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Old Wardour Castle

The Courtyard
The Courtyard (c) English heritage
Old Wardour Castle (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography - Aerial View (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography (c) The Courtyard - The Courtyard (c) Old Wardour Castle - The imposing ruined front of Old Wardour Castle (c) Old Wardour castle - The peaceful landscape surrounding Old Wardour Castle (c) Old Wardour castle - Carved vault at the top of the stairs (c)

Set in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury was once one of the most daring and innovative homes in Britain. It was built in the 14th century as a lightly fortified luxury residence for comfortable living and lavish entertainment. Today the castle ruin provides a relaxed, romantic day out for couples, families and budding historians alike.

 

An audio tour, included in the ticket price, tells of Old Wardour’s eventful past and the fighting it saw during the Civil War. The badly damaged castle became a fashionable romantic ruin, and in the 18th century was incorporated into the landscaped grounds of the New Wardour House (not managed by English Heritage, no public access to New Wardour House or grounds).  Today, visitors can still climb the turrets and even imagine themselves as extras in the Hollywood blockbuster movie, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, part of which was filmed here.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Sat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan Closed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.60
Children:
£1.80 (5-15 yrs)
Concession:
£3.10
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
Wiltshire - SP3 6RR
Road Access:
Located off A30 2 miles SW of Tisbury. Also accessible from A350(narrow rural roads), coaches approach with care
Train Access:
Tisbury 2 1⁄2 miles
Bus Access:
Wilts & Dorset 26 Salisbury - Shaftesbury (passes Tisburyrailway station)
Map Location:
Telephone:
01747 870487

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Baby changing facilities Dogs allowed on leads Audio tours (included in admission price) Picnic area Events Civil Weddings Hazardous Family Learning Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Male Toilets Female Toilets
Facilities Details:
Refreshments available. Toilets: At custodian's kiosk. Adapted disabled WC, ask custodian for the key
Access:
Access to castle: Via 90m impacted gravel and grass. Six steps at entrance, easier to rear of castle. Ground floor level. Assistance recommended.
Grounds: Loose and impacted gravel paths and smooth grass (soft in winter). Four steps to Pavilion. Benches provided in summer. Excellent views of castle from the lawns.
Parking:
85m from entrance, via smooth tarmac sloping up to entrance. Disabled visitors may be set down by the gate.
Visually Impaired Visitors:
Carvings to touch. NB Beware covered well in centre of castle, and low-level walls on one side of main entrance corridor and off Gate Keeper's Chamber into Garderobe.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Visitor Operations Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1747 870487
Group Booking:
Free parking for up to 4 coaches, 85 metres from entrance
Average Length of Visit:
1 1/2 hours

Further Info

Disabled access (grounds and ground floor only), disabled toilet.
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