Beautiful Hidden Gem in Dorset: Sandsfoot Castle

Dorset is renowned for its stunning Jurassic coastline and fabulous beaches of which 89% are rated as excellent! We at Dorset Country Life can brag about them all day long! From Bournemouth beach to Weymouth sands, and the famous Westbay to name but a few, we are spoilt for choice along the 100 miles of Dorset's coastline. Between these stunning long stretches of beach on the Dorset coast line are some beautiful little hidden gems and we want to share one particular one with you - it’s hidden away so well that not many know it exists. 

So shhhhh! don’t tell everyone ok !? This is just between us!

Sandsfoot castle is a beautiful little beach with gardens hidden away just off of the A354  in Weymouth before you reach the Wyke Regis area.

Although parking is limited, it is well worth a visit as the beach is very child friendly with a five star water rating. The small beach area has sand that is so soft, and views that are so stunning, that you would think you were in the Mediterranean.

Just a short stroll from the beach is Sandsfoot cafe where you can get a lovely selection of refreshments, fresh pastries etc, served by very friendly staff. We can definitely recommend the clotted cream scones with fresh strawberries 😉 and in front of the cafe, seating is provided where you can relax and look across the beautiful Sandsfoot gardens with Sandsfoot castle ruins set within. 

The gardens are beautifully kept and the views of the sea and Portland are stunning. There is lots of space for a family picnic and you really can just feel transported to foreign lands with the turquoise blue sea and the palms waving in the gentle breeze.

Sandsfoot castle, although now a ruin, sits proudly on the seafront and has been there since 1539, when it was built on the orders of Henry Vlll. It was constructed as a defence along with Portland castle, and is steeped in history.

 The castle ruins are fenced off currently as they have become unsafe, but there is hope that some restoration work is in the pipeline.

So why not go on a hunt for this hidden treasure, and take some time, have a coffee and relax in Sandsfoot Castle gardens. We know you are just going to love it! But remember, mums the word