Longford Castle

*********    Fully Booked **************

Longford Castle, one of the grandest stately homes in Britain, has been the residence of three families in just over four centuries; the Gorges, the Coleraines, and for over three hundred years, the Bouveries, who continue to live there today. The Castle has an association with the National Gallery who are delighted to support the Longford Estate in measures taken to preserve major works of art in the settings created for them.

We are permitted to arrive from 10:15 am when the main Longford Estate gates at Bodenham will be open. Our will tour will begin at 10.30 am with a duration of approximately 2 hours and weather permitting, there will be the opportunity for a brief stroll in the formal gardens. The visit concludes at 12.45 PM.

Longford is home to many world-class works of art. The majority of works were collected by the family in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, but the collection continues to grow and evolve. As well as paintings by Old Masters including Anthony van Dyck, Claude, David Teniers, Frans Hals, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough, we will also see contemporary art and sculpture. Alongside magnificent paintings, we will see stunning examples of Oriental porcelain, Brussels tapestries and 18^th centuary English and continental furniture on display. Longford sits on the banks of the River Avon, south of Salisbury, Wiltshire. The river runs through the estate, providing a spectacular backdrop to the gardens.

There is provision for a ramp at the front door of the Castle for anyone with access requirements and this gives directly onto the ground floor. The upper floor is currently not accessible for wheelchairs. Please do contact me prior to your tour if there are mobility concerns or specific access requirements so that we can work to accommodate your needs.

There are no refreshments available at the Castle however The Radnor Arms in Nunton,is 5 minutes’ drive from Longford and provides a pleasant and convenient stopping place.  Please let Barbara (events secretary) know if you would like to book some tea or coffee after the tour.

Website : www.longfordestates.co.uk

Booking To book for any of these events or have any questions, please either book on our website or email events@hampshirearchivestrust.co.uk or write by post to Maskee, Stoney Lane, Medstead, GU34 5EL. Please state your method of payment when booking. Cost £16

Access : There is provision for a ramp at the front door of the Castle for anyone with access requirements and this gives directly onto the ground floor. The upper floor is currently not accessible for wheelchairs. Please do contact me prior to your tour if there are mobility concerns or specific access requirements so that we can work to accommodate your needs.

Address : Longford Castle, Longford Park, Bodenham, Nr Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Travel :  Please note, for satnav users, the Bodenham gate post code is SP5 4EN. Any other postcode will direct you to a different entrance which remains closed. Please arrive via the main Bodenham gate and make your way up the long driveway to the Castle, parking on the gravel forecourt immediately in front of the main door. Please ignore ‘Private’ signs and those directing estate traffic to the left.

• From Salisbury – Follow the A338 Ringwood/Bournemouth road out of the City. Pass through the Britford speed limit signs and take the next turning left to Bodenham (also signposted New Hall Hospital). Take the first left and turn immediately left, the iron railing gates will be open. Follow the road around to the right and with the Castle in front of you, drive straight up the gravel drive and park in front of the main door.
• From Bournemouth/Ringwood/Fordingbridge – Follow the A338 through Fordingbridge, Breamore and Downton and when the road starts to widen in to a dual carriageway turn right, signposted to Bodenham (also signposted New Hall Hospital). Take the next right turn after New Hall you will see the iron railing gates to Longford Estate which will be open. Follow the road around to the right and with the Castle is in front of you, drive straight up to the gravel drive and park in front of the main door.

Refreshments : There are no refreshments available at the Castle however The Radnor Arms in Nunton,is 5 minutes’ drive from Longford and provides a pleasant and convenient stopping place.  Please let Barbara (events secretary) know if you would like to book some tea or coffee after the tour.

Bookings