A guide to visiting Salisbury, Old Sarum, Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, and more.
J
Jaden
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5 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 significant 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. Several 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-manor houses in the area are open for visit and fascinate the public, historic areas are used as filming locations for famous shows and movies, and the scenic town center provides an excellent destination for tourists hoping to experience a beautiful English.
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 UK’s capital.
Things to do in Salisbury
Salisbury Cathedral
1-2 hours. Bus or walk.
Located in the center of the city, the Cathedral is the tallest in England, standing at over 400 ft, and over 800 years old. The Cathedral offers tours, general access, 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.
In addition to the Cathedral’s historic objects, tours are available for different experiences. More information can be found in our full Salisbury Cathedral Guide.
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, and more!
Stonehenge
2-3 hours. Car or The Stonehenge Tour bus.
Stonehenge is a famous neolithic location featuring massive stones. 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 the Neolithic Stonehenge, Including Travel Directions, Tickets, and More.
Old Sarum
1-2 hours. Car or bus. Parking and bathrooms on site.
Old Sarum is the historic original city of Salisbury. Today it is mostly ruins built atop a hill. Old Sarum is beautiful to walk around, climb past the old moat, and see the ruins of the castle and original cathedral. It offers great views of Salisbury Cathedral in the distance and there are options for guided tours of the castle.
Ticketing begins at £7 for the castle, but the rest of the site is free.
A Guide to Seeing Old Sarum, an Ancient Site of Iron Age Ruins
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 cafe 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 several ducks and swans swimming past.
The 2026 Guide to Wilton House: its history, how to get there, and what to see while visiting
City Centre
The market square in Salisbury is over 800 years old. Today the shops are modernized 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 there every Tuesday and Saturday.
Market Square in Salisbury
St. Thomas' Church
Dating back to the early 13th century, St Thomas Church is an ornate building and is 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 quick visit, but definitely something worth doing.
A Guide to St Thomas' Church in Salisbury and its Doom Painting
A complete guide to St Thomas' Church: its history, what's inside, and its famous Doom Painting
Salisbury's Museums
A range of museums all located within a walking distance of the city center. Each museum has its own focus and unique artifacts.
There is a rifle museum, some country houses offer tours, 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 stately homes, the rifles museum, and an aviation collection
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 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!
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!
J
Written by
Jaden
Hello, I'm Jaden. I love to travel, go for runs, and read. As a student I'm always searching for new experiences at a good price and I love having a creative project, which is what this is! I hope it can be helpful for you and your adventures!
