A guide to visiting Salisbury, Old Sarum, Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, and more.
J
Jaden
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6 min
Guide
What to do in Salisbury
A guide to visiting Salisbury, Old Sarum, Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, and more.
J
Jaden
··
6 min
What to do in Salisbury, Wiltshire
Salisbury is a historic city in the county of Wiltshire. Classic rolling green hills of the English countryside surround several historic sites, all easily accessible via buses from the city centre.
This is a brief list of some of the best activities and sightseeing to do in Salisbury, with active links to more in-depth articles.
Why is Salisbury Famous?
Salisbury has maintained geographical and historic significance for hundreds of years and is still a popular tourist destination in England today. If you have time to visit this historic city it is absolutely worth it and brings a range of opportunities.
History: Each location and activity in Salisbury has its own unique history and background. For example, the cathedral and surrounding churches, as well as the broader city infrastructure, extend back hundreds of years. Many of these sites are run by volunteer guides and offer different ways of learning. Some locations are historical but still functioning, such as the Haunch of Venison pub which still operates today and lays claim to a rich past.
Beauty: Several areas in Salisbury are known because of associations with their beauty. There are many manor houses in the area, several of which are open for visit and fascinate the public. Scenic areas are used as filming locations for famous shows and movies, and the traditional town center provides an excellent destination for tourists hoping to experience a beautiful English city.
Location: Located just an hour and a half from London by train, Salisbury is an excellent destination for travellers coming from far away, or those just looking for a day trip out of the nation's capital.
Things to do in Salisbury
Salisbury Cathedral
1 - 2 hours. Bus or walk.
Located in the centre of the city, the cathedral is the tallest in England, standing at over 400 ft, and over 800 years old. The cathedral offers general access to the nave and cloisters. There are also specialised tours and a refectory that serves sandwiches, cakes, and hot food. Salisbury Cathedral is also home to the best preserved original 1215 copy of the Magna Carta, and the world’s oldest working clock, both of which are viewable with a standard ticket.
Tickets are available for general entry starting at £11.
The history of Salisbury Cathedral, how to see the Magna Carta, the World's Oldest Working Clock, where to eat, Salisbury Cathedral tours, and more!
Stonehenge
2 - 3 hours. Car or The Stonehenge Tour Bus.
Stonehenge is a famous neolithic stone circle. About 5,000 years old, Stonehenge is thought to be a ceremonial location and acts as a calendar that tracks the summer and winter solstice. Today you can experience the stones for free from a short distance, or pay to get up close (although you cannot walk among the stones).
How To Visit Stonehenge, Including Travel Directions, Tickets, Parking, Viewing Stonehenge for Free, and More.
Old Sarum
1 - 2 hours. Car or bus.
Old Sarum is what remains of a once bustling city, featuring ruins of a castle and cathedral, built upon a hill surrounded by two man-made moats. Climb past the outer moat to see the stone foundations, while taking in the views of Salisbury Cathedral, which was relocated to its current site over 800 years ago. Old Sarum is a beautiful site rich in history with options for guided tours of the ruined castle.
Ticketing begins at £7 for the castle, but access to the rest of the site is free.
A Guide to Visiting Old Sarum, the Castle, getting tickets, parking, and more.
Wilton House
2 - 4 Hours. Car or bus.
Wilton House boasts grand architecture, a rich history of ownership, and several visits from the Queen. It was also used as the filming location of several period films, including scenes in Bridgerton, Pride and Prejudice (2005), Emma, The Crown, and other works.
The estate offers tours of the country house, outdoor play areas for children, access to a large portion of the gardens, and a café with outdoor seating.
Ticketing is available for Grounds Only (£8) or House and Grounds (£19). Additional reduced pricing is available for +65 years, students, and children. Family tickets are also available.
Tip: pack your own food and blanket and enjoy a picnic in the scenic gardens. Set up alongside the river and you can enjoy the presence of wildlife swimming along.
NOTICE: The house is closed for the 2026 season as they conduct maintence work on the heating. The rest of the estate is still open for visiting.
The 2026 Guide to Wilton House: its history, how to get there, the house and grounds, famous scenes filmed there, its car collection, and more.
Market Square
The market square in Salisbury is over 800 years old. Today the shops are modernised but the foundation of the medieval layout remains and there are pockets of interesting history here and there, such as the Poultry Cross. There is still a market in the square every Tuesday and Saturday.
Market Square in Salisbury on a snowy January evening
St. Thomas' Church
15 - 30 minutes
Dating back to the early 13th century, St Thomas' Church is an ornate building and home to one of the best preserved Doom Paintings in England, rediscovered in 1881.
The church is located a short walk from the city centre and Salisbury Cathedral.
It's a small church that still operates a regular service. It encourages visitors, and there's even a small café inside.
Read more about its Doom Painting and Tricephalous Trinity below!
A Guide to St Thomas' Church in Salisbury and its Doom Painting
A complete guide to St Thomas' Church: its history, what's inside, its Doom Painting, Tricephalous Trinity, cafe, and more
Salisbury's Museums
Salisbury is home to a range of museums located within walking distance of the city centre. Each museum has its own focus and unique artifacts.
There is a military museum, some country houses offering tours, museums showcasing the history of the city and surrounding area, and even an aviation collection (a short drive from the city centre).
The complete guide to museums in Salisbury, including Arundells, The Rifles Museum, Mompesson House, and Boscombe Down's aviation collection.
Best Pubs in Salisbury
The Old Mill
With origins in the 12th century, this pub is just a short walk away from Salisbury Cathedral. It’s located on the river Nadder, and offers rich history (and provides a good place for a pint!)
River-side view of The Old Mill
The Haunch of Venison
The Haunch of Venison is located in the city centre at 1 Minster Street. The pub is a historic site, and has been around since the 1300s. For history buffs there are numerous different elements to the pub; a mummified hand from the 18th c., numerous ghost sightings, and allegedly, the pub was visited in 1944 by Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower while planning D-Day landings.
The Bishops Mill
Once owned by the Bishop of Old Sarum, the building is now a pub favourite. While we strongly recommend you take a walk past it as you meander through the city centre, we’re more hesitant to suggest you stop for a pint as it isn’t renowned for its atmosphere!
Good Restaurants in Salisbury
Tinga
Tinga is an independant Mexican restaurant in the centre of Salisbury. They serve a variety of dishes, from tacos to burritos to quesadillas and different side dishes. There is seating available inside and outside, we highly recommend it!
The Pembroke Arms
The restaurant is located about a mile out of Salisbury in the village of Wilton. The building was originally used as extra rooms for guests of the Earl of Pembroke but is now a traditional British restaurant / pub that serves a good range of food and drinks, and also provides accommodation.
Nole Pizza
With the same owners as The Pembroke Arms, Nole Pizza is an artisan restaurant serving delicious sourdough pizza in the centre of Salisbury.
This is an incomplete list of activities and sites to visit. Salisbury is a wonderful destination to explore and enjoy at your own pace. We hope you love it!
