14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Salisbury

Written by Bryan Dearsley
Updated Dec 25, 2023
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Historically a center of the cloth industry, Salisbury - the county town of Wiltshire - lies at the point where the Rivers Nadder and Bourne flow into the River Avon. The city is most famous for its beautiful cathedral, a masterpiece of the early Gothic style that dates to 1220, when the building's foundation stone was laid.

The old city center is also worth taking time to explore and is the location of many important tourist attractions. Notable for its checkerboard layout, with lovely enclosed gardens squeezed between the houses, Salisbury was to become a model for medieval town planning.

On receiving royal market privileges, a bridge was built across the Avon in 1244, thereby creating perfect conditions for Salisbury to become a major trading center. These days, Salisbury is a much-visited tourist destination not just for its rich and storied history, not to mention its proximity to Stonehenge, just 10 miles north of the city center. It's also a popular place to visit for its many fine boutique shops and first-rate dining opportunities.

To ensure you make the most of your time in this historic city, be sure to read our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Salisbury.

1. See the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral

Completed in 1258, Salisbury Cathedral remains one of the most visited religious sites in England. Built in a typically English style, the cathedral's lovely interior of bright-colored limestone and darkly gleaming Purbeck marble is a delight to behold.

Notable features include the gallery-like triforium, where you can still hear the chime from the cathedral's faceless 14th-century clock, the world's oldest and the oldest such device in the UK. Also of interest are the many elaborate tombstones, some of them dating back to the 13th century. The cathedral's stained glass windows, most of which date from the 19th and 20th centuries, are exquisite, particularly the Gabriel Loire window in the Lady Chapel.

The Gothic cloister and the octagonal chapterhouse both date from the 14th century, the latter having a single central pillar acting as a vault support, a fine wall-frieze with pictures from the Old Testament, and tracery windows divided into four sections with 19th-century glass. Items stored here include one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta, the foundation of the British constitution and now a part of a fascinating exhibition, as well as other Anglo Saxon documents. Also stored here is the inspection report on the cathedral tower written by Sir Christopher Wren in 1668.

One of the top things to do during a visit is to take a tour of the tower as well, which at 404 feet boasts the country's tallest church spire and is home to nesting Peregrine falcons. Tours of other parts of the cathedral are free of charge, including the library and a collection of medieval graffiti.

Address: 6 The Close, Salisbury

Official site: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk

2. Explore Historic Cathedral Close

Separated from the rest of the city by three gateways - including the main entrance to the close, High Street Gate-Salisbury's wonderful Cathedral Close is well worth taking the time to explore. The curious will discover a number of well-preserved Elizabethan and Georgian houses with their lovely green lawns. Dating from between the 14th to 18th centuries, these were once the residences of the dean, ecclesiastical officers, and teachers at the cathedral school.

Of special interest is Arundells, the former residence of Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath. Other popular tourist attractions located here include Mompesson House, worth visiting for its rare collections of period furniture, glassware, and walled garden; the Wardrobe, a stunning 13th-century manor home that houses The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum (plus tearoom); the excellent Salisbury Museum; and Sarum College, which offers a variety of concert and education programs.

Although just outside the close, St. Thomas & St. Edmund's Church is worth popping into for its superb artwork.

Address: The Close, Salisbury

Official site: https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/

3. Mompesson House

Perhaps the most important building to be located in Cathedral Close, the 18th-century Mompesson House is well worth taking time to explore. One of the county's most visited National Trust properties, it's certainly a grand affair, and has starred in numerous movies and period costume dramas such as Sense and Sensibility.

A highlight of this Queen Anne-style mansion is its superbly maintained interior, which is home to important plasterwork and antique furniture from the period. Other highlights include its fine collection of 18th-century glassware and its lovely oak staircase. Be sure to allocate time to explore the picturesque walled garden, too. There's also a great tearoom on-site.

Guided tours are available, and should be booked in advance through the attraction's website. Those seeking general admission should also book at least a day in advance to guarantee a timed entrance.

Address: The Close, Salisbury, England

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mompesson-house

4. Walk the Old City Center

Undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Salisbury is wandering the many quaint streets of the Old City center. In addition to its great shopping, the area is chock-full of delightful architecture dating from medieval times to the 19th century. Highlights include the 15th-century parish church of St. Thomas of Canterbury; the wide market place with its medieval market landmark, Poultry Cross; the 18th-century Guildhall; and the 15th-century Plume of Feathers Inn.

Other nearby points of interest include the Red Lion Hotel, with its fine 1820s façade and pretty inner courtyard, along with Joiner's Hall, an attractive half-timbered building dating from the 16th century. Through the North Gate are the meadows of the River Avon, with their fine views of the cathedral, so famously captured by artist John Constable.

A variety of operators offer tours of the old city center, some including a delightful stroll along the river.

