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 Iโve ever been to! Really fun to look around all the rooms."
๐ Navigating the Roads
The drive can be narrow and winding, so take your time! ๐
๐งบ Pack a Picnic
No cafe on-site, so bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the grounds. :sandwich:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 ยท 1,824 reviews
Type
Historical Place
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
๐ Navigating the Roads
The drive can be narrow and winding, so take your time! ๐
๐งบ Pack a Picnic
No cafe on-site, so bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the grounds. :sandwich:
๐ Explore Every Nook
Wear comfortable shoes to climb the intact stairs and explore all the rooms. :athletic_shoe:
๐ง Audio Tour Magic
The free audio tour is excellent and brings the castle's history to life. ๐ง
Tips
from all over the internet
๐ Navigating the Roads
The drive can be narrow and winding, so take your time! ๐
๐งบ Pack a Picnic
No cafe on-site, so bring your own food and drinks to enjoy the grounds. :sandwich:
๐ Explore Every Nook
Wear comfortable shoes to climb the intact stairs and explore all the rooms. :athletic_shoe:
๐ง Audio Tour Magic
The free audio tour is excellent and brings the castle's history to life. ๐ง
๐ธ Photographers' Paradise
Capture stunning shots of the ruins and surrounding landscape. ๐ท
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 / cafรฉ 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
๐ ๐บ๏ธ 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.
๐ซ ๐ซ 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.
๐ซ ๐งญ 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.
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ 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.
๐ธ ๐ธ 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit