Old Wardour Castle Reviews Summary

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "Staff is very knowledgeable and helpful."
• "Our wedding was perfect, largely due to the hardworking and attentive staff at Old Wardour Castle."
• "Staff welcomed us with a smile and gave us a brief but in-depth history lesson of Old Wardour Castle."
• "The Assistant at entry point was phenomenally knowledgeable."
• "Small entrance shop with helpful and friendly staff."
• "The staff for our visit were fabulous, really friendly and helpful and that make a huge difference."
• "Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable."

Cons:

• "Rubbish a piece of crap full of Tourists i would not reccomend going there kids aren't even allowed to go on there own. Also it costs loads of money to go in. And everything in there is a rip off. And unfriendly staff. Do not go."
• "Disappointed the staff couldn't even greet us at the gates to tell us - he hid in the ticket booth even though he saw us roll up in our car."

Location and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Beautiful location really well maintained by English Heritage."
• "Access for wheelchairs/mobility scooters is good with the disabled toilet attached to the ticket/shop at the entrance."
• "The Castle looks quite magnificent set in beautiful surroundings with a large imposing Lake and Woodlands."
• "The castle is situated on a stunning location on a small hill above a lake."
• "A stunning woodland surrounds this castle."
• "The Castle is nestled quite out of the way, a few single track windy roads to negotiate, but once you get there you'll appreciate the drive."
• "Old Wardour Castle is Dorset's hidden gem which is set in lovely surroundings and is so peaceful."

Cons:

• "The Castle itself was lovely to see, and the outside views were really lovely. But however, getting to the castle itself was a nightmare."
• "The narrow lanes to the Castle are a bit of a nightmare if a car comes from the other direction."
• "The roads to get there are extremely narrow, drive slow, and take care."
• "Accessibility is somewhat limited, with narrow winding country lanes making the site difficult to get to."
• "The road leading to the castle accommodates one car at a time."
• "Getting to the castle can be troublesome if you have a big car."
• "Really tricky to get to, down some very narrow lanes but it’s worth the trip."

Facilities and Amenities

Pros:

• "There is a small coffee shop on site, and it is a lovely setting surrounded by woodland and a large lake."
• "Great gardens, views and walks. The grotto is lovely."
• "Able to explore ruins and some of it intact."
• "Good places to sit, watch the world go by, or picnic."
• "Once there, there's plenty of space for parking."
• "Free car park."
• "There is a good amount of space on the exterior of the castle to sit and enjoy a picnic or just some quiet time."

Cons:

• "However, there were no bins on site at all."
• "Shame we couldn't walk round the lake but this is now owned by a fishing club and off limits."
• "Many of the information boards were illegible due to age and vandalism."
• "It's a real shame they've closed off access to the tower room to enforce social distancing."
• "The 'grass ramp' that needs some TLC at the back of the castle and is the 'Exit for the one way system."
• "The catering facilities are limited."
• "No cafe but toilets."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Entry is just over a fiver, well worth it."
• "Highly recommend, and will definitely be back again."
• "Fully recommend visiting here."
• "Reasonable entrance fee, book before 9am on day of visit online for discount prices."
• "English Heritage members get in free of course, plus get a small discount in the shop."
• "It was about £5 per person to get in & the staff was exceptional & so kind."
• "There's a small fee for entry for non members."

Cons:

• "If I wasn't a member I wouldn't say it was worth the price of a family ticket."
• "A little expensive for what's there though."
• "Just to add it's very expensive to get in for what's there, if you're not a member of the English heritage."
• "It is very remote and there's no restaurant on site so a picnic is needed."
• "Overpriced for two drinks and two calipos - over £7."
• "Quite expensive, unless you're an English Heritage member."
• "Nice old castle and grotto, a little expensive for what's there though."

Experience and Atmosphere

Pros:

• "Lovely castle ruin."
• "Great place, for small kids it's brilliant. As it's a ruin they can run around, explore, go up stairs, downstairs, make a bit of noise and not have you worrying they're destroying the place."
• "Quiet relaxing place, the audio tour of the castle is fascinating, lovely views."
• "The castle and the park are picturesque indeed, great place for a family picnic and adventure."
• "An English Heritage site with curvy single lane roads leading to it, a ruined castle with some disabled access, quiet with no sounds of modern daily life."
• "A very picturesque fortified house now in ruins the keep and lawns were used in the Making of Robin Hood Prince of thieves."
• "A great little castle to explore."

Cons:

• "I won't recommend this place for disabled people, only because, to benefit to see the whole castle you would need to go up very steep stairs."
• "With the castle and the stairs this is not a site for wheelchair users or people who struggle with their legs."
• "It's ok nothing special bit boring for children after about an hour kids will definitely get bored."
• "The space is quite small so don't expect to spend more than an hour before seeing the whole ground, though the castle offers more than an hour of exploration on all floors."
• "Unfortunately only the ground and first floor are open at the moment (Sep-20)."
• "The audioguide is excessive in length and detail."
• "It's ok nothing special bit boring for children after about an hour kids will definitely get bored."