TAKE a step back in time to the reign of Henry VIII at Sandsfoot Castle.

Hidden away just off the South West Coastal Path, between Weymouth Harbour and Ferrybridge, is Sandsfoot Castle.

The ruin looks over the harbour towards Portland and is surrounded by gardens. Visitors can take a walk around the castle, finding out more about its history, or simply relax in the gardens, while watching the boats from the local sailing club drift past.

Why not take a picnic and enjoy the views or indulge yourself with an ice cream or lunch at the cafe?

The castle was originally built by King Henry VIII as a Device Fort in around 1941.

Opposite Portland Castle, the idea is that the two structures would provide a watch and protect the Portland Harbour area from invaders. Major threats at the time included potential attacks from French and Spanish forces and other Roman Catholic rivals following the Protestant reformation.

During the English Civil War the castle was held by the Royalists for the King, until it was taken over by the Parliamentarian forces in around 1642.

Much of the castle has fallen into the sea, but in 2009 a plan was proposed to open it back up to the public.

With grant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, restoration works were done to allow the castle to open up to the public in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Visitors can simply walk down the Rodwell Trail until they see the sign for the castle turn off, or there is parking on Old Castle Road.