When Henry VIII left the Catholic Church he became afraid of retaliation, so he lined the southern coast with his so-called “Device Forts.” Visit Sandsfoot Castle, which was built during that time to protect the harbor from papal invaders and learn about the interesting history behind the structure.
The building was never involved in any conflicts, but was used as a Royalist site for coin minting during the Civil War. Peer down from the cliffs to see the foundations of the castle that crumbled and fell because of erosion. As the castle succumbed to the elements, it lay here forgotten. Stone was taken from it to build other structures in the area. The site was later renovated before opening to the public in 2012. Explore the castle safely on the new walkways that lead around the ruined site.
Discover history for yourself by wandering amid the dramatic stone ruins and trying to imagine how it might have looked with a roof, windows and cannons lining the walls. Learn more about the castle by pausing at the information points. The castle has two levels. Ammunition was stocked in the basement and above it were the living quarters.
Stroll through the neatly organized gardens that back onto the castle and look for a small ornamental pond. Follow the path around the castle for great views of the Isle of Portland. Afterward, join the Rodwell Trail, a running and biking path from Weymouth town center to Ferry Bridge. This trail is an ideal setting for a quiet walk through woods and along beaches.
Combine a trip here with a visit to the nearby Chesil Beach, a stretch of the Jurassic Coast. Skip stones on the water and stroll along the pebbled promontory, a unique geographical shoreline separated from the mainland by a lagoon.
The castle and gardens are free to enter. Find on-street parking near the site. A café at the entrance to the gardens provides a perfect spot to rest and eat on the grounds of this charming destination.
