Old Wardour Castle
A dramatic hexagonal ruin set by a lake, offering a glimpse into medieval life and stunning countryside views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Old Wardour Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic hexagonal ruin set by a lake, offering a glimpse into medieval life and stunning countryside views.
"Most interactive castle that I’ve ever been to! Really fun to look around all the rooms."
🚗 Navigating the Roads
The drive can be narrow and winding, so take your time! :car:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No cafe on-site, so bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the grounds. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hexagonal Design
The entire castle structure
A daring 14th-century architectural marvel, unique for its innovative hexagonal shape.
Panoramic Views
Upper levels of the castle
Ascend the intact stairs for breathtaking views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside.
The Romantic Ruins
Castle interior and grounds
Explore the atmospheric remnants of this historic fortress, perfect for history buffs and photographers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Picnic Perfect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Navigating the Roads
The drive can be narrow and winding, so take your time! :car:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No cafe on-site, so bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the grounds. :sandwich:
👟 Explore Every Nook
Wear comfortable shoes to climb the intact stairs and explore all the rooms. :athletic_shoe:
🎧 Audio Tour Magic
The free audio tour is excellent and brings the castle's history to life. :headphones:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Navigating the Roads
The drive can be narrow and winding, so take your time! :car:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
No cafe on-site, so bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the grounds. :sandwich:
👟 Explore Every Nook
Wear comfortable shoes to climb the intact stairs and explore all the rooms. :athletic_shoe:
🎧 Audio Tour Magic
The free audio tour is excellent and brings the castle's history to life. :headphones:
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Capture stunning shots of the ruins and surrounding landscape. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Old Wardour Castle for its stunning beauty, fascinating history, and interactive exploration opportunities. The well-maintained grounds and friendly staff are frequently highlighted. Some note the challenging access roads and the lack of on-site food facilities, advising visitors to come prepared.
"Well worth a visit with your English Heritage membership.
Quite a lot of the castle remains despite it getting blown up during the Civil War... Can spend a good couple of hours exploring the building and grounds.
It's not really all that important site, but there is an interesting audio tour worth doing that explains about a lot of the history of the building and those who owned it.
As ever, the staff in the little shop / café were extremely nice and very friendly."
Brian Morrall
"The road to the castle is one lane hair pin turns with hedges going 60 mph. Ha! Worth the white knuckle drive. Beautiful area. Amazing ruins."
Mindy Rathe
"A little off the beaten path but so worth a trip to this fantastic little piece of history. It's not as busy as other castles and that adds to it's charm, so much of the ruins to explore and mostly all to yourself. The story behind this castle is very interesting and well told in boards around the site. On a sunny day this would be a fantastic spot to take a picnic with the kids and explore. They do have covered and uncovered picnic benches and toilets down some steep steps."
Kate Webster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old Wardour Castle is located in Wiltshire, England. The drive can involve narrow, single-track country roads with hairpin turns, so drive cautiously. Many visitors arrive by car, and parking is available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so a car is often the most convenient way to reach the castle.
Public transport to Old Wardour Castle is challenging. The nearest train stations are in Tisbury or Salisbury, but onward travel to the castle would likely require a taxi or pre-arranged transport. It's best to check local bus routes, though they are infrequent.
There is parking available at Old Wardour Castle. It's generally sufficient for visitors, but can get busy during peak times.
The drive can be an adventure! Expect narrow, winding country lanes, sometimes single-track with passing places. It's part of the charm, but requires careful driving.
Cycling is possible, but be prepared for rural roads which can be narrow and hilly. The scenic route might appeal to keen cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees apply for Old Wardour Castle, managed by English Heritage. It's recommended to check the official English Heritage website for the most current ticket prices and to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Opening hours for Old Wardour Castle vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date information before your visit to avoid disappointment.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance for Old Wardour Castle is highly recommended, especially during school holidays or on weekends, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
English Heritage members get free entry to Old Wardour Castle. Check their website for any other potential discounts or family ticket options.
