Top 3 Castles around Wilton

The area around Wilton is rich in history. Old Sarum Ruins, the site of Salisbury's original settlement, features the footprint of its first cathedral and a royal castle where William the Conqueror once held a great gathering. Another key site is Clarendon Palace Ruins, a medieval palace built by Henry II, known for being the location where the Constitutions of Clarendon were issued in 1164.

Yes, Old Sarum Ruins is an excellent choice for families. It offers an action-packed day out where you can explore the castle ruins and the site of Salisbury's first cathedral. There are over 2,000 years of history to discover, along with expansive views across the Wiltshire countryside.

Many of the castle sites offer impressive views. From Old Sarum Ruins, you can enjoy unrivalled views across the Wiltshire countryside. Castle Hill, Salisbury, also provides wonderful views of the surrounding area from its historic 11th-century castle ruins.

Yes, Old Sarum is a significant site combining a royal castle and cathedral within an Iron Age fortification. Additionally, Whitsbury Castle is an early Iron Age hill fort, whose banks were reinforced in medieval times and are now mostly tree-covered, offering a nice place for a run or walk.

The area around Wilton offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy and moderate options, such as the 'Wilton to Hare Warren Forest loop' or the 'Coffee Darling Café – Reeves Bakery, Wilton loop'. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails like the 'Grovely Wood & Wylye Valley loop'. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Wilton and MTB Trails around Wilton guides.

Old Sarum Ruins, managed by English Heritage, typically charges around £5.40 - £6.60 per adult (as of 2022) and is generally open from 10 am to 4 pm or 5 pm. English Heritage members usually get free entry. Castle Hill, Salisbury, with its 11th-century castle ruins, is free to explore. For Clarendon Palace Ruins and Whitsbury Castle, access is generally open as they are ruins or hill forts, but specific opening times or fees may not apply in the same way as managed sites.

There are several historical 'Wilton Castles' in the UK and Ireland. The medieval Wilton Castle in Herefordshire, England, is a private residence, but its exterior can be admired from a public footpath along the River Wye. The Wilton Castle in North Yorkshire is now residential apartments. The Wilton Castle in County Wexford, Ireland, has been restored into a luxury hotel. The castles highlighted in this guide are those *around* Wilton, Wiltshire, such as Old Sarum and Clarendon Palace, which are publicly accessible historical sites.

Absolutely. Many of the castle sites are integrated into walking routes. For instance, Clarendon Palace Ruins can be reached via a lovely walk up from Laverstock. Whitsbury Castle, an Iron Age hill fort, has a footpath running around its base, making it a good spot for a run or walk. You can find detailed routes in the Hiking around Wilton guide.

Visiting during spring or autumn often provides pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and enjoying the surrounding countryside views without the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter. However, sites like Old Sarum are open year-round, so checking specific opening hours for your chosen date is always recommended.

Yes, Old Sarum Ruins holds a significant connection to William the Conqueror. He hosted a great gathering there, and the site's history spans over 2,000 years, including periods of Norman rule. Additionally, William the Conqueror mustered troops at Clarendon in 1070, the site where Clarendon Palace was later built.