Address: Pennyfarthing House, 18 Pennyfarthing Street, Salisbury

5. Tour Ted Heath's Arundells

Arundells / Clive G' — Arundells | Clive G' / photo modified

The former home of British Prime Minister Edward (Ted) Heath until his death in 2005, Arundells is one of the best known historic buildings, located in Cathedral Close. Opened to the public in 2008, it's a delightful building to visit and explore.

Highlights of a visit to the home, which contains evidence of its late 13th-century heritage, include the tasteful flourishes added during Heath's time here, including the display cabinets and custom furnishings he had commissioned. Displays include artifacts from his lengthy political career and his personal life, a sizable art collection (including works by none other than Winston Churchill), and musical memorabilia (he was an accomplished musician).

Guided one-hour tours are available, and occasional events and seminars are held here (check the website for further details). Both the house and its very attractive gardens can be visited between spring and summer.

Address: 59 Cathedral Close, Salisbury

Official site: www.arundells.org

6. Explore the Roman Ruins of Old Sarum

Old Sarum, the precursor of present-day Salisbury, was built two miles to the north of the city center on a hill that has been fortified since the Iron Age. The Romans built a fort of their own here, the camp of Sorviodunum, while under the Saxons a town settlement grew up on the site.

William the Conqueror chose this strategically favorable spot to build a castle in 1075, and in 1220, the inhabitants of Old Sarum were moved to New Salisbury. In addition to the ruins of Salisbury's original cathedral and William's castle, the site offers wonderful views over the Wiltshire plains, and makes for a great picnic spot.

Address: Castle Road, Salisbury

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-sarum/

7. The Salisbury Museum

The award-winning Salisbury Museum has a wide variety of permanent displays and special exhibitions throughout the year that highlight the art and history of England, and Wiltshire in particular (it certainly helps that the area boasts such a rich ancient and medieval history). Highlights include the excellent Wessex Gallery, which houses its vast archaeological collection.

Displays cover the period predating nearby Stonehenge (just a 20-minute drive away) right up to medieval times and include treasures from Old Sarum and other sites. Of special interest is a display relating to the Amesbury Archer, whose 4,000-year-old grave was found nearby along with numerous artifacts, from pots and arrowheads to boars' tusks and even gold hair ornaments.

The building itself, known as The Kings House, is of great interest, and is so-named for being visited by King James I in the early 1600s. There's a good cafe on-site, too.

Address: The Kings House, 65 The Close, Salisbury

Official site: www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

8. Visit Stonehenge & Salisbury Plain

An easy side trip from Salisbury - it's just 10 miles away - Stonehenge is one of England's most recognizable historic sites. This fascinating prehistoric structure stands out dramatically in contrast to the relatively flat topography of the expansive Salisbury Plains, and while much has been learned in recent decades, there's still plenty of mystery and mystique to keep kids enthralled for hours.

Timed admission tickets should be booked online in advance of your visit, and audio guides are available. Also, check into the availability of a Stone Circle Access pass, which allows a limited number of visitors the chance to get up close to the stones before or after general admission.

In addition to its collection of huge Neolithic stones, the site has a relatively new visitor center, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the construction of the 4,500-year-old Stonehenge, and the lives of those who lived here and traveled from afar to worship here.

Highlights include fascinating interactive displays, replica Neolithic homes, as well as a café and shop. If time allows, be sure to also visit nearby Woodhenge, the remains of an ancient burial mound that is now marked out with concrete markers.

Location: Shrewton, Wiltshire

Official site: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/

9. Take a Trip to Wilton House

Built by architect Inigo Jones in 1653 after the original Tudor home was destroyed by fire, Wilton House is a masterpiece of the Baroque style and most notable for its huge white Double Cube Room. Decorated with gold-painted flowers and garlands of fruit and rounded off with a brilliantly colorful painted ceiling, the room is also fascinating for its portraits by van Dyck, as well as portraits of Charles I, Queen Henrietta Maria, and their three children.

Equally impressive is the Single Cube Room. Its painted ceiling has scenes from Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, written in 1590 while he was a guest at Wilton House. Other highlights of the house include paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Reynolds.

The huge landscaped park surrounding the house harbors a magnificent stock of old trees, along with a great network of trails to explore. Another unusual feature is the Palladian bridge (1737) over the River Nadder.

Be sure to also visit the picturesque Village of Wilton, the old capital of the Saxon kingdom of Wessex, and later of Wiltshire. Famous for its carpets and antique shops, it's also home to an excellent weekly market. Salisbury Racecourse is also located here and features 15 race meetings each year.

Location: The Estate Office, Wilton, Salisbury

Official site: www.wiltonhouse.co.uk

10. Larmer Tree Gardens

Larmer Tree Gardens - named after a landmark tree known to have provided shelter to King John in the 12th century - is set in the ancient forest known as Cranborne Chase. Established by General Pitt Rivers in 1880 as a pleasure grounds for "public enlightenment and entertainment," this stunning 11-acre attraction was the first privately owned gardens to be opened for public enjoyment. Here, you'll find native Indian buildings, a Roman Temple, and an open-air theater amid acres of gardens inhabited by pheasants, peacocks, and other exotic birds.

