Highlight • Historical Site
Hiking
5.0
(21)
New Wardour Castle is a magnificent Grade I listed English country house located near Tisbury in Wiltshire, England. Situated at an elevation of approximately 134 metres within the picturesque Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this Palladian masterpiece was built for the Arundell family between 1769 and 1776. Designed by architect James Paine, with later additions by Giacomo Quarenghi, it stands as a significant historical landmark in the region, replacing the nearby Old Wardour Castle…
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape
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May 7, 2020
Hiking
October 6, 2020
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Nearby routes
Best routes near New Wardour Castle
4.8
(12)
95
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(9)
76
hikers
5.62km
01:34
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
14
hikers
22.4km
06:15
430m
430m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Elevation 130 m
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No, New Wardour Castle is a privately owned residence and is not open to the public for tours. However, its impressive exterior and the surrounding parkland can be admired from public footpaths, including the Wessex Ridgeway trail which passes right beside the estate.
While you cannot enter the castle, there are numerous walking trails and hiking routes in the surrounding area. The Wessex Ridgeway trail offers excellent views of the castle and its parkland. Many hikers enjoy circular walks that connect New Wardour Castle with the nearby Old Wardour Castle, providing a varied historical and natural experience.
The terrain around New Wardour Castle is generally gentle, making for easy walking routes suitable for most abilities. The area is part of the picturesque Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering pleasant strolls through parkland and countryside.
While New Wardour Castle itself is private, the surrounding parkland and connecting walks are very family-friendly for outdoor exploration. Many families combine their visit with Old Wardour Castle, which is managed by English Heritage and offers more interactive historical experiences and family-oriented activities.
Yes, many of the public footpaths and walking routes around New Wardour Castle are dog-friendly, allowing pets to join in the exploration of the estate's periphery and the wider Wiltshire countryside. Please ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock.
Parking is generally available in the nearby village of Tisbury or at the car park for Old Wardour Castle. From these locations, you can embark on walks towards New Wardour Castle and its surrounding parkland.
New Wardour Castle was built for the Arundell family between 1769 and 1776 to replace the nearby Old Wardour Castle, which had been damaged during the Civil War. Old Wardour Castle was intentionally left as a picturesque ruin within the new estate's parkland and is now managed by English Heritage, offering a fascinating contrast between the two historical sites.
The village of Tisbury, located a short distance from New Wardour Castle, offers various amenities including pubs, cafes, and accommodation options. These provide convenient places for refreshments or an overnight stay after exploring the castles and surrounding area.
The Wessex Ridgeway trail, which passes directly beside the estate, offers excellent opportunities to admire the Palladian architecture and the glorious parkland of New Wardour Castle. Various points along the circular walks connecting to Old Wardour Castle also provide picturesque views of the house from different angles.
The estate and surrounding countryside are rich in wildlife. Spring and early summer are ideal for birdwatching and seeing new growth, while autumn offers a chance to observe migratory birds and other animals preparing for winter, amidst vibrant foliage.
The nearest train station is Tisbury, which is on the London Waterloo to Exeter St David's line. From Tisbury, it is possible to walk or take a local taxi to the area around New Wardour Castle and Old Wardour Castle. However, public transport options directly to the castle gates are limited, so planning your journey in advance is recommended.
There are no entry fees or permits required to view New Wardour Castle from the public footpaths, as it is a private residence. However, if you plan to visit Old Wardour Castle, which is nearby and open to the public, there will be an admission fee.