Top 4 Castles around Grimstead

Several castles in the area are great for families. Old Sarum Ruins offers an action-packed day exploring the footprint of Salisbury's first cathedral and royal castle. The Moot and Moot House, Downton, provides extensive landscaped gardens around the remains of an 11th-century motte and bailey castle, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Mottisfont House and Gardens, with its stunning gardens and medieval priory, is also a family-friendly National Trust property.

Yes, The Moot and Moot House, Downton, offers free public access to its landscaped gardens and the remains of an 11th-century motte and bailey castle. It's a great spot for a relaxed visit.

Beyond the castles themselves, you can delve into deeper history. Old Sarum Ruins is not just a castle but also the site of Salisbury's earliest settlement, with over 2,000 years of history from Roman conquest to Norman rule. The Moot and Moot House, Downton, is next to the remains of a Roman Villa, highlighting the region's ancient past.

Absolutely. The area offers various hiking opportunities. For example, you can explore the Clarendon Palace Ruins as part of the 'All Saints Church, Farley – Clarendon Palace Ruins loop from Pitton and Farley' hiking route. The 'Avon Valley Path: Downton Loop' also passes near The Moot and Moot House, Downton. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Grimstead guide.

Entry fees and opening times vary by location. Old Sarum Ruins (managed by English Heritage) typically costs £5.40 per adult and is open from 10am - 4pm Friday to Sunday. Mottisfont House and Gardens (National Trust) costs £13 for adults. The Moot and Moot House, Downton, is free to the public. It's always advisable to check the official websites for the most current information before your visit.

Yes, Old Sarum Ruins offers unrivalled views across the Wiltshire countryside from its elevated position. It's an excellent spot to take in the surrounding landscape.

Clarendon Palace Ruins was a medieval palace built by Henry II in the 12th century and was a favourite residence among British monarchs. It was also the site where the Constitutions of Clarendon were issued in 1164.

Yes, you can. The area around Grimstead offers various cycling routes. For instance, you could plan a route that includes Mottisfont House and Gardens, as it's often featured in local cycling guides. Explore options in the Cycling around Grimstead guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Grimstead guide.

The castles and their surrounding areas can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor ruins and gardens, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Even in winter, a crisp walk around sites like Old Sarum Ruins or The Moot and Moot House, Downton can be very rewarding, often with fewer crowds.

The Moot and Moot House, Downton, is a hidden gem located in the tiny village of Downton. It features the remains of an 11th-century motte and bailey castle within extensive landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful and historically rich experience away from the more prominent sites.