Top 14 Castles in Wiltshire
Castles in Wiltshire are situated within a county known for its rolling chalk downs, ancient woodlands, and historical significance. The region features a landscape that includes the Salisbury Plain and offers views across the Wiltshire countryside. It is home to some of the South’s significant historic sites, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Best castles in Wiltshire
- The most popular castles is Longleat House, a man_made_monument that is an Elizabethan prodigy house set within 1,000 acres of parkland. It is also home to the first safari park outside Africa.
- Another must-see spot is Old Wardour Castle, a historical site built in the late 14th century. It remains a ruined castle today, set amongst parkland overlooking a lake.
- Visitors also love Old Sarum Ruins, an ancient settlement and royal castle site. Visitors can explore the footprint of Salisbury's first cathedral and the castle ruins.
- Wiltshire is known for its variety of castles, including stately homes, ruined medieval castles, and ancient settlement sites. Visitors can explore Elizabethan prodigy houses, 14th-century ruins, and sites with over 2,000 years of history.
- The castles in Wiltshire are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 180 upvotes and 40 photos shared across 14 highlights.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Longleat House
Highlight • Monument
Construction on the house began in 1568 on the site of a priory which had burnt down. Originally designed for Sir John Thynn, the estate remains in the same family today. The flamboyant artist Alexander Thynn and his son Ceawilin Thynn currently live in the house.
You can visit Longleat from 10am - 5pm daily. It's well worth exploring the safari and other attractions as well. Tickets for adults cost £17.00 online. You can buy them here: longleat.co.uk
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Old Sarum Ruins
Highlight • Settlement
(Text from visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury/things-to-do/old-sarum-p133943 )
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The Moot and Moot House, Downton
Highlight • Historical Site
The earthworks that can be walked around today are from a Norman castle and form part of extensive landscaped gardens. Free to the public, this is a perfect spot for a mosey about and a cracking open of the thermos flask.
Moot House was built in the 1600s and landscaped the castle earthworks. They had an earthen amphitheatre built which saw many plays performed, particularly Shakespeare's.
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Old Sarum Ancient Settlement
Highlight • Settlement
Cit. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Sarum
"Old Sarum is one of the most enthralling and historically important sites in southern England. Uniquely, it combines a royal castle and cathedral within an Iron Age fortification, and for 150 years was a major centre of both secular and ecclesiastical government. Neither castle nor cathedral was occupied for long: in 1226 the cathedral was moved to Salisbury, although the castle remained an administrative centre into the 14th century. Old Sarum lived on, however, as a notorious ‘rotten borough’ which continued to elect members of Parliament until 1832."
Cit. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-sarum/history
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Old Wardour Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
The castle may seem familiar as it inspired the castle in the film, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.
Set amongst lovely parkland and overlooking a lake, it is a great place to visit. Managed by English Heritage, you can visit from 10am - 4pm over the weekend. Entrance costs £5.70 for adults. More information: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-wardour-castle/prices-and-opening-times.
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Clarendon Palace Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
The palace was destroyed during the English Civil War in the 17th century, but its ruins can still be visited today
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The Sham Ruin
Highlight • Historical Site
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Ludgershall Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Castle probably began construction in the late 11th century and was improved in the 13th century by King John and his son Henry III, when it was used as a hunting lodge. Today, the atmospheric ruins comprise three large walls and extensive earthworks. Also worth seeing is the 14th-century cross nearby in the centre of Ludgershall village.
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Great Chalfield Manor
Highlight • Historical Site
Today, the property is owned by the National Trust. It has featured in a number of films and TV series including The Other Boleyn Girl, Tess of the d'Ubervilles and Wolf Hall. Poldark fans will recognise it as Killewarran House. Admission costs £5 and you can visit from 10.30am to 4pm. More information: greatchalfield.co.uk
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View from Oliver’s Castle hill fort
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
These ruins are known as the "Sham Ruin" or "The Folly" and was purposed built to look like a ruined castle to block views of neighboring houses and enhance the landscape. Built around 1797–1798 by architect John Nash, despite its intentionally precarious, ruined appearance—specifically the, large stones balanced at an angle—it is a solid, substantial 60-foot-high wall.
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"Discover the story of the original Salisbury and take the family for an action-packed day out at Old Sarum. Stand in the footprint of Salisbury's first cathedral, conquer the ruins of the royal castle, and discover the awe-inspiring landscape where it all began. One of the South’s most significant historic sites – William the Conqueror once hosted a great gathering at Old Sarum. Soak up the atmosphere as you explore a city lost to time. There’s over 2,000 years of history to discover, as well as unrivalled views across the Wiltshire countryside. (Text from https://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/salisbury/things-to-do/old-sarum-p133943 )
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Check on tour times if you want to look around the house - well worth it. About 45 mins.
