Wigmore, near Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9UB
Wigmore Castle
Castle
Place photograph
6.6
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.6Once a stronghold of the turbulent Mortimer family, Wigmore Castle was later dismantled to prevent its use during the Civil War. Its ruins are now largely buried beneath earth and fallen masonry, but parts of the fortifications and keep still rise above the mound.
Wigmore earns its place for the way its ruined fortifications emerge from a steep, earth-covered mound above the village. It is a substantial, atmospheric castle visit rather than a quick roadside photo stop, though steep slopes, steps and muddy conditions call for care.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapWigmore, near Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9UB
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore the accessible parts of the castle ruins and look across the countryside from the mound. Allow for the steep village approach, uneven ground and possible mud. Do not enter the keep while it is closed for repairs.
Things to do
Explore the surviving fortifications
Walk around the accessible parts of the castle and notice how sections of the fortifications remain standing above the earth and fallen masonry. Keep out of the closed keep.
Take in the countryside views
English Heritage describes panoramic countryside views from the castle and welcomes visitors to bring a picnic.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours, including the village walk; duration is an estimate.
Quick Escape: the castle mound and ruins
- 01
Park at Wigmore village hall if a space is available; parking is limited.
- 02
Walk through the village and climb the steep approach to the castle.
- 03
Explore the accessible ruins, taking care on steep, uneven or muddy ground.
- 04
Stay out of the keep while it is closed for repairs.
Half day · Half day; exact timings depend on pace and pub availability.
Make a half day of it: castle and Wigmore village
- 01
Allow time for the walk from the village hall and the steep climb to the castle.
- 02
Explore the accessible fortifications and the earth-covered ruins, avoiding the closed keep.
- 03
Return to Wigmore village and consider one of its two pubs, which English Heritage says serve food; check availability before visiting.
Verified history
Wigmore Castle was a stronghold of the Mortimer family. English Heritage says it was later dismantled to prevent its use during the Civil War. The ruins are largely buried up to first-floor level by earth and fallen masonry, while parts of the fortifications, including parts of the keep, survive to full height. The keep is currently closed while its steps are repaired.
Hidden details
A castle partly swallowed by its own ruins — Much of the castle is buried up to first-floor level by earth and fallen masonry. Look for the contrast between those low, overgrown remains and the surviving fortifications above them.
When to go
· Daylight hours; English Heritage gives no more specific recommendation.
The supplied evidence does not identify a preferred season.
The approach and castle can be muddy in wet weather. English Heritage advises stout footwear and notes steep slopes and steps.
Worth pairing with
Stokesay Castle
English Heritage recommends Stokesay Castle as a nearby pairing and describes it as just over 10 miles away. Its source page mentions an audio tour and a tearoom.
Clun Castle
English Heritage also recommends Clun Castle as another example of a castle in the Welsh Marches.
What to look for
Look for the contrast between the buried lower ruins and the surviving sections of fortification rising above them. The keep is currently closed, so do not enter it.
The story
The Mortimer family, the castle’s dismantling during the Civil War, and surviving medieval fortifications.
Best time to go
No season is identified as best by the supplied evidence. Check current access before travelling.
The supplied evidence gives no seasonal recommendation. Visit during daylight hours and check the English Heritage page before setting out for current conditions, especially the keep closure.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Friday: 9:30am-4pm
- Monday: 9:30am-4pm
- Sunday: 9:30am-4pm
- Tuesday: 9:30am-4pm
- Saturday: 9:30am-4pm
- Thursday: 9:30am-4pm
- Wednesday: 9:30am-4pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage says the castle is open at any reasonable time during daylight hours and free to enter. The keep is currently closed for repairs; the rest of the castle remains accessible. The approach includes a steep incline from the village.
Parking
Limited free parking is available at Wigmore village hall, postcode HR6 9UW. English Heritage says the castle is about a 15-minute walk away through the village and up a steep incline; the parking is not suitable for coaches.
Toilets
Toilets are available year-round at the village hall; a disabled toilet has ramp access from the village hall car park.
Food & drink
Two pubs in Wigmore village serve food. Check before visiting for current availability.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting; the supplied evidence does not state the dog policy.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The castle has very steep slopes and steps and may be muddy in wet weather. The keep is currently closed for repairs. A disabled toilet with ramp access is available at the village hall, but the supplied source does not establish that the castle itself is wheelchair accessible.
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Wigmore Castle
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
