Sandsfoot Castle also known as Weymouth Castle

Built around 1539 by order of King Henry VIII to provided in conjunction with Portland Castle a defence for shipping in Portland Harbour. Sandsfoot Castle originally had two storeys and dungeons providing emplacement for heavy cannons, powder magazines and quarters for around fifty men. Sandsfoot Castle was protected by a ditch and an eart rampart, remains of which account for the landscaped gardens.

Photographs taken for The Dorset Guide and are not to be used within any publications without permission
Sandsfoot Castle overlooking Portland and Portland Harbour Breakwater Walls on the left)

Edvidence suggests that some of the stone used to build the castle may of come from Bindon Abbey in Wool.

Sandsfoot castle was in need of repairs by 1584 due to the sea. Works were undertaken in 1610/1611 and again in 1623. Sandsfoot castle was held for the King during the Civil War until 1645 when the Royalalists decided it was of no futher use to them. Sandsfoot Castle was used as a mint for striking coinage around this time.

Photographs taken for The Dorset Guide and are not to be used within any publications without permission
Looking through a Window of the ruins

Sandsfoot was dropped from the Military register in 1665 but remained a storehouse until 1691. It never saw serious military action. In 1902 the Weymouth Corporation purchased the ruined castle from the Department of Woods and Forests for the sum of £150.

Photographs taken for The Dorset Guide and are not to be used within any publications without permission
Interior of the ruins | Castle from the end of the gardens | Sandsfoot Gardens in Winter

In 1931 tudor styled gardens were landscaped into the area infront of the castle and a small cafe with facilities was established in 2006. The stone carved Royal Coat of Arms was removed from the castle and can now be seem above the south door of All Saints Church in Wyle Regis near Weymouth.


The Poisoned Cup is a short novel by Joseph Drew set in the reign of Elizabeth the 1st and has Sandsfoot Castle as its Backdrop on the Cover.ocation: Rodwell Weymouth

Beaches and other Sights nearby

The local beaches nearby are Sandsfoot Cove which is also known as Castle Cove, this is just a five minute walk along the road. Or there is Newtons Cove which is near the Nothe Fort in Weymouth. On the opposite site of Portland Harbour lies Portland Castle and next to it the tiny beach of Castle Cove Castletown Portland.