Church Ope Cove

A pebble cove with a long history

Church Ope Cove is a small beach on the sheltered eastern side of the Isle of Portland, near the village of Wakeham. Portland Town Council calls it a secluded pebble beach. Quarry debris now covers the sand, and cliffs on three sides shelter the cove from the prevailing winds. It is believed to be the site of the first recorded Viking attack in the British Isles, in 789 AD.

Getting down

The Portland Town Council route follows the road past the museum and under the arch bridge at Rufus Castle, where it meets the South West Coast Path, then goes down steps to the beach. The concrete steps date from 1906. A second path runs through woodland past Pennsylvania Castle and the ruins of St Andrew’s Church. Allow longer for the climb back up.

Swimming and safety

The cove is used for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. There is no lifeguard, so treat swimming with caution.

Dogs

Dorset Council lists Church Ope Cove as open to dogs all year, but check its beach dog page before travelling.

What to see above the cove

Rufus Castle stands on the clifftop. What survives dates from the late 15th century, and the castle is privately owned with no public access, though you can see it from the footpath. St Andrew’s, Portland’s first parish church, is a ruin in the woods. Pennsylvania Castle, built between 1797 and 1800 for John Penn, is a Gothic revival mansion above the cove. Skull and crossbones carvings on some tombstones give the churchyard its local name, the pirates’ graveyard. For another Portland sight, see Portland Bill Lighthouse.