One of the many joys of EXEAT Manor are the abundant, lore filled walks we spend our weekends on here in the magical rural county of Wiltshire. We know you’ll love them too & every month we’ll be sharing a favourite ramble. So fill up your flask (ours is a tea but others have been known to favour something a little stronger), grab your wellies & fire up the Landrover… we’re going on a stomp!

Set like a dream in an ancient Wiltshire valley, we like to think of Old Wardour Castle as more romantic survivor than ruined fortress. A meandering walk from the house, through the fields to the castle is a beloved means to while away a few hours on a Sunday morning...

Built in the late 1300s by the fabulously well-connected Lovell family, this was a castle designed to impress. Abundant symmetry, views and comfort were the order of the day - it was and always has been a bit glamorous.

But the real star of the castle’s story is a lady by the name of Blanche Arundell. During the English Civil War, while her husband was away fighting for the King, Blanche was left in charge of the castle. When Parliamentarian forces surrounded the walls and demanded she surrender, Blanche had other ideas. For six days she held her ground, defending Wardour with a small household and unshakeable nerve. Eventually the castle fell, but Blanche’s stand became local legend. An EXEAT gal for sure.

The castle was later blown up to stop it being reused (this is a bonkers story for another day…), which is why it now sits in dramatic, circular ruins that feel cinematic from every angle.

Speaking of cinema, Old Wardour Castle has had its moment on the silver screen too, appearing in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where its weathered walls played medieval backdrop to swashbuckling heroics not to mention Yellowstone’s very own John Dutton.

So if you find yourself in the area you really must swing by 🏰

📍Old Wardour Castle, Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6RR
🥾There are many epic, free public footpaths surrounding the castle & that’s what we’ve featured in this post. Plan your route with @ordnancesurvey app which is a team EXEAT obsession. Entry to the castle itself is managed @englishheritage - tickets & hours on their website.