Top 3 Castles around Laverstock

Laverstock is close to several historically rich castle sites. Old Sarum Ruins is an impressive earthwork site that was an Iron Age hillfort, Roman settlement, Norman castle, and early cathedral city, offering over 2,000 years of history. Another notable site is Old Wardour Castle, a unique 14th-century hexagonal tower house with Tudor and Georgian additions, set in a picturesque lakeside location. You can find more details about Old Wardour Castle on the English Heritage website.

Yes, several castle sites near Laverstock are great for families. Old Sarum Ruins is described as an action-packed day out where families can explore the royal castle ruins and the footprint of Salisbury's first cathedral. The Moot and Moot House in Downton, with its 11th-century motte and bailey castle earthworks and landscaped gardens, is also considered family-friendly. Old Wardour Castle, with its unique architecture and scenic setting, is often referred to as a 'fairytale castle' and is a fascinating site for exploration with children.

From Old Sarum Ruins, you can enjoy unrivalled panoramic views across Salisbury Plain, Old Sarum itself, and Salisbury Cathedral. The site's elevated position provides a sweeping perspective of the Wiltshire countryside. Old Wardour Castle, while not offering high-vantage views, is set serenely in a lakeside setting, providing picturesque views of its unique architecture reflected in the water.

The area around Laverstock and its castles offers various outdoor activities, particularly hiking and cycling. For hiking, you can explore routes like the 'Castle Hill, Salisbury – Castle Hill Country Park loop from Laverstock' or the 'View of Salisbury Cathedral – Clarendon Palace Ruins loop from Salisbury'. If you prefer cycling, there are options like the 'Old Sarum Ruins – Salisbury Cathedral loop from Old Sarum' for touring bicycles, or gravel biking routes such as 'Old Sarum Ruins – Stonehenge loop from Salisbury'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Family-friendly hikes around Laverstock guide, the Traffic-free bike rides around Laverstock guide, and the Gravel biking around Laverstock guide.

While specific dog-friendly policies for each site can vary, many outdoor castle sites and surrounding trails are generally welcoming to dogs on leads. The extensive earthworks and open spaces at Old Sarum Ruins provide ample space for walks. Similarly, the landscaped gardens and earthworks of The Moot in Downton are perfect for a stroll. Always check the specific site's rules before visiting, especially regarding interior access or sensitive areas.

The best time to visit the castles near Laverstock largely depends on your preferences. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor sites like Old Sarum Ruins and Old Wardour Castle, with longer daylight hours. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours. Always check opening times before you go, especially for English Heritage sites.

The time needed for a visit varies by site. For Old Sarum Ruins, you could easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the extensive earthworks, foundations, and enjoying the views. Old Wardour Castle, with its unique architecture and picturesque grounds, might also take a couple of hours to fully appreciate. The Moot in Downton is a smaller site, perfect for a shorter visit or a leisurely stroll.

Yes, you can find options for refreshments near these historical sites. For Old Sarum Ruins, being close to Salisbury, there are several pubs and cafes within a short drive. Old Wardour Castle has facilities on-site or nearby, and the village of Downton, where The Moot is located, also offers local establishments for food and drink. It's always a good idea to check ahead for opening times.

Old Wardour Castle is unique due to its distinctive hexagonal (six-sided) tower house design, which is rare in England. Built in the 14th century, it was later modernized in Tudor times and features a Georgian banqueting house and a fantasy-Gothic Grotto incorporating prehistoric standing stones. Its unusual architecture, blend of medieval and later additions, and picturesque lakeside setting make it a truly fascinating and unique site to explore. You can learn more about its history on the Visit Wiltshire website.

Absolutely. Many of the castle sites near Laverstock are integrated into or close to walking and hiking routes. For example, you can find routes like the 'Old Sarum – Clarendon Palace Ruins loop from Old Sarum' which combines two historical sites. The earthworks of The Moot are part of extensive landscaped gardens, and Clarendon Palace Ruins can be reached via a lovely walk from Laverstock. These allow you to enjoy both historical exploration and the natural beauty of the Wiltshire countryside.

As an English Heritage property, Old Sarum Ruins typically has an entrance fee. For non-members, the adult on-the-day ticket was £6.60 in 2022. English Heritage members usually get free entry. It's advisable to check the official English Heritage website for the most current pricing and opening hours before your visit.