by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:19th November 2024
A historic mini break in southern England
The historic city of Salisbury is located in the lush county of Wiltshire in the southwest of England, near Salisbury Plain. Salisbury is a perfect place for a relaxing, cultural mini-break; meander around its attractive lanes and discover its captivating charm.
Salisbury is a delightful city to visit throughout the year. It is a pleasure to explore, especially around Cathedral Close and Choristers Square. It really feels like you’ve stepped into an English period drama with quaint stone cottages and overflowing country gardens.
We combined visiting Salisbury with a stay at the picturesque city of Wells, just around 45 miles (74km) away. If you’re exploring the southwest of the UK, you may also want to consider heading to the Roman city of Bath or soak up the atmosphere around the vibrant streets of Bristol.
Why not Pin it for later?
The Cathedral city of Salisbury is easily navigated on foot, with many of its popular sights and landmarks just a short stroll from Market Place.
So, let’s skedaddle and explore the ancient streets of Salisbury.
Where is Salisbury?
How to get to Salisbury
- By Car
The main motorway routes into Salisbury are the A30, A36, and the A354.
- By Coach
You can travel to Salisbury via National Express coaches, which offers a direct service from London and other UK locations.
- By Train
Salisbury is serviced by two mainline rail routes. South Western Railway runs direct services from London and the southwest of the UK. Great Western Railway covers Cardiff, Bath and the south coast.
- By air
The closest airports to Salisbury are London Heathrow, Bristol and London Gatwick. It is easy to hire a car from these airports from Rental Cars.
A historic mini break in southern England
From Old Sarum to SpitfiresSalisbury’s ancient relative, Old Sarum, is located 2 miles north of present-day Salisbury and was once an early hilltop settlement occupied by the Romans, Saxons and then the Normans. The Normans built Old Sarum Cathedral, which only the foundations can be seen today.
Old Sarum plate
Following disputes between the local Sheriff and the Bishop, a new cathedral was constructed in the early 13th century using stones from the buildings of Old Sarum. The cathedral was erected in just 38 years and still stands today.
The west front of Salisbury Cathedral
The population extended around the new cathedral and was then named New Sarum, New Saresbyri and eventually Salisbury. New Sarum's importance grew and was made a city by a charter from King Henry III in 1227. Salisbury continues to hold a Charter Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays within Market Place.
High Street Gate
St Ann’s Gate
The city wall surrounding the cathedral and Close was built in the 14th century, again using stones from the former cathedral at Old Sarum. There are four city gates which can be seen today; the historic gates are named the High Street Gate, St Ann's Gate, Harnham Gate and the Bishop's Gate.
The Maltings Bridge crossing the River Avon
Did you know that secret Spitfire factories and workshops were set up in Salisbury during WWII? The factories were predominantly staffed by young women with no previous mechanical experience. A total of 2,000 Spitfires were produced, and the whole process was carried out secretly. This became public knowledge in recent years. Look out for the Secret Spitfire Memorial
Secret Spitfire Memorial
Just eight miles north of Salisbury, on Salisbury Plain, is the world-famous prehistoric megalithic structure of Stonehenge. This astonishing landmark was constructed in multiple phases, beginning around 3700 BC and continuing until about 1600 BC. Stonehenge was granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and is managed by the English Heritage.
Exploring the city of Salisbury
Discover centuries of historySalisbury is perfect for a laid-back city break, it is full of fascinating history, charming shops and restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Salisbury is an easy city to explore on foot. I suggest you stroll towards Market Place and Guildhall Square to discover its historic streets. As I mentioned, Salisbury has been holding regular markets in Market Place since 1227, and they continue to be held on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
Guildhall
Within this delightful square is Salisbury Guildhall, built in 1795 and has a large portico façade and doric columns. It was erected on the site of the original Bishops’ Guildhall, which was built around 1314 but was demolished due to dilapidation.
Market Place
During the 15th century Market Place must have been a hub of activity on market days. Once, there were four crosses in and around Market Place, all selling different produce and stock, each cross denoting what they sold.
Today, only the Poultry Cross remains, with its flying buttresses added in the 19th century. There was once a cheese and milk cross, a market selling yarns and wool, and Barnard’s Cross selling livestock.
Poultry Cross
It’s lovely strolling the streets around here, particularly along Butcher Row and Fish Row. The architecture is so unique, eye-catching and has some beautiful examples of half-timbered buildings and historic inns.
