Weymouth Bay is close to some great castles see below.
Rufus Castle, Portland, Dorset - built on a rocky promontory on the Isle of Portland, it is possible that the first castle on this site was built for William II. In 1142 during the civil war known as The Anarchy, Robert Earl of Gloucester captured the castle from King Stephen on behalf of Empress Maud. Rebuilt in the 15th century, much of what remains today dates from this time. Free and open access at any reasonable time.
Portland Castle, Weymouth, Dorset
Portland Castle, Weymouth, Dorset - was built by Henry VIII as part of a chain of defences to protect England's coast from foreign invasion. , built of white Portland stone was completed in 1539 to guard Portland and Weymouth Harbour. . Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.
Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset
Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset - perched high above Corfe village, the remains of this early Norman castle cannot fail to impress. In 1635, the castle was sold to Sir John Bankes, who owned it during the English Civil War. His wife, Lady Mary Bankes, led the defence of the castle when it was twice besieged by Parliamentarian troops. The first siege was unsuccessful, but in 1645 the castle finally succumbed and was demolished later that year by order of Parliament. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.
Christchurch Castle, Christchurch, Dorset
Christchurch Castle, Christchurch, Dorset - is the remains of 12th century castle and lords house. Standing on the site of an earlier Saxon fort dating from around AD 924, the original Norman wooden motte and bailey castle was replaced with a stone keep in 1160. Also dating from this time is the nearby domestic Norman dwelling known as the Constable's House, which was built inside the original castle bailey. Containing the lord's private apartments, it is the only building that has survived. Free open access at any reasonable time.
Hurst Castle, Lyminghurst, Hampshire
Hurst Castle, Lyminghurst, Hampshire - was built by Henry VIII as part of a chain of defences to protect England's coast from foreign invasion. The circular stone tower strengthened by semi-circular bastions was completed by the end of 1544 to guard the narrow entrance to the Solent and the approaches to Southampton. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.
Sherborne Old Castle, Sherborne, Dorset - is a ruined 12th-century castle in the grounds of Tudor mansion. During the English Civil War Sherborne was a Royalist stronghold, and following an eleven day siege in 1645, the old castle was left in ruins by Parliamentary forces under the command of General Fairfax. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.
Calshot Castle, Calshot, Hampshire - is an intact coastal artillery fort, built by Henry VIII. Built by Henry VIII to guard the entrance to Southampton Water, Calshot was built as part of a chain of coastal defences to protect England's coast from foreign invasion. This circular blockhouse was built in 1540 re-using stone, with a twist of irony, from Beaulieu Abbey. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.