Old Wardour Castle

Old Wardour Castle is something genuinely unusual—a 14th-century castle built on a hexagonal plan, later converted to a luxurious residence, then partially destroyed during the English Civil War, and now existing as one of England’s most romantic and architecturally distinctive ruins.

The hexagonal design immediately sets Wardour apart from typical medieval castles. Built in 1393, it reflected continental influences, particularly French château architecture. The six-sided plan created unusual internal spaces.

Like Corfe, Wardour suffered during the Civil War. Lady Blanche Arundell defended it before surrendering. Rather than restore the castle after the war, the family built New Wardour Castle nearby, leaving the medieval structure as a landscaped ruin.

The Landscape: Grotto and Gardens: The 18th-century additions are delightful. The lakeside grotto, an artificial cave built as a romantic garden feature—survives in atmospheric condition. The Banqueting House on the hilltop offers views across the lake to the castle ruins.

The grounds invite wandering. Woodland paths circle the lake. The ruins are safe to explore with spiral staircases ascending to upper levels.