

Times, prices and access can change. Check before you travel.Last updated 6 Oct 2026.Source (where this listing came from, opens in a new tab)

Places nearby

Open all year
Portland Bill Lighthouse
Portland · Heritage
- Family-friendly
A working lighthouse on Portland Bill, standing 41 metres tall with its distinctive red and white tower. Visitors can climb 155 steps to the lantern room for views along the Jurassic coast, and explore displays in the refurbished visitor centre. Climbers must be at least 1.1 metres tall.
Open all year
Weymouth Beach
Weymouth · Beaches
- Family-friendly
- Accessible
Weymouth's sandy beach sits below the Georgian seafront, with a gently sloping seabed and clean water for swimming and water sports, making it a good choice for families. In summer there are deckchairs, a land train, sand sculptures and Punch and Judy, and RNLI lifeguards patrol from May to the end of September. There's ramp and level access, and beach wheelchairs can be hired.
Open all year
Rodwell Trail
Weymouth · Walks
- Accessible
A fully surfaced, signposted 2-mile route between Weymouth and Portland along a disused railway line, suitable for walkers, cyclists and mobility scooters. It passes old station platforms and Sandsfoot Castle, with views across Portland Harbour, and is rich in birds, plants and butterflies. The walk can be extended to 4 miles using the Wild About Weymouth and Portland Legacy Trail.

Coming up

Monday 9 November
Chesil Autumn Bird Walk
Nature and wildlife
Portland
A guided bird walk along Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon looks for wildfowl, waders and sea birds. Species such as dunlin, ringed plover and oystercatchers may be seen, with the walk starting from the Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre on Portland and lasting around ninety minutes.
Monday 9 November
Chesil Autumn Bird Walk
Nature and wildlife
Portland
- Family-friendly
A guided bird walk along Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, spotting wildfowl, waders and sea birds such as dunlin, ringed plover and oystercatchers. Suitable for beginners and families, with time for questions about the nature reserve along the way.
Saturday 12 December
Seasonal Wreath Making at the Wild Chesil Centre
Arts and culture
Portland
- Accessible
A festive workshop at the Wild Chesil Centre where visitors create a natural wreath using locally sourced, sustainably harvested materials. Suitable for adults and children aged 12 and over, with children required to be accompanied by an adult.

See everything in Weymouth and Portland

Church Ope Cove

More in Weymouth and Portland

Places nearby

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Weymouth Beach

Rodwell Trail

Coming up

Chesil Autumn Bird Walk

Chesil Autumn Bird Walk

Seasonal Wreath Making at the Wild Chesil Centre