It is situated several hundred metres south of Portland's boundary with the village of Wyke Regis, Weymouth.

To the west of Ferry Bridge is the start of The Fleet, which is an internationally important nature reserve that extends to Abbotsbury Swannery, while to the east is Portland Harbour.

[2][3] Since the 18th-century, petitions had called for the construction of a bridge, and the 1824 storm led to further demand.

[8] The railway closed to passengers in 1952, and goods traffic in 1965, while the viaduct was demolished in December 1971.

[9] At Ferry Bridge is a World War II type 22 pillbox, placed along the east of the Fleet.