Name: Old Wardour Castle
Rating: 5.0

Old Wardour Castle

Tisbury, Salisbury SP3 6RP, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Old Wardour Castle was a showpiece, six-sided 14th-century tower house; its design is unique in England. In Tudor times, it was modernised by the Roman Catholic Arundell family: look out for their coat of arms on the entrance front.

Discover the Georgian banqueting house and the fantasy-Gothic Grotto, which incorporates ‘reclaimed’ prehistoric standing stones. Explore the castle and the changing fortunes of its owners with ‘Can you keep your castle?’, a family game.

Price starts from £8.00 for Adults, £4.50 for Children (5-17 years) and £12.50 for Family(1 adult, up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Castle: Begin your day out at our award-winning admissions building, designed to blend in with the castle’s picturesque setting. The newly-opened building is environmentally friendly, with a living grass roof. Inside you’ll find our ticket office, accessible toilets, and a selection of gifts and souvenirs.
Gardens: The site is approximately 100 x 200 meters, and is mostly lawn with some scattered trees and benches. There is a footpath skirting the lawn, and shrubbery around the perimeter. There is also a good walking area with paths leading to Ansty and the Donheads.
The Audio Guide: Take our free audio tour and hear the history of the castle brought to life. Don't miss the story of Lady Blanche Arundell, who courageously defended her home from a week-long siege - with just 25 men and her maidservants! The second siege later that year saw the castle battered into submission. The grounds were then transformed into a pleasure garden and romantic ruin.
The Great Hall: The Great Hall would have been one of the most elaborate rooms in the castle. Lord Lovell received and impressed his guests here, along with the Great Parlour, where the household played cards, embroidered and gossiped.
The East Tower: Climb the atmospheric stone steps of the east tower and discover stunning panoramic views. See the remains of the fireplace and latrines (or loos!) as you climb. When you reach the top room, your view is extended to the sky.
Features in Stone: As you walk around the castle ruins, you'll find many interesting features in the stonework. One of these is a bust of Christ above the entrance, which would have shone in the sunlight.
The Banqueting House: The charming little building overlooking the lake with Gothic battlements is thought to have been a place for refreshments for tourists visiting the castle back in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Grounds: Surrounded by landscaped grounds and age-old trees, Old Wardour Castle is a tranquil location for picnics and perfect for young adventurers to explore. Little legs can run wild in green open spaces, and families love to explore the nearby grotto. It's like something from a fairy tale.
Magical Creatures: Looking for an adventure with your little ones? Uncover English folklore with our Folktale Creature Trails, where children can discover magical creatures from English myths and legends.

Facilities

Parking: There are 20 free parking spaces at Old Wardour Castle, plus an overflow car parking option for a further 50 cars.
Food And Drink: There is no café on site, but a vending machine offers tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Cold drinks, ice creams and pre-packed snacks are also available.
Toilets: There are separate male, female and disabled toilets, including baby-changing facilities. These are located below the Pavilion, at the far end of the site.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Advance online tickets:

Adult: £8.00 With donation & £7.20 Without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £4.50 With donation & £4.00 Without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £20.50 With donation & £18.40 Without donation.
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £12.50 With donation & £11.20 Without donation.
Concession: £7.00 With donation & £6.30 Without donation.
Member: Free.

On the day tickets:

Adult: £9.50 With donation & £8.60 Without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £5.50 With donation & £5.00 Without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £24.50 With donation & £22.20 Without donation.
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £15.00 With donation & £13.60 Without donation.
Concession: £8.50 With donation & £7.70 Without donation.
Member: Free.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-wardour-castle/prices-and-opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open Daily: 10am - 5pm, last entry at 4.30pm.

Address: Tisbury, Salisbury SP3 6RP, UK

Post Code: SP3 6RP

Council: Wiltshire

County: Wiltshire

Road Access: Old Wardour Castle is 3 ½ miles south-west of Tisbury, off the A30. It’s also accessible via the A350 on narrow roads.
Bus Access: Salisbury Reds service 26 Salisbury – Shaftesbury (passes Tisbury railway station)
Train Access: Tisbury 3 1⁄2 miles. Book tickets online at Great Western Railway.
Bicycle Access: Plan your cycling route to Old Wardour Castle at sustrans.org.uk, the National Cycle Network.
Parking: There are 20 free parking spaces at Old Wardour Castle, plus an overflow car parking option for a further 50 cars.