The castle was designed with a rare hexagonal ground plan centered around a courtyard.
During the 1643 Siege of Wardour, Lady Blanche Arundell defended the castle against Parliamentarian forces for six days with only 25 men.
The castle was deliberately blown up from the inside by Parliamentarian forces in 1644 to prevent further Royalist use.
The ruins were left intentionally derelict in the 18th century as a 'picturesque' landscape feature for the newer Palladian-style New Wardour Castle nearby.
An underground, shell-lined grotto was added in the 1790s as a romantic folly for visitors walking the grounds.
The site features a rare example of a 14th-century stone toilet chute built directly into the castle walls.
The castle chapel remains the most complete part of the structure, featuring distinctive vaulted ceilings.
Old Wardour Castle is a hexagonal 14th-century castle designed to resemble a French château, notable for its unique courtyard layout. Built by John, 5th Baron Lovell, it served as a sophisticated residence rather than a strictly defensive fortification. The structure was heavily damaged during the English Civil War in 1643 and 1644, resulting in its current ruined state. It remains under the stewardship of English Heritage. The site features an intact stone spiral staircase leading to the upper chambers. A 18th-century grotto, built as part of the surrounding landscape design, is situated on the estate grounds. It was famously used as a filming location for the 1991 movie 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'.
From the edge of the lake looking back at the main gatehouse reflected in the water.
Bring a torch to explore the darker, lower chambers safely.
Wear sturdy, grippy footwear as the stone surfaces and castle stairs can be slippery.
The grounds are expansive and include a lake, so allow extra time for a perimeter walk.
Do not rely on signal for maps; download the site map or take a photo of the information board before entering.
Opening status varies by season; generally reduced access or shorter days during winter months.
Avoid climbing on the ruin walls or removing any stones.
