Things to do in Salisbury
History in the countryside
With its 404-foot (123-meter) spire, Salisbury Cathedral is hard to miss, and it’s the cathedral’s elaborate architecture and exceptionally preserved original copy of the Magna Carta that draws visitors to this Wiltshire city. Although the old cathedral is the city’s biggest draw, there are other things to do in Salisbury, from exploring what remains of the Iron Age hill fort of Old Sarum to downing a pint at the medieval Haunch of Venison pub. And while you’re in the area, pop over to Stonehenge, England’s iconic circle of prehistoric standing stones.
Top 2 attractions in Salisbury
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Museum
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Top activities in Salisbury
All about Salisbury
When to visit
Like elsewhere in the UK, you’ll find the warmest, driest weather in Salisbury if you visit during the summer months, particularly in July and August. That said, there are plenty of festivals worth checking out throughout the year, from the St. Thomas’s Christmas Tree Festival, when the cathedral is filled with decorated Christmas trees, to the Salisbury Cathedral Festival of Flowers in spring, when the cathedral’s interiors are adorned with masses of colorful blooms.
Getting around
Salisbury is easy to explore on foot, and while taxis are available in the city, most key attractions are within easy walking distance of one another. Local bus service is provided by Salisbury Reds, which also offers a hop-on hop-off bus tour that connects the city center to Old Sarum and Stonehenge. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle from one of the providers in town and cycle out to the old henge yourself.
Traveler tips
If you're a fan of the supernatural, or just love the idea of having a pint in a medieval pub, then you must visit the Haunch of Venison. This historic (and, purportedly, haunted) hostelry is full of atmospheric charm, with dark exposed beams and more than its fair share of ghost stories. The food’s not bad either, and while you’ll find a few venison dishes on the menu, they also serve soup, bruschetta, and vegetarian risotto.
People Also Ask
Yes, the Gothic Salisbury Cathedral alone merits a visit to this Wiltshire city, with its impressive architecture and well-preserved copy of the Magna Carta. The Salisbury city center is full of pretty historic buildings, and the city is just a quick jaunt from Stonehenge, one of Britain’s most iconic attractions.
...MoreThe most impressive attraction in Salisbury is the Salisbury Cathedral. This 13th-century structure is celebrated for its elaborate Gothic architecture, massive cloisters, and 404-foot (123-meter) spire. The cathedral is home to the world’s oldest functioning mechanical clock and houses one of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.
...MoreSalisbury is famous for the 13th-century Salisbury Cathedral, among the most important in England. It has one of the only original copies of the Magna Carta still in existence. The city is also a popular jumping-off point for visiting nearby Stonehenge, the iconic stone circle dating back to prehistoric times.
...MoreWith a day in Salisbury, you’ll have time to check out the Salisbury Cathedral and browse the extensive collections of archaeological artifacts at the Salisbury Museum. You also can spend a bit of time wandering the historic city center and pay a visit to the nearby stone circle of Stonehenge.
...MoreThe train journey from London to Salisbury takes just under 90 minutes. Direct trains operated by South Western Railway services depart from London Waterloo. Driving takes closer to two hours, and hiring a car or joining a tour is a good option if you want to visit Stonehenge as well.
...MoreSalisbury Cathedral has been used as a filming location for a number of television and film period dramas, including the 1995 rendition of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. More recent shoots include scenes from BBC’s 2023 Dickensian mini-series Great Expectations.
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Number of Attractions | 2 |
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Number of Tours | 16 |
Number of Reviews | 0 |
Currency | GBP |
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