the medieval metropolis of Salisbury is unimaginable to go to. Not solely is it steeped in historical past, however the wider area additionally has hundreds of years of historic websites and spots to see. Better of all, even for cosy little metropolis, there’s a heap of the most effective issues to do in Salisbury which might be inside straightforward attain on foot and nice to discover over a weekend.
Through the years, we’ve visited Salisbury quite a lot of instances; and it’s at all times been so beautiful! It’s the sort of metropolis that’s nice for a day journey from London or a part of a wider British street journey.
You see, you may simply accomplice a go to to Salisbury with a visit to close by spots like; Stonehenge and even additional away from historic cities like Bathtub, too.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your time in Salisbury, I wished to share with you my most-loved spots to see within the metropolis.
Have a look, under, at the most effective issues to do in Salisbury. Have a stunning journey!
1.) Salisbury Cathedral
You’ll be able to’t go to Salisbury with out heading to its iconic cathedral!
Identified for holding one of many 4 authentic copies of the Magna Carta, the Salisbury Cathedral, one among England’s hottest cathedrals and one of many metropolis’s oldest buildings, relationship again to 1258. Its structure is classically gothic and has many distinctive and awe-inspiring options that you just actually can’t miss (each inside and outside).
Not solely that, Salisbury Cathedral is residence to the world’s oldest, nonetheless functioning, clock! Constructed again within the 1300s, it stands satisfaction of place on the left hand of the nave whenever you enter and is so cool to see!
Inside, you’ll additionally discover medieval tombstones relationship way back to the thirteenth century, and breathtaking nineteenth and Twentieth-century stained-glass home windows which might be world-renowned.
End up your go to to Salisbury Cathedral by taking a guided tour up the tower which, retaining with the theme, additionally has the nation’s tallest spire!
Additionally, for a stunning view, head to the banks of the River Avon, within the meadows by means of the North Gate, for a tremendous, picture-perfect view of the cathedral itself.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Devon to go to
2.) Salisbury’s historic centre
Journey again in time whereas wandering round Salisbury’s Outdated Metropolis Centre. Soak within the architectural historical past of the realm as you passing by Poultry Cross.
Now, Poultry Cross is a beautiful market cross (a type of royal approval to carry markets) which has stood proudly since medieval instances. Since that second, Salisbury has held an open-air market within the city all the way in which again because the 1300s. To at the present time, you may nonetheless go to the market that occurs on a Tuesday and Thursday at this very spot!
Afterwards, take a stroll by means of fifteenth century Salisbury, passing by buildings of the time together with St. Thomas of Canterbury, a parish church, and the Plume of Feathers Inn the place you may cease for a tipple.
Then, proceed on to seventeenth century’s Joiner’s Corridor, 18th century’s Guildhall, Twentieth century’s Purple Lion Lodge, too.
Oh, and you should definitely spot the Salisbury Clock Tower, too! The entire metropolis is gorgeous to walk round.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in England
3.) Cathedral Shut
Surrounding Salisbury Cathedral, Cathedral Shut was historically the place the members of the Cathedral would stay their day-to-day lives.
You’ll be able to simply take a stroll round Cathedral Shut, following the route outlined by the National Trust and it’s simply excellent on a sunny day.
Take time to ramble previous King’s Home, go to Mompesson House, spot Harnham Gate and preserve your eyes peeled for the beautiful Elizabethan and Georgian Period properties. We cherished it.
Learn extra: Finest street journeys in England
4.) Outdated Sarum
Situated on a hill fortified because the Iron Ages, Old Sarum is Salisbury’s earliest settlement.
To get right here, drive north of Salisbury’s historic centre (for round 1.5 miles) to achieve the traditional ruins. Outdated Sarum is, these days, a well-protected English Heritage web site and the most effective issues to do in Salisbury in case you’re one thing of a historical past buff.
