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Old Wardour Castle

Old Wardour Castle (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography
Aerial View (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography
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)

Beautifully sited beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle was built in the late 14th century by John Lord Lovel as a lightly fortified but showy and luxurious residence. A hexagonal tower house ranged round a central courtyard, its form is very unusual in England.

Substantially updated by the staunchly Roman Catholic Arundell family after c.1570, the castle saw much fighting during the Civil War. In 1643 the 60 year old Lady Arundell was forced to surrender it to Parliament. But the new garrison was almost immediately besieged in turn by Royalist forces led by her son. After an eventful 10 months of bombardment and undermining, they finally capitulated in March 1644.

The badly damaged castle became a romantic ruin, and was incorporated in the 18th century into the landscaped grounds of Lord Arundell's New Wardour House (not managed by English Heritage, no public access). The castle's setting in a Registered Landscape enhances the significance of this hidden jewel.

Part of the film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves,was filmed here.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun10am-5pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug10am-6pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep10am-5pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov10am-4pmMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
2 Nov-31 Mar10am-4pmSat, & Sun.
24-26 Dec & 1 JanClosed

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.60
Children:
£1.80
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:
ParkingSuitable for people with disabilitiesBaby changing facilitiesDogs allowed on leadsAudio tours (included in admission price)Picnic areaEventsCivil WeddingsHazardousFamily LearningAdmission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holdersMale ToiletsFemale 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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