Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire

Old Wardour Castle was built by John, the fifth Baron Lovell using locally quarried stone, after Baron Lovell had been granted permission by Richard II in 1392.

The castle was inspired by the hexagonal castles then in fashion in France, but its design is unique in Britain.

After the fall of the Lovell family following Francis Lovell's support of Richard III, the castle was confiscated in 1461 and passed through several owners until being bought by Sir Thomas Arundell of Lanherne in 1544. The castle suffered great damage in the Civil War but was rebuilt by the eighth Baron, Henry Arundell, after borrowing sufficient funds to finance the work. This was done by the prominent Palladian James Paine. Paine built Wardour New Castle, but left the Wardour Old Castle as an ornamental feature. In stylistic terms the New Castle is not a castle at all, but a neoclassical country house with a main block built around a central staircase hall and two flanking wings. Paine integrated the ruins of the Old Castle into the surrounding parkland, intending it to be viewed as a romantic ruin.

(Photographs courtesy of Trish & Chris Seymour).

Opening Times

Opening days and times vary throughout the year. Please check the website.

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £4.00
Children: £2.40 (5-15 yrs)
Concessions: £3.60
EH Member: Free

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Disabled Facilities

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.

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More Information

Telephone: 01747 870487

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