Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Tisbury, Salisbury SP3 6RR
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Website www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-wardour-castle
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Old Wardour is a six-sided 14th-century ruin set into landscaped grounds, with three levels still standing and open to climb through - enough survives that its appeal to painters and film crews over the years makes sense. English Heritage keeps it staffed, and reviewers rate it consistently high for how well the ruin and its setting work together.
Worth the trip
The three levels of the ruin you can still climb, giving a real sense of the building's original shape rather than just a footprint.
Before you go
The car park is decent-sized but fills up, especially on weekend mornings, so arriving early pays off if you want easy parking.
Reviewers consistently rate this among the more striking castle ruins, with all levels open for exploring and a scenic lakeside setting popular with families and dog walkers. One detailed review raises accessibility concerns, including a locked disabled toilet, no clearly marked accessible parking, and steep stairs to the only usable toilets, along with a request for more on-site historical information and seating.
“One of the most beautiful castles I have ever seen, actually ruins, but preserved in excellent condition. All levels are open to visitors. Tickets cost about £8. A real piece of history. The access road is a bit…”— Marek Kurowski (Kuri), visitor review