Access to the grounds and the exterior of Old Wardour Castle typically requires an admission ticket. It's best to purchase tickets to fully experience the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the impressive hexagonal ruins, climb the intact stairs for panoramic views, and wander the beautiful grounds. The free audio tour is highly recommended for historical context. It's a fantastic spot for photography and picnics. +1
Yes, Old Wardour Castle is great for families. Children can enjoy exploring the ruins and imagining life in a medieval castle. The grounds are also perfect for running around.
Yes, there are facilities available at Old Wardour Castle, including accessible toilets.
Absolutely! The grounds of Old Wardour Castle are ideal for picnics. It's a popular activity, so bring your own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings. +1
The ground floor of Old Wardour Castle is generally accessible, and there are accessible toilets. However, due to the nature of the ruins and steep stairs, upper levels may be difficult for those with mobility issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there is no cafe or restaurant on-site at Old Wardour Castle. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic.
The nearest dining options would be in the nearby villages like Tisbury or Salisbury, which offer a range of pubs and restaurants.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly encouraged and a popular activity at Old Wardour Castle.
The small shop at the castle may sell some items, but it can sell out, especially after busy periods. It's best to come prepared with your own snacks.
Sandwiches, salads, fruits, and other portable picnic items are perfect for enjoying on the castle grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The hexagonal structure itself, the views from the upper levels, and the surrounding lake and grounds offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The ruins provide a dramatic backdrop. 
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Old Wardour Castle, but be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules English Heritage may have in place.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and a softer glow on the ruins.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites like Old Wardour Castle to protect the monument and ensure visitor safety. Always check with English Heritage for their drone policy.
While official photography tours might not be common, the castle's photogenic nature attracts many photographers. Consider visiting during quieter times for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack a picnic as there are no food facilities on-site, making it a great opportunity for a family meal amidst historical surroundings. The free audio tour can also engage older children with stories of the castle's past. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially on the stairs and near any open edges.
💰 Budget Travelers
This means you can control your food costs entirely by bringing your own provisions. The free audio tour adds significant value without extra cost. Combined with the scenic beauty and historical intrigue, it offers a full day of exploration without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Explore the intact staircases for dynamic interior shots and ascend to the top for panoramic countryside views. The surrounding landscape also offers opportunities for nature photography. Visiting during off-peak hours will allow for more creative freedom without crowds.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Castle's Tumultuous History
+1The castle witnessed significant historical events, including the Wars of the Roses, where its owners supported the Lancastrian cause. Later, during the English Civil War, it was besieged and partially destroyed by its own lord, Arundell, who blasted it with cannons to prevent it from falling into Parliamentarian hands. This act of destruction left it in its current ruined state, never to be fully rebuilt.
Today, the ruined castle stands as a testament to its dramatic past. Managed by English Heritage, it offers visitors a chance to explore its atmospheric remains, climb its intact staircases, and imagine the lives of those who once inhabited its walls. The hexagonal structure and its picturesque setting by a lake make it a popular spot for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Exploring the Ruins: What to Expect
The hexagonal design is most striking from the exterior and as you move through the interior spaces. Each of the six sides offers unique perspectives and architectural details. The grounds surrounding the castle are also a significant part of the visit. They are beautifully maintained and provide a serene setting for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, offering lovely views back towards the castle ruins.
For those interested in the castle's past, the free audio tour is highly recommended. It provides fascinating insights into the castle's history, its inhabitants, and the events that shaped its fate. This enhances the exploration, turning a walk through ruins into a journey through time.
Old Wardour Castle for Photographers
+1The best light for photography is often found during the golden hours – early morning and late afternoon. This is when the sun casts long shadows, highlighting the textures of the stone and creating a warm, inviting glow. The lake adjacent to the castle also offers beautiful reflections, adding another layer of visual interest to your shots.
Consider capturing the panoramic views from the upper levels of the castle, looking out over the Wiltshire countryside. These vistas provide a sense of scale and context. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, Old Wardour Castle offers endless opportunities for stunning photography, from grand architectural shots to intimate details of the stonework.
+1
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