The gardens have also become popular as a wedding venue, and picnickers are encouraged to linger. Better still, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the many concerts or festivals held on the property, most notably the Larmer Tree Festival, a three-day event that draws large crowds.

Location: Tollard Royal, Salisbury

Official site: www.larmertree.co.uk

11. Salisbury International Arts Festival

Founded in 1974, Salisbury International Festival takes place over two weeks each spring with a different theme each year and includes everything from orchestral, choral, and chamber concerts to recitals, film screenings, and lectures. Numerous venues are used, including St. Thomas Hall, Salisbury Cathedral, and other historical buildings.

Also popular is the Southern Cathedrals Festival, an annual festival that rotates every year between the cities of Winchester, Salisbury, and Chichester. The festival takes place mid-July and includes daily concerts and a program featuring a mix of orchestral, choral, and chamber concerts; recitals; and fringe events. The repertoire is equally varied and includes classical and sacred music, as well as newly commissioned works performed in the host city's cathedral.

Address: 144 East Main Street, Salisbury

Official site: www.salisburyfestival.co.uk

12. The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum

Home of the Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum, the Wardrobe is an elegant 13th-century building that is well worth exploring for its fascinating displays related to the history of the county's regiments. Covering an impressive four floors, this award-winning museum details regimental histories, as well as those of individual soldiers over a period of some 250 years.

Afterwards, be sure to visit the gardens and follow the path to the River Avon, with its views of the Water Meadows, and pop into the on-site tearoom for a traditional afternoon high tea.

Address: 58 The Close, Salisbury

Official site: www.thewardrobe.org.uk/home

13. Cholderton Charlie's Rare Breeds Farm

A fun-filled day trip for families, Cholderton Charlie's Rare Breeds Farm has rare breeds of animals such as goats, pigs, chickens, ponies, and sheep dating back hundreds of years, reflecting an animal heritage as interesting as its buildings and monuments. In addition to the many animals is a nature trail, water gardens, a picnic area, and an adventure playground for children.

Also popular at this attraction are the many opportunities to feed piglets and other young animals. An on-site restaurant is available serving lunches and dinner, as well as a gift shop and hostel-style accommodations.

If the kids haven't had their fill of furry farm creatures, you may also want to visit the River Bourne Community Farm. This fun family tourist attraction in the village of Laverstock, on the outskirts of Salisbury, has adopted a 1950s farm theme and is home to a variety of animals, including sheep, highland cows, and llamas, along with a café and shop.

Location: Amesbury Road, Cholderton, Salisbury

Official site: http://choldertoncharliesfarm.com/

14. Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

If there's time in your Salisbury travel itinerary, be sure to add the close by Boscombe Down Aviation Collection. This popular tourist attraction features a number of historic aircraft on display, some of which visitors can even sit in. In addition to modern jet fighters, the collection includes replicas of vintage aircraft from the WWII period.

Address: Hangar 1 Old Sarum Airfield, Old Sarum, Salisbury, England

Official site: http://boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk

Where to Stay in Salisbury for Sightseeing

For those planning on spending time exploring Salisbury and nearby Stonehenge, we recommend these highly rated hotels and inns with easy access to the top attractions in and around this historic city:

Luxury Hotels:

A good option for those seeking upscale accommodations, Milford Hall Hotel offers mid-range pricing, a convenient location, friendly staff, a period-style lounge, and a great afternoon tea.
A high-end stay can also be enjoyed at The Chapter House, a charming family-run boutique hotel set in a 16th-century building and featuring rooms with unique custom décor, comfortable bedding, and a restaurant.
Although set a little farther outside Salisbury-it's located a short drive from Wilton House-the fancy Howard's House Hotel is a country oasis offering plenty of peace and quiet, luxurious rooms, and great dining.

Mid-Range Hotels:

At the higher-end of the mid-range category in terms of quality, The Pembroke Arms Hotel is a charming four-star boutique hotel featuring attentive staff, classic style, open fires, and a wonderful English breakfast.
The three-star King's Head Inn is set in a handy central location and features well-appointed bathrooms, and tea and coffee making facilities in its rooms.
Also worth considering is the Three Crowns Guest House, set in a listed building overlooking the River Nadder and featuring quality rooms and bedding, and a peaceful night's sleep.

Budget Hotels:

The budget-friendly Premier Inn Salisbury North Bishopdown Hotel is an easy drive to the heart of the city and is set in a quiet location that features a selection of family rooms.
Great quality rooms can be enjoyed at Qudos Hotel, a clean, modern hotel featuring great rates and an on-site restaurant.
Alabare House is another affordable option, perfect for those wanting a quiet, low-key place to stay that's within easy walking distance of the top tourist attractions in Salisbury.