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beautiful location by the old castle in the winter
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Great Chalfield is a beautiful medieval manor house surrounded by lush gardens and scenic countryside. Built around 1480 for Thomas Tropenell, a distinguished lawyer and landowner, the moated house is a Grade I listed property. Now owned by the National Trust, it has appeared in various films and TV shows, such as The Other Boleyn Girl, Tess of the d'Ubervilles, and Wolf Hall. Fans of Poldark will recognize it as Killewarran House.
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Definitely worth a visit beautiful ancient castle and amazing history
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We stayed here for the Enve Stone Circle Ride and it was absolutely beautiful!
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The Moot boasts the remains of an 11th-century motte and bailey castle, the earthworks of which can still be explored today. The impressive Moot House was built in the 17th century and was host to an earthen amphitheatre where many plays, particularly Shakespeare's, were performed. It all makes for an interesting detour when running along the Avon Valley Path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles in Wiltshire are particularly family-friendly?
Several castles in Wiltshire offer great experiences for families. Longleat House is famous for its safari park alongside the Elizabethan prodigy house. Old Sarum Ruins allows families to explore the footprint of Salisbury's first cathedral and royal castle ruins, with over 2,000 years of history to discover. Old Wardour Castle, a ruined 14th-century castle set by a lake, also welcomes families.
Are there any free castles to visit in Wiltshire?
Yes, Ludgershall Castle Ruins is managed by English Heritage but offers free entry. You can explore the atmospheric ruins, which include three large walls and extensive earthworks, and see a 14th-century cross nearby in Ludgershall village.
What castles in Wiltshire are best for history enthusiasts?
History buffs will appreciate several sites. Old Sarum Ruins provides a deep dive into over 2,000 years of history, from early settlements to Roman, Saxon, and Norman rule. Old Wardour Castle, a 14th-century ruin with a turbulent past, including its role in the English Civil War, offers a glimpse into medieval life. Clarendon Palace Ruins also holds significant historical interest.
Can I find cafes or places to eat near Wiltshire castles?
Some castle sites offer facilities. Great Chalfield Manor, for example, has a cafe. For other locations, it's often a good idea to check local village amenities or consider bringing your own food, as some visitors to Longleat House recommend bringing your own food and drink if you're just passing through.
What outdoor activities can I do near castles in Wiltshire?
Wiltshire offers a variety of outdoor activities near its castles. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Broadmead & Bybrook loop from Castle Combe' or the 'Fonthill Lake loop from Hinden'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the 'Vale of Wardour loop from Salisbury' and gravel biking options such as 'The Fosseway and Malmesbury Common loop from Sherston'. You can explore more routes on the Hiking in Wiltshire, Road Cycling Routes in Wiltshire, and Gravel biking in Wiltshire guide pages.
Are there any castles in Wiltshire with unique natural features or wildlife?
Longleat House stands out with its 1,000 acres of parkland and being home to the first safari park outside Africa, offering unique wildlife sightings. Old Wardour Castle is set amongst lovely parkland overlooking a lake, providing a picturesque natural setting.
What is the best time to visit castles in Wiltshire?
While specific opening times vary by site, many castles and historical sites in Wiltshire, such as Old Sarum Ruins and Old Wardour Castle, are open during daylight hours, often from 10 am to 4 pm or 5 pm, particularly on weekends. Visiting during spring or summer generally offers more pleasant weather for exploring outdoor ruins and parklands.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' castles in Wiltshire?
While not as widely known as Longleat, sites like The Moot and Moot House, Downton, and The Sham Ruin offer interesting historical insights and architectural features for those looking beyond the most popular attractions. Great Chalfield Manor is also a beautiful, less crowded option.
What kind of views can I expect from Wiltshire castles?
Many castle sites in Wiltshire offer impressive views across the countryside. From Old Sarum Ruins, you can enjoy unrivalled panoramic views across the Wiltshire landscape. Old Wardour Castle provides great views over its surrounding parkland and lake.
Are there any castles in Wiltshire that are privately owned and not open to the public?
Yes, New Wardour Castle, a Grade I-listed country house built in the Palladian style, is now in private ownership and not open to visitors. However, the Wessex Ridgeway trail passes right beside it, allowing you to admire its fine architecture and glorious parkland from a distance.
What do visitors enjoy most about exploring castles in Wiltshire?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and rich history. The opportunity to explore ancient ruins like Old Sarum Ruins and Old Wardour Castle, set within scenic parklands, is a major draw. The unique experience of places like Longleat House with its safari park also receives high praise.
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