Salisbury

Salisbury is probably most recognisable for being the home of Stonehenge but there is much more to this ancient town than merely the mysterious standing stones. Oh and the druids of course. You can’t forget the druids as this is a site that holds a huge amount of significance to them. The streets in the heart of the town are medieval and still retain the wonderful narrow and winding character that makes them so distinctive, and the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral is one of the earliest examples of gothic architecture in the country. The cathedral is also famous in its own right for having the tallest spire of any other ecclesiastical building in the whole of Great Britain, as well as being home to an original version of the Magna Carta. There is a lot here to discover if you know where to look. In the cathedral close you will find the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum which will tell you much more about this ancient town.

Things to Do

The Stonehenge Gallery has won numerous awards and is home to many of Turner’s watercolours as well as the ‘Amesbury Archer’. Pay a visit to the Rifles Museum of the Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment and learn about the military history of the place. No trip to the area would be complete without a visit to the famous stone circle at Stonehenge. The henge is a designated World Heritage Site and remains shrouded in centuries of mystery and supposition.

Though Salisbury is a city it is very rural in appearance and you can walk to the water meadows which are only a short distance from the city centre. There are also plenty of walks along the riverside for you to enjoy, giving you the opportunity to stop at one of the many watering holes along the way for refreshments. There is much more to Salisbury than its history and heritage though you could try your hand at skydiving to get a bird’s eye view of the city and the surrounding area. Or you could opt for a more sedate round of golf at one of the local courses.

Out and About

Head out and about and discover some of the local area such as Mompesson House. This wonderful property is now owned and operated by the National Trust and is located within the Cathedral Close. The stones at Stonehenge are only eight miles out of town and the South Coast is also within easy reach. London is two hours away by car which makes it a great destination for a day trip. Or hop aboard the Stonehenge Tour Bus which will take you on a guided tour of the area. There are a number of walking tours in and around the city too, or if you are looking for a more personal tour experience there are also a number of companies that offer personal guided tours where you learn about the history and heritage of the city as well as a wealth of local knowledge and information.