10/09/24 - The Wardour Castles, Wiltshire

Two for the Price of One

Can't think of a previous walk that has incorporated two castles. Old Wardour and New Wardour, the former managed by English Heritage, the latter a private home/conference centre. Public footpaths running right up to the doors of both. 

Old

New

Old Wardour Castle, near Tisbury in Wiltshire, England, was built in the late 14th century by John, 5th Lord Lovell. Designed as a luxurious residence with a unique hexagonal shape, it combined the comfort of a home with elements of defense. The castle passed to the Arundell family, a prominent Catholic family, in 1547. During the English Civil War in 1643, Lady Blanche Arundell defended the castle against a siege by Parliamentary forces, but it was heavily damaged and became uninhabitable.

Following this, the Arundell family built New Wardour Castle in the 1770s. Designed in the Palladian style by James Paine, it became the family’s new home and included a private Catholic chapel. After World War II, the property was sold and eventually converted into private apartments. Today, Old Wardour Castle is a romantic ruin managed by English Heritage, while New Wardour Castle remains a private residence.

The walk is short but perfectly formed. A circle of the lake and out on the Wessex Ridgeway to take in farmland and woodland. There is a chance to visit the Forester at Donhead St Andrew. A pub that itself is rumoured to be built from the stone of the old castle. Too early for us today but we did have Sunday lunch. Good beer guide recommended. Steak £29.99, to provide financial perspective. We give way to the Salcome delivery van to provide beery perspective.

Walk Details

Distance - 3.5 Miles

Walk Inspiration - AA 1001 Family Walks, #135

Geocaches - 0