Old Wardour Castle in Wiltshire draws visitors as historic film backdrop

Old Wardour Castle, a ruined 14th‑century fortress in Wiltshire, England, is notable for its rare six‑sided layout and a history that spans over six centuries. Originally a residence of the Lovell family, the property later passed to the Arundell family, who added Tudor‑era alterations and a family coat‑of‑arms to the façade. The castle played a role in the English Civil War and later became famous as a filming location for Kevin Costner’s 1991 “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”

Today the site is open to the public, offering visitors a chance to explore the Great Hall, an elevated tower with panoramic countryside views, a Georgian banqueting house, and a Gothic‑styled grotto decorated with reclaimed prehistoric stones. The ruins, combined with landscaped gardens and a lakeside setting, provide a family‑friendly venue that showcases medieval architecture and centuries of English heritage.