Off the beaten track - Sandsfoot Castle

Just a mile or so from the Gor Blimey that is Weymouth is an enchanted spot that remains forever peaceful. 
Sandsfoot Castle and Gardens is the preserve of the locals and has wide and airy views over the waters of Portland Harbour to Portland itself.

The castle ruins, though artily perched on a low cliff next to the water's edge, can't by any stretch of the imagination be called picturesque, though the setting makes up for this.
It is one of two fortifications built by well known fatty Henry VIII in 1547 on either side of Portland Harbour in response to the threat from Catholic Spain. It was constructed with stone taken from the newly dissolved abbeys at a cost of going on £4,000.00 (around 1.5 million today)...it never actually saw action (don't tell the kids) and by the end of the 17c it was already a ruin, its stone robbed in turn to build Weymouth Bridge. By 1930 was closed to the public.

Recently the Heritage Lottery stepped in to help restore it so that once more it is possible to wander amongst the remaining stone work and peer though gun ports checking out the Spaniards as the defenders once did.

The gardens, landscaped Torquay municipal style, are a pleasant place to sit and, guess what?...the last part in the heavenly jigsaw... lattes are on hand in the ubiquitous tearoom.

A short wander downhill brings you to a humble little beach,

 again the preserve of a few locals and the odd dog walker or kayaker.

Those pesky Spaniards shall not pass...

Food with views 3 - Beach Caffs

If you're tired of all the pretentious food-a-la-twaddle here are some back-to-basics honest-to-goodness caffs with fantastic views...

The Lobster Pot, Portland Bill, DT5 2JT
You'll find the Lobster Pot at the very tip of Portland in the shadow of its iconic red and white lighthouse and the boiling waters of the race.

The Oasis, Osmington Beach, DT3 6PN 
The Oasis lies at the opposite end of the Weymouth Bay ; far away from the broiling tattooed hoi poloi. Tables are actually on beach.

The Oasis

The Lookout, Bowleaze Cove, DT3 6PL

The Lookout has a million dollar view of the Art Deco Riveria Hotel and of the Purbecks disappearing into the far distance beyond. An outside seat is essential.

View from The lookout

Food with views 2

FOR FOR YOUR REGULAR DOSE OF DORSET ENTER YOUR EMAIL IN THE BOX ON THE RIGHT!
Two contrasting places to munch... one thing in common, views...



Quiddles Fortuneswell Portland DT5 1LY 

Quiddles is housed in a thoughtful piece of modern architecture (how rare is that?) with a definite deco feel. It's a couple of hundred yards from the (free!) car park and right on the coast path and close to the Tout Quarry sculpture park. It opens from 9.00am seven days a week in the summer making it a fantastic place for a ye olde English breakfast, seafood lunches and cream teas in the afternoon.

Close by is another bistro with an equally spectacular view

Down House Farm Higher Eype Bridport DT6 6AH 

Down House Farm is reached by following a long bumpy track into the middle of nowhere... chickens and a cockerel let you know you've arrived. The cafe is an oasis of peace amid lush rolling farmland and the food unpretentious and homemade and uses the farm's own organic meat, herbs and vegetables. 

If it's just a cappuccino you want newspapers are thoughtfully provided.

Food views 1- Harbour Lights

The Harbour Lights bistro/restaurant which overlooks the Portland Marina is a great way to begin a walk around the mysterious Isle of Portland or to set off for a kayak across Portland Harbour.  On a clear day the outside deck rewards you with breathtaking views of the Purbecks enlivened by kite surfers for which the harbour is a cherished venue. 

The restaurant stands at the centre of the 2012 Olympic sailing complex and is a modern relaxed place with lots of outside tables to enjoy the views. It is open for breakfast, lunch and evening meals.

On a sunny Sunday it has a relaxed, dare I say it, Californian feel, as healthy cycling and jogging types arrive, sip orange juice and strike lycra poses.

www.theboatthatrocks.co.uk