The stays bear the marks of the numerous totally different peoples which have stood there over the centuries, together with the Romans, the Saxons and the Normans!
Discover the historic settlement, giving somewhat additional time for the traditional fort, too.
Learn extra: Finest UK cities to go to exterior of London
5.) Gates of Salisbury
There are 4 authentic metropolis gates to see within the metropolis and it’s the most effective issues to do in Salisbury if you wish to proceed your time exploring this space lengthy historical past.
As you wander across the city, you should definitely spot my favourites – St Anne’s Gate that’s near Salisbury Cathedral Shut and see High Street Gate that dates all the way in which again to the 1200s. Completely beautiful and nonetheless standing proudly within the metropolis.
Learn extra: Finest day journeys from London
6.) The Salisbury Museum
Wiltshire County, the place Salisbury is situated, is completely chocked stuffed with historic artefacts, medieval ruins and historic spots to see! It’s a county steeped in historical past and one that may be simply explored throughout the Salisbury Museum.
Inside, Salisbury Museum dives into this lengthy historical past, unimaginable tradition and delightful artwork of this space of England. Not solely that, it showcases unimaginable shows, like that of the Amesbury Archer, and informative displays, like Wexter Gallery’s archaeological assortment that you just actually can’t miss.
Give your self few hours to completely discover the displays.
Additionally, if it’s museums you’re after, you should definitely cease off at The Wardrobe that homes the Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum. Should you’re into historic army displays, you’ll love this place. If not, possibly give it a miss!
7.) Stonehenge
Stonehenge may be one among England’s most well-known spots to see – and it’s proper on the doorstep of Salisbury!
Perched throughout the grassy land of Salisbury Plains, Stonehenge continues to be as mysterious because it has ever been. Nonetheless, to at the present time, we don’t totally perceive why it was constructed and the thriller is fairly intriguing to me; my thoughts races once I give it some thought!
With hundreds of years of historical past, it’s been found that the stones for Stonehenge have been truly transported from the Preseli Hills in West Wales. We headed there lately and even checked out Pentre Ifan, a neolithic burial web site that dates again 5,000 years and inside earshot of the hills themselves. Anyway, that’s one other story!
As soon as at Stonehenge, you should definitely take your time to wander across the prehistoric buildings have been created and take a look at the Neolithic properties to see what life might have been like again then.
Wish to keep away from the crowds, book your tickets online and go to simply earlier than last- admission. We at all times do that and find yourself with solely a handful of individuals round Stonehenge. It’s so unimaginable and the most effective issues to do in Salisbury in case you’re in search of a day journey away from the town itself.
Oh, and in case you’re visiting in Summer time, be careful for the hayfever! Mine goes loopy right here!!!
8.) Wilton Home
Wilton House, built-in 1653 after a fireplace destroyed the Tudor residence, is a completely beautiful instance of traditional Baroque design fashion and is so distinctive to see.
With wonderful portraits of King Charles and his household hanging on the partitions and ornate ceilings Wilton Home undoubtedly deserves all of the hype – particularly for just a few hours journey from the centre of Salisbury
Oh, and don’t neglect to take a look at each the Single Cubed Room and the Double Dice Room for which Wilton Home is most well-known.
9.) The Haunch of Venison
often known as one of many previous English chophouses (relationship again to the 1300s), the Haunch of Venison is among the oldest institutions within the space for a chunk to eat.
It’s tasty and seasonal menu focuses on some English favourites like; noticed dick and good previous fish and chips!
Not solely that, the Haunch of Venison is alleged to be one among Salisbury’s most haunted spots! There was even a mummified hand discovered within the hearth, too! Apparently, the lone hand belonged to a disgruntled patron from centuries in the past. Apparently, he misplaced it as penance after being caught dishonest at a card recreation!
To work off your lunch, take a stroll down the paths that line the River Avon, through the Queen Elizabeth Gardens.
Learn extra: Finest day journeys from London
10 Finest Day Journeys From London