Crane Bridge across the River Avon
The River Avon runs alongside Salisbury's old town; take a pleasant riverside walk along The Maltings towards the attractive Crane Bridge. The 15th century Crane Bridge is a Grade I listed building and spans the river with four stone arches.
Where to stay in Salisbury
Mercure Salisbury White Hart Hotel
Hotel DescriptionThis welcoming city centre hotel is located in a grand Georgian building and just a few minutes’ walk to Salisbury Cathedral.
Private onsite parking is available at a reasonable daily charge.
Best Western Red Lion Hotel
This 13th-century inn is full of charm and character with oak beams and heart-warming log fires. It’s located around 500m from Salisbury Cathedral.
Private onsite parking is available at a daily charge, they also have EV charging facilities.
Visiting Salisbury Cathedral
Viewing the ancient Magna CartaAhh, the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral is a sight to behold. It stands so majestic within the perfectly manicured Cathedral Close. It’s hard to believe that this beautiful cathedral was erected in just 38 years from 1220 to 1258.
Salisbury Cathedral at dusk
The tranquil cloisters were added in 1240, the chapter house followed in 1263, and the lofty tower and spire were erected by 1330. The spire stands at 404 feet (123 metres) and is the tallest church spire in England.
If your timing is perfect, you may spot some peregrine falcons flying high above the cathedral. The birds first began nesting on the tower in 1864. After a period of absence, the falcons were reintroduced in 2014 and have continued to hatch young fledglings.
Salisbury Cathedral tower
Salisbury Cathedral has required constant maintenance through the centuries. In recent years, the cathedral needed extensive renovation; scaffolding was erected in 1985 and remained for 37 years until 2023.
The medieval west front façade is stunning and contains 73 intricate statues. As you step into the spectacular high but slender nave, it appears to unfurl before you.
Salisbury Cathedral Nave
The world’s oldest clock
While strolling around the cathedral, keep an eye out for the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, which was built in 1386. The ancient clock was originally housed in the Bell Tower and doesn’t have a clock face, the mechanism is driven by falling weights and would strike every hour.
The Choir
This way to the Magna Carta
One of the most stunning parts of Salisbury Cathedral for me was the Choir; it was incredible and looked so majestic. However, I would say another of the principal draws to the cathedral is to catch a glimpse of the Magna Carta, the ‘Great Charter’ housed in the Chapter House.
The Magna Carta was written on 15th June 1215, and Salisbury Cathedral holds one of only four original surviving documents.
Book your annual ticket and time slot in advance to gain a discount; the ticket includes entry into the Cathedral and Chapter House with the Magna Carta.
Salisbury Tourist Information
If you’re tempted to visit Salisbury and Wiltshire, the local tourist office provides some extremely useful information and handy pointers for around the city. The tourist information office can be found in The Guildhall along Fish Row.
Exploring Cathedral Close
Salisbury’s Choristers SquareOne of the areas of Salisbury that I loved strolling around was Cathedral Close; it was so pretty, especially all-around Choristers Square.
Cathedral Close in Salisbury is the largest 'Close' in the UK and is surrounded by some magnificent houses, many of which are listed buildings, and a few are now museums.
Choristers Square
We visited a couple of the museums around the Close; the first was Arundells, the former home of Sir Edward Heath, who served as the British Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974 and was a member of parliament for 51 years. He was also a very keen yachtsman, art collector, and a musician.
The house is lovingly maintained, and many of the rooms are adorned with memorabilia from Ted Heath's travels and tours around the world. The artwork he collected throughout his life is impressive; he even has a painting by Sir Winston Churchill.
And it isn't just the house that is beautifully kept. The tranquil gardens are delightful to amble around, too.
Arundells
Bust of Sir Edward Heath
The second museum we visited in The Close was Mompesson House, which is managed by the National Trust. Mompesson House is a charming 18th century townhouse that overlooks the peaceful green in Choristers Square.
Mompesson House was built in 1701 and is a lovely example of a Queen Anne house. Many families have left their stylish mark within this attractive home, and the house was even used in the film Sense and Sensibility.
Ensure you take a stroll around the herbaceous walled garden.
Mompesson House
There are two other museums in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close, the first of which is the Salisbury Museum located in The King’s House. The second is The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum housed within The Wardrobe.
Map, guides and more
The Wiltshire countryside in southwest England is perfect for hikes, discover stone circles and the Westbury White Horse. To explore 28 delightful circular walks in this region, you’ll want the Ordnance Survey Wiltshire Pathfinder guidebook no. 77.
Alternatively, why not purchase and download the OS Maps App, which covers all of Great Britain.
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