AttractionEnglish Heritage

Old Wardour Castle

Salisbury, Wiltshire

A unique six sided tower house beside a lake, with landscaped grounds, woodland walks and a Gothic grotto, and English Heritage simply say dogs are allowed.

There is no other castle in England shaped like this one. Old Wardour was built in the late 14th century as a showpiece six sided tower house, a design unique in the country, and the Arundell family modernised it in Tudor times. The Civil War wrecked it twice, including a famous defence by Lady Blanche Arundell with a tiny garrison. Rather than rebuild, the family turned the ruin into the centrepiece of a Georgian landscape park.

Whilst you take in the tower, the Georgian banqueting house and the fantasy Gothic grotto built partly from reclaimed prehistoric standing stones, your dog gets that landscape: lakeside paths, mature parkland trees and woodland walks around the ruin, with plenty of room to spread out.

English Heritage's published policy here is simply that dogs are allowed on the property. There are 20 free parking spaces plus overflow for a further 50 cars. There is a café, shop, toilets, gardens and picnic seating. The grotto has uneven steps and the lake edge is unfenced in places.

At a Glance

Dog Access: On-lead in the grounds; Dogs are allowed on this property
Site Type: Castle & Fort
Entry: £9.35 adult; £4.67 child · £23.37 family
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Café / restaurant, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
Telephone: 01747 870487
Parking: There are 20 free parking spaces at Old Wardour Castle, plus an overflow car parking option for a further 50 cars.

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

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 Old Wardour Castle dog friendly?
Yes, English Heritage's published policy at Old Wardour Castle is simply that dogs are allowed on the property, which is a refreshingly straightforward welcome. Your dog will have plenty to enjoy too — lakeside paths, mature parkland trees and woodland walks around the ruin make for a lovely outing together.
Are dogs allowed at Old Wardour Castle year round?
The available information confirms that dogs are allowed at Old Wardour Castle, but doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions on that policy. It's always worth checking directly with English Heritage before your visit, particularly for off-peak periods, just to be sure.
What should I know before visiting Old Wardour Castle with my dog?
A couple of things are worth keeping in mind: the Gothic grotto has uneven steps, so it may be tricky to navigate with a dog in tow, and the lake edge is unfenced in places, so it's good to be aware if your dog is prone to taking a dip uninvited. On the practical side, there's free parking for up to 20 cars with overflow for a further 50, plus a café, toilets and picnic seating on site.