Salisbury
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Introduction
The city of Salisbury, in Wiltshire, south-west of London, dates back to the 13th Century. Salisbury, on the banks of the River Avon, is best known for its proximity to Stonehenge and for its glorious cathedral. However, the town itself has some nice examples of architecture throughout the ages, dating back to Medieval house and through to the modern area. Often passed through without stopping, the town is worth a visit for those heading to Stonehenge.
The city of Salisbury was founded as New Sarum in 1220, after the Bishop of Sarum decided that they would move the Cathedral from the nearby town of Old Sarum down into the valley near the convergence of 5 rivers. The building of the new cathedral was begun by Bishop Richard Poore in that year, and a nearby market was established.
Sights and Activities
In addition to the options below, more information can be found at the tourist information office can be found on Fish Row (just behind the main Market Square). The phone number is (0) 1722 334-956, and is open Monday to Saturday all year round, and on Sundays during the summer.
Old Sarum
The massive Iron Age hillfort of Old Sarum was used by the Romans, Saxons and Normans before becoming one of the most flourishing settlements in medieval England. The site contains the ruins of a castle, cathedral and bishop's palace. Entry to the park and ability to see the cathedral is free. Admission to the castle ruins cost an additional £3.
Old Sarum is located on the Castle Road, about 2 miles from town. Routes 5 and 6 run from Salisbury to Old Sarum.
Salisbury Cathedral
Discover over 750 years of history, including Britain's tallest spire, the world's best preserved original Magna Carta and Europe's oldest working clock, on a tour with one of our volunteer guides. Built between 1220 and 1258, in one architectural style, Salisbury is Britain's finest 13th century Gothic Cathedral.
The Cathedral contains one of only 4 remaining original copies of the Magna Carta.
Opening times can be found at the Salisbury Cathedral website.
Salisbury Museums and Attractions at Cathedral Close
There are three main attractions within the Close. The first is the National Trust’s Mompesson House, a Queen Anne style house built in 1701, and its walled garden (closed on Th and Fr, open between late March and late Oct). A
lso in the Cathedral Close are two museums – the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, set in an old medieval building known as the King’s House (open Mon-Sat plus Sundays in July and August), and the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment Museum, in a 1254 house that was one of the first buildings erected in the Close (open Tues-Sun in Feb, Mar & Nov, daily Apr-Oct).
Salisbury Market
Market days are every Tuesday and Saturday. The market features everything from fruit stalls, food vendors and lots of places with
Behind the market square are Fish Row, Butcher Row and Silver Street, lined with shops and restaurants with butchers and patios.
Events and Festivals
Salisbury Flower Festival
Held in the Salisbury Cathedral, The flower festival is spectacular five day festival of colour as the Cathedral comes alive with an extravagance of flowers many arranged by parish groups from within the Diocese. The festival takes place in mid-June.
Getting There
By Train
Train service runs Every half hour from Waterloo station on South West Trains. The journey takes 80 – 90 minutes. The train station is located about a 10 minute walk from the Medieval city centre.
By Car
Salisbury can be found on the A30, A36, A338, A345 and A360.
If you are driving:
- from London, take the M3, A303 and A338,
- from Bristol the A4 and A36,
- from Southampton the A36,
- from Portsmouth take the M27 and A36,
- and from the North travel via the A34 (Oxford), A303 and A338.
By Bus
National Express operate services to Salisbury from cities throughout the UK including London.
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
Buses are run by the Wilts & Dorset bus website.
By Foot
By Bike
Eat
Drink
This is version 3. Last edited at 10:46 on Aug 12, 08 by Peter (-1). 4 articles link to this page.
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