🐬 Uniquely shaped waterfront apartments | ⚓️ On historic Castletown pier | 🛌 9 apartments, sleeping 2 – 8 | 🌊 Sea views from every apartment | Watersports equipment availble for guests | 🥂 Ideal for romantic weekends and girls’ weekends | ❤️ From £150pn |📍The Isle of Portland, Dorset
Why we love Crabbers’ Wharf for a weekend
“Crabbers’ Wharf is more than just nine luxe holiday apartments. It is a place where friends, families and couples come for quality time together. They do so against the same backdrop of ocean blues once gazed upon by thousands of allied troops… brothers in arms who left this historic Dorset spot in 1944 for the beaches of Normandy. And who fought, together, so we can weekend here, 80 years later, in peace and freedom.”
When you’re stood on the sun deck of the Commodore’s Penthouse at Crabbers’ Wharf, with the Union Jack flapping in the sea breeze, you need a moment to take it all in.
In front of you, the Jurassic Coast reclines on the horizon. Sailboats fill your gaze in delightful formation. And dolphins play, rising every now and then to thrill you with their presence.
But of all the sights, it is two towering concrete structures – known as the Mulberry Harbour – that hit your heart like a ship’s bell.
These rectangular blocks, stood alone and silent in Portland Harbour, were used in the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. They acted as portable docks to keep the beach supplied and undoubtedly contributed to the successful invasion of Normandy – and the subsequent liberation of Europe.
To have a front-row view of these rare, historic monuments, thanks to Crabbers’ Wharf, is a genuine treat. They’re a poignant reminder of friendships that were cut short and shared happiness that was lost. Which is why coming to stay here is so special.
Inside Crabbers’ Wharf
Crabbers’ Wharf has an apartment for everybody, from the Purser’s Suite sleeping two to the Officer’s Suite sleeping six.
We stayed as a group of eight in the Commodore’s Penthouse – a four-bedroom luxury apartment and the jewel in the Crabbers’ Wharf collection. With such a grand name, our motley crew had high expectations; luckily, the space didn’t disappoint.
This split level apartment (joined by a spiral staircase) boasts four large bedrooms, each with its own neat and tidy ensuite. Two came with balconies overlooking the water (complete with table and chairs), two came with large portholes – and all came dressed in nautical sea blues and whites.
In every bedroom there was plenty of space and storage to feel comfortably at home; no-one complained of their room being a tight squeeze or noisy neighbours because of thin walls. In every ensuite we also had fresh towels and shower gel.
Being a slightly spoilt weekender, however, I would’ve liked robes and slippers to laze in and a full set of local toiletries (thank goodness someone else packed shampoo). But the small missing details didn’t take away from the rest of the stay.
Upstairs is the show-stopping heart of the ‘penthouse’ and where you’re sure to spend most of your time. The spiral staircase brings you up to an impressive open-plan living space. Here you’ll find a curved ice-white kitchen along with a plus-size lounge, featuring an eight-seater dining table and two sofas for your whole team to slink into. Off to one side is the fourth bedroom (where we put the snorer of the group).
The real star, as mentioned, is the panoramic view of Portland Harbour (and Mulberry Harbour) through the wall-to-ceiling patio doors – the vista is enough to float anyone’s boat. Honestly, we could’ve stayed 24/7 with our feet up, either on the sundeck or in the apartment, watching the changing moods of that incredible landscape.
Out and About
Fortunately, Castletown and Portland offer good reasons to peel yourself away from the view. For one thing, a few metres away is Castletown’s D-Day Centre, offering visitors an immersive look at the dock’s crucial role in WW2.
Beyond the D-Day Centre – and still within walking distance of Crabbers’ Wharf – you’ll find Portland Castle. It is one of Henry VIII’s finest coastal forts, built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion. You can easily lose a morning here enjoying the audio tour and the sea views from the gun platforms, like we did.
Stunning Chesil Beach and Portland Bill with its iconic lighthouse is also on your doorstep, although you’ll need to drive. We recommend a walk to the famous Pulpit Rock on Portland Bill, created in the 1870s from Portland’s famous stone (which built St Pauls’ Cathedral in London).
If you’re brave enough, you can climb Pulpit Rock and marvel at the handsome Portland coastline. Be warned: it’s not for the faint hearted and you may need to steady your nerves with a portion of chips in nearby Weymouth or a stiff drink at The Cove Inn.
As you sip your local beer or gin, remember to raise a toast to good times, good friends and, more importantly, the men and women who fought to secure them all. Then head back to Crabbers’ Wharf to watch the sun set from the deck.
The Essentials
- Crabbers’ Wharf in Castletown offers guests nine luxury self-catering apartments, sleeping 2 – 8
- Uniquely designed to reflect the shape of a vintage cruise liner with a stunning waterfront spot on the historic Castletown Pier
- Crabbers’ Wharf won an award for its architecture from the local Civic Society
- All bedrooms are ensuite and all apartments have sea views
- Direct access to the harbour water from a private pontoon where you can launch kayaks and paddleboards (provided free of charge) in the summer months
- Within walking distance of the D-Day Centre and Portland Castle
- Parking for two cars, WiFi in all areas
- Great location for exploring Weymouth and the rest of the Jurassic Coast by car
- Ideal for walkers and watersports enthusiasts (the South West Coast Path is nearby along with Portland Sailing Academy)
- The area around Crabbers’ Wharf is a little industrial (it’s a working boatyard) but it didn’t put us off our stay
Eye Candy
