Salisbury is an attractive and historic city with a mix of architectural styles, including medieval half-timbered buildings in the city centre. Enter the large and well-preserved Cathedral Close through the High Street Gate to visit the magnificent Cathedral and other attractions. There are picturesque views of the Cathedral across watermeadows along the Town Path. Salisbury PlusBus tickets are valid on local buses to Wilton House and Old Sarum but NOT to Stonehenge.
TI tel. 01722 342860.
Salisbury is a good base for exploring the area by public transport. There is much of interest in the city itself and the Stonehenge Tour bus departs from outside Salisbury station. Salisbury has direct trains to the historic city of Bath as well as Southampton and Portsmouth. The market town of Romsey is nearby and Mottisfont (house and rose garden) is a short walk from Mottisfont & Dunbridge station.
View of Salisbury Cathedral
across the watermeadows
Salisbury Cathedral was built in the 13th century to replace the Norman cathedral at Old Sarum (see below),
with few later additions it is one of England's most attractive cathedrals. It has the tallest spire in England and Tower Tours can be booked
to climb to the base of the spire for great views of the surrounding countryside.
The Cathedral's Chapter House contains the best preserved of the four surviving copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.
Refectory Restaurant. Admission free but please make a voluntary donation (the website suggests an amount).
Open M-S 0900-1700, Sun 1200-1600. Check website for occasional closures, especially at Easter and Christmas.
www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
The Museum is in the medieval King's House and covers the history of Salisbury from Old Sarum to the present day.
Collections include archaeology, ceramics, costumes and works by the artist Rex Whistler. Café.
Open Daily 1000-1700.
www.salisburymuseum.org.uk
A Queen Anne townhouse with magnificent plasterwork, an oak staircase and fine period furniture.
Items displayed include a collection of 18th century drinking glasses. Garden. Tearoom.
Open Mar-Oct, MTFSSu 1100-1600.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The former home of Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath with his personal collections of
art, ceramics, political cartoons and sailing memorabilia. Riverside garden.
Open MFSSu 1100-1700, plus guided tours on Tue.
www.arundells.org
The Rifles Regimental Museum covering the history of the Infantry Regiments of Berkshire and Wiltshire.
Open Feb-Nov, M-S 1000-1700.
www.thewardrobe.org.uk
Wilton House has been home to the Earls of Pembroke since 1544. The 17th century interiors include
an important art collection with works by van Dyck, Brueghel and Rembrandt. Landscaped parkland and formal gardens.
Events programme. Café.
Open Easter and May-Aug, MTWThSu 1100-1700 but check website for occasional closures.
www.wiltonhouse.co.uk
Bus Park & Ride 3, Red 3 and Red 8 from near station (and city centre) to entrance,
10-15 minutes journey, M-S every 15 minutes, Sun hourly.
Salisbury PlusBus tickets are valid for this journey.
Operated by Salisbury Reds.
The iconic stone circle of Stonehenge and its surrounding prehistoric monuments are a World Heritage Site.
The Visitor Centre explains what is known about the stone circle and how the landscape changed through prehistory. Showcases cotain
archaeological treasures excavated from Stonehenge and nearby sites, including tools used by the monument's builders.
Reconstructed Neolithic houses. The stone circle is 1¼ miles walk from the Visitor Centre and an optional shuttle bus operates
to and from the circle. Café.
Admission is normally by timed ticket but visitors buying combined Stonehenge Tour
bus and entry tickets get immediate entry (a useful advantage on busy days). I recommend allowing at least 2 hours for your visit.
Open Daily 0930-1700 (1900 Apr-Sep).
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus Stonehenge Tour from station and city centre to Stonehenge Visitor Centre, about 30 minutes journey.
Daily, hourly (½-hourly Jun-Aug). Return buses pass Old Sarum (see below). Bus tickets (including entry) can be purchased on the bus or
in advance from the website: Stonehenge Tour.
Salisbury PlusBus tickets are NOT valid to Stonehenge.
The large Iron Age Hill fort of Old Sarum was re-used by the Romans, Saxons and Normans, becoming an important
medieval settlement before the town moved downhill and became Salisbury. Remains of the prehistoric fortress, Norman palace, castle
and cathedral can be seen.
Open Daily 1000-1700 (1600 Nov-Mar).
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus X4/X5/active8 from Blue Boar Row (¾ mile from station) to near entrance,
about 6 minutes journey (ask driver and watch for hill fort ahead on left). M-S every 10-20 minutes, Sun & BH every 30 minutes.
Salisbury PlusBus tickets are valid for this journey.
Operated by Salisbury Reds.
The Stonehenge Tour bus (see above) passes Old Sarum on its return journey.