Red Crane

The Red Crane sits at Portland Bill on the island's southern coast, where stone was once prepared for shipment through a coastal loading facility. The steel structure stands at the cliff edge as part of a preserved stone terminal that visitors can still see today.

The steel structure was built during the island's industrial expansion and replaced an older wooden hand-operated crane. This shift shows how Portland's stone industry modernized over time.

The crane marks Portland's maritime identity and shows how the island has long relied on its coastal position for work and trade. Visitors can see this connection between land and sea reflected in the structure's placement at the cliff edge.

The crane can be reached via the coastal path that starts from the main parking area and leads toward Portland Bill Lighthouse. The structure sits on an open cliff edge, so visitors should watch for uneven ground and slippery conditions.

The crane is one of three preserved industrial cranes spread along Portland's east coast, with the others being Broad Ope Crane and Sandholes Crane. Together these three structures reveal the network of stone terminals that supported the island during its peak years as a stone exporter.

Location: Portland

GPS coordinates: 50.51524,-2.45316

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:07