Ludgershall Castle and Cross
Ludgershall, Wiltshire
The earthworks of a royal hunting lodge on the edge of Salisbury Plain, free and open, with big grassy banks and ditches for your dog to walk.
A royal castle that turned into a holiday home. Ludgershall was probably begun in the late 11th century by a sheriff of Wiltshire, then substantially improved in the 13th century by King John and his son Henry III, who used it as a hunting lodge for the surrounding forest rather than a serious fortress. Three large flint cored walls still stand, jagged against the sky, and the medieval cross in the village centre is part of the site.
While you take in the standing walls, your dog gets the earthworks, which are the appeal: big grassy banks and ditches to walk, level ground between them, and a decent open space right on the edge of the village. Quiet, easy going and completely free.
Free and open during reasonable daylight hours. This site is unstaffed and carries no published dog rules, so keep your dog under close control and on a lead near the standing walls and the steeper bank edges. There are no facilities. This is close to the Salisbury Plain training area, so you may hear military activity from the ranges.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ludgershall Castle and Cross dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Ludgershall Castle and Cross, and the site is a particularly good one for them. The earthworks — big grassy banks, ditches, and open level ground — make for a pleasant, easy walk right on the edge of the village, and entry is completely free.
Are dogs allowed at Ludgershall Castle and Cross year round?
The site is free and open during reasonable daylight hours, with no seasonal restrictions mentioned, so you should be able to visit year round. It's unstaffed, so just use common sense about daylight and conditions when you plan your visit.
What should I know before visiting Ludgershall Castle and Cross with my dog?
There are no published dog rules, but it's sensible to keep your dog under close control and on a lead near the standing walls and the steeper bank edges for everyone's safety. There are no facilities on site, so come prepared. It's also worth knowing that Ludgershall sits close to the Salisbury Plain training area, so don't be alarmed if you hear noise from the military ranges nearby.
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