£50.50 (Non JG member)
Overview
Longford Castle is one of the grandest stately homes in Britain and has been the residence of one family for over 300 years. Originally built in the late 16th century during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I by the Gorges family to an unusual triangular plan. The caste was built with the proceeds of the contents of one of the Duke of Medina-Sidonia’s galleons which sank in the wake of the Spanish Armada. In the 18th century the 2nd Earl of Radnor, employed the architect James Wyatt to transform it into a hexagonal palace; a project which was abandoned. It was left to the 4th Earl of Radnor and Victorian architect Anthony Salvin to complete Longford. It contains enough grand master paintings to make most major galleries sigh in envy. It is a private home that a few years ago, started opening to the public, but only for guided tours on a very limited number of days each year. Please note you cannot take large bags into the Castle but they can be left on the coach. No photography is permitted within the Castle. Please wear comfortable shoes as the tour lasts two hours. You will then have a chance to stroll in the formal gardens. After our tour we will visit Salisbury where you can get lunch and explore. If you are bringing a guest I do need their full name for the Castle security please.