Old Wardour Castle, Gloucester

Castle near Gloucester

Wardour Castle from the N
Wardour Castle from the N
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ukiws

Old Wardour Castle is one of the top sights in Tisbury, combining dramatic medieval architecture with a serene lakeside setting that feels worlds away from modern life. Its unusual hexagonal design, towering walls, and landscaped woodland create an unforgettable scene-yet behind this calm exterior lies a violent past. The castle was besieged in 1643 during the English Civil War, leaving the structure heavily damaged and forever altering its silhouette. Despite the destruction, the castle remains one of the best places to visit in Tisbury for anyone who loves romantic ruins, quiet countryside, or atmospheric history.

It is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Tisbury and the surrounding Wiltshire countryside. Visitors can wander the evocative ruins, enjoy far-reaching views from the upper floors, and explore the gardens, grotto, and lake that make the site as beautiful as it is historically fascinating.

History and Significance of Old Wardour Castle

Old Wardour Castle was built in the late 14th century for John, Lord Lovell, as a luxurious fortified residence rather than a military fortress. Its hexagonal layout was highly unusual for English castles, inspired by European designs and intended to impress visitors with its refinement, symmetry, and grandeur.

The castle enjoyed a peaceful existence until the English Civil War. In 1643, Royalist Lady Blanche Arundell defended Old Wardour with only a handful of retainers against a large Parliamentarian force. After several weeks of siege, bombardment, and increasingly desperate conditions, the defenders surrendered. The damage was catastrophic, and the castle was never fully restored.

Later, the Arundell family built the “New Wardour Castle” nearby and landscaped the grounds around the old one, adding the ornamental lake and the striking rockwork grotto that visitors can still see today. The ruins are now carefully preserved by English Heritage.

Things to See and Do in Old Wardour Castle

Visitors can climb the surviving staircases to reach upper levels of the castle, where window openings frame beautiful views of the lake and woodland. The on-site audio guide vividly recounts stories of medieval life, noble families, and the brutal Civil War siege.

Outside, the landscaped grounds are perfect for leisurely walks or picnics. The rockwork grotto-an 18th-century addition-adds a whimsical touch, with arches, tunnels, and a naturalistic design that echoes classical garden fashions.

Old Wardour’s peaceful setting makes it a popular filming location and wedding venue, adding to its appeal as a scenic and romantic ruin.

How to Get to Old Wardour Castle

The nearest railway station is Tisbury, with direct services from London Waterloo, Salisbury, and Exeter. From the station, taxis or a countryside walk can take you to the castle. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

For visitors arriving by air, the closest major airport is Bristol Airport, with rail and coach connections to Tisbury via Bristol Temple Meads and Salisbury. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Gloucester on Booking.com.

Travelling by car is the most convenient option, with access via the A30 and local Wiltshire lanes. There is on-site parking adjacent to the castle entrance.

Practical Tips on Visiting Old Wardour Castle

  • Suggested tips: Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to climb the internal staircases.
  • Best time to visit: Spring and summer for picnics; autumn for golden woodland colours.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Approximately €8-€12 for adults; free for English Heritage members.
  • Opening hours: Open daily during main season; reduced winter hours.
  • Official website: Visit the English Heritage page for Old Wardour Castle.
  • How long to spend: 1-2 hours.
  • Accessibility: Limited-uneven surfaces and steps within the ruins.
  • Facilities: Toilets, picnic areas, small shop.
  • Photography tip: Shoot from across the lake for the most iconic view of the hexagonal ruins.
  • Guided tours: Audio tour included with entry.
  • Nearby food options: Pubs and cafés in Tisbury and surrounding villages.

Where to Stay close to Old Wardour Castle

For a comfortable stay nearby, consider The Beckford Arms, a classic countryside inn. Another charming option is The Compasses Inn, set in a historic stone building. Those seeking a boutique rural escape might enjoy Howard’s House Hotel.

Is Old Wardour Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes. Old Wardour Castle is one of the must-see places in Tisbury, offering a perfect blend of dramatic medieval ruins, peaceful landscapes, and fascinating Civil War history. Its unique design, beautiful lakeside setting, and atmospheric grounds make it a memorable and rewarding visit.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (1,825)

Old Wardour Castle in Tisbury is a partially ruined, turreted 14th-century fortified residence set on a spot with panoramic views; visitors praise the peaceful, off‑the‑beaten‑path atmosphere, extensive ruins to wander and interpretive boards and an audio guide that explain the site's story, while facilities include a small shop/café, picnic benches (some covered) and toilets reached via steep steps; access involves narrow, winding country lanes that some find a white‑knuckle drive but well worth it for the beautiful setting.

Brian Morrall
2 months ago
"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... Canspend 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...."
Kate Webster
a month ago
"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'scharm, 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 su y 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...."
Carl Dycer
a month ago
"Been here twice now, and love it. Away from crowds this one. Was built more of a statement of wealth castle more than a defensive bastion but theEnglish Civil War saw it come under assault. I love the information boards around the castle that help you imagine it in its heyday. Famous for being the Loxley home in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves. I like the graffiti that can be seen on the ground level walls, particularly on the front. Look for the Second World War era markings left by U.S servicemen...."

FAQs for Visiting Old Wardour Castle

Yes, designated staircases and areas are safe, though care is needed on uneven steps.
Absolutely-children love exploring the ruins and grotto.
Yes, free parking is available beside the entrance.
Yes, on leads.
Yes, the grounds are ideal for picnicking.
The grounds are partially accessible but the ruins include many steps.
Yes, the castle is very photogenic.
1-2 hours.
Generally yes, with reduced winter hours.
Yes, via Tisbury Station and local taxis or walking routes. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Nearby Attractions to Old Wardour Castle

  • New Wardour Castle: An elegant Palladian mansion built by the Arundell family.
  • Tisbury: A charming village with shops, cafés, and countryside walks.
  • Old Sarum: An Iron Age hillfort and Norman ruin overlooking Salisbury.
  • Shaftesbury: A hilltop town famous for Gold Hill and rural views.
  • Stourhead: A world-renowned landscape garden with lakes, temples, and woodland trails.

The Old Wardour Castle appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Gloucester!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

10am-6pm Apr-Sep, 10am-4pm Oct, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun Nov-Mar

Price:

adult/child £5.40/3.20

Address: Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury, Salisbury, UK
Gloucester: 93 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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