An historical city that is surrounded by lush countryside, Salisbury is the home to a wonderful cathedral and the perfect stopping point for visitors to Stonehenge.

 

Highlights

 

• Salisbury Cathedral - The home of the Magna Carta, Salisbury Cathedral is one of the UK’s most iconic medieval buildings. You can take a tour of the tower by climbing the 332 steps to the tallest spire. You can also see the oldest known mechanical clock and stain glass that is incredibly intricate. The Bell Tower tearooms are open for refreshments. Open all year round from 7.15am to 6.15pm for worship, Monday to Saturday and 8.00am to 5.30pm on Sundays.  Open for visitors from 9am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays and 12pm to 4pm on Sundays.

 

• Salisbury Museum - Situated close to the medieval King’s house, this museum features changing collections and exhibitions all year round. Houses the Stonehenge collections and prehistoric artefacts. You can have a spot of lunch or afternoon tea in the King’s House Cafe. Open 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday.  Closed on Sundays. Free/donation entry.

 

• Salisbury Playhouse - One of the UK’s leading theatres with productions running almost all year round. With seating for around 500 people and restaurant and cafe open throughout the day, this is the ideal place to go for a visit. Just one minute walk from the railway station and with plenty of parking nearby. Open from 10am - 8pm on performance nights. Closes at 6pm when there is no performance.

 

• Old Sarum - Situated 2 miles north of the city, Old Sarum is an old Iron Age fort which was used by the Romans, Saxons and Normans and was a huge medieval settlement in its day. You can see the ruins of the buildings including a cathedral and buy gifts and refreshments at the gift shop. Plenty of countryside to explore too. Open 10am to 6pm Monday to Sunday - closes at different times depending on the time of year.

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• Stonehenge - This World Heritage Site features the remains of ceremonial and domestic structures including burial mounds and earthworks, but it is the monument itself that draws most attention. No one knows why it was built but thoughts are that it is a calendar of sorts. Now features a refurbished cafe and shop and reconstructions of housing to explore. You should pre-book if possible as this is a very popular site. Open 9.30am to 5pm, 7pm or 8pm depending on the time of year.

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Description

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Most visitors to Salisbury will be wanting to go to the cathedral or to Stonehenge, but there is so much more to see including a multitude of historical sites and heritage buildings. Lovers of the countryside will marvel at the beauty of the local area, while anyone who loves to shop with enjoy the independent and chain shops that exist in the town centre.

 

The arts centre is the home to the international arts festival while regular exhibitions take place elsewhere in the city.  Parks and green spaces make it a joy to explore and the abundance of restaurants are perfect for families and all visitors.