Sandsfoot Castle

Sandsfoot Castle featuring building ruins and heritage architecture
Sandsfoot Castle showing building ruins and heritage architecture
Sandsfoot Castle which includes heritage architecture and a ruin
Sandsfoot Castle featuring heritage architecture and a ruin
Sandsfoot Castle showing heritage architecture and building ruins


Though forgotten for centuries, this renovated cliff-top fortress backed by stately gardens is now one of Weymouth's most attractive landmarks.

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 harbour 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 organised 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 centre 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.

Plan a trip to see Sandsfoot Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hyde Park Radnor Hotel
THE KNIGHT OF NOTTINGHILL
Corinthia London

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Fairhaven Hotel

Fairhaven Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Fairhaven Hotel, 37 Esplanade, Weymouth, England
Fairhaven Hotel
The Golden Lion

The Golden Lion

2 out of 5
St Edmund St, Weymouth, England
The Golden Lion
Kiama

Kiama

3 out of 5
84 Old Castle Road, Weymouth, England
Kiama
The Old Castle

The Old Castle

3 out of 5
5 Sudan Road, Weymouth, England
The Old Castle
Alexandra Hotel

Alexandra Hotel

3 out of 5
27-28 The Esplanade, Weymouth, England
Alexandra Hotel
Castle Cove Cottage

Castle Cove Cottage

3.5 out of 5
21 Old Castle Road, Weymouth, England
Castle Cove Cottage
Host Stay Clearmount Cottage

Host Stay Clearmount Cottage

2 out of 5
Weymouth, England
Host Stay Clearmount Cottage
Driftwood B&B

Driftwood B&B

3.5 out of 5
13 Holland Road, Weymouth, England
Driftwood B&B
Best Western Weymouth Hotel Rembrandt

Best Western Weymouth Hotel Rembrandt

3 out of 5
12-18 Dorchester Road, Weymouth, England
Best Western Weymouth Hotel Rembrandt
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sandsfoot Castle

At Sandsfoot Castle, visitors can indulge in a variety of activities, including sailing and outdoor adventures. Enjoy scenic coastal walks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area, or embark on delightful day trips to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Weymouth. Whether you're seeking relaxation or excitement, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal destination.

Shopping

In Sandsfoot Castle, enjoy local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Broadwindsor Craft and Design Centre, located 13.0km away, offering a range of handcrafted goods and artisan products perfect for gifts.

Recreation

At Greenhill Beach, enjoy the soothing sounds of the waves while you relax on the sandy shore, perfect for unwinding. Lodmoor Country Park offers tranquil walks amidst beautiful landscapes, ideal for rejuvenation. For a fun family outing, challenge your loved ones at the Pirate Adventure Mini Golf.

Adventure

At Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, located 1.2km from Sandsfoot Castle, immerse yourself in exhilarating water sports amidst vibrant outdoor surroundings. For a scenic adventure, hike the Osmington Roman Walk, 1.9km away, or explore the breathtaking South West Coast Path Section 49 Trailhead, only 497m distant.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Sandsfoot Castle at Weymouth Pavilion, offering captivating performances just 1.6km away. For a thrilling night, venture to Skirmish Dorset, an adventure arcade 9.9km away. Alternatively, enjoy a romantic show at the Royal Manor Theatre, located a mere 1.2km from the castle.

Find the best attractions near Sandsfoot Castle

Visiting Sandsfoot Castle in Weymouth offers a delightful mix of culture and outdoor activities, with attractions such as the picturesque Sandsfoot Castle beach and the scenic harbour nearby. Travellers can explore the historical castle itself, enjoy the coastal beauty, and relax on the sandy beaches. Don't forget to check reviews for Sandsfoot Castle and its surrounding areas to enhance your experience during your visit.

  • Weymouth Beach: Situated 621m from Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth Beach boasts golden sands and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for sunbathing, beach games, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery, this beach offers quintessential British seaside vibes.
  • Weymouth Harbour: Located 559m away, Weymouth Harbour is a picturesque spot where you can admire charming boats and stunning views. The harbour's vibrant setting enhances your visit with delightful cafés and shops, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and activity.
  • Weymouth Bay: Just 1.2km from Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth Bay features breathtaking coastal scenery and outdoor vibes. Ideal for leisurely strolls or picnics, this bay is a serene escape where you can immerse yourself in nature and the beauty of the sea.

Best time to go to Sandsfoot Castle

The best time to visit Sandsfoot Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sandsfoot Castle falls in August, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Sandsfoot Castle falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
October56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
December47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sandsfoot Castle

To save money during your visit to Sandsfoot Castle, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and October, when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Tuesday to enjoy the best rates. Use Expedia's search tool to filter for budget-friendly options, including Eco-certified hotels. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings. Don't forget to look for ticket deals to make the most of your budget while enjoying various attractions in the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sandsfoot Castle are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sandsfoot Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sandsfoot Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Sandsfoot Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia