Top 4 Castles around Winterborne Monkton

Great place to stop for views and refreshments whilst on the Rodwell trail.

Sandsfoot Castle is a historic castle ruin on the south coast of England that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The castle was built in the 16th century by order of Henry VIII to protect the coast from possible attacks from the sea. Today, only the impressive remains of the fortress remain, exuding a romantic and historic atmosphere. A visit to Sandsfoot Castle allows you to explore the well-preserved walls, towers, and defenses. Its waterfront location offers beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding nature. It's a great place for strolls, photos, and learning about the region's history. The grounds are peaceful and inviting, perfect for families, history buffs, or anyone simply looking to enjoy the fresh sea air. There are also beautiful coastal paths nearby that invite further exploration. Overall, Sandsfoot Castle is a charming historic destination that combines history, nature, and beautiful views. It is definitely worth a visit to discover the rich history of southern England and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery.

By 1541 Sandsfoot Castle was complete. It was built rapidly by order of Henry VIII, along with Portland Castle, to defend this part of England’s coast against attack by the French and Spanish. The sea and the weather have been the most effective enemies in wreaking damage on the castle. By the end of the 17th century it was becoming a ruin, its proud gun floors fallen into the sea as the cliffs below crumbled under wave and tide. Since then, much facing stone has been removed and used in other structures, including the foundations of Weymouth’s Town Bridge, which still stands. The final insult for this unique fort came by 1930 when it was declared unsafe and closed to the public. In 2012 Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Friends of Rodwell Trail & Sandsfoot Castle, re-opened the castle to the public but however the castle and footbridge is now shut due to health and safety risks.

Quadrangular castle built in 1370. Not open for visitors but you can stay there. https://www.visit-dorset.com/listing/woodsford/112486301/ & https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/woodsford-castle-13233/#Overview

Nice to look at although you cannot go into the grounds. I think you can rent it through the Landmark Trust. Woodsford Castle is a rare survivor of one side of a medieval fortified manor house. Standing near the River Frome the thatched roof is reputed to be the largest in Dorset. There is a convenient to pull in to have look.

The hall is a Grade I listed 15th-century country house retaining much of its original Tudor character including a magnificent Great Hall with fine hammerbeam roof, and a recently restored Elizabethan Kitchen with a magnificent fireplace. It is surrounded by some 20 acres of gardens originally designed by Inigo Thomas in the 1890s, which are Grade I listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.  The house and gardens are privately owned but are open for public visits almost all of the year, and are a member of Historic Houses.

This is the surviving part of a 14th-century castle, a rambling wing of great interest and charm, deep in Hardy country just outside Dorchester. Its roof has one of the largest expanses of thatch in the county. Just one side of the quadrangular castle, built in 1370 and probably added to an existing group of buildings, remains today.

dating from the c14th and the thatch roof is the largest of an inhabited building in the country. Owned by the landmark trust.