Child-free things to do this August in Salisbury

We all know what it’s like during August, a hectic month with the children off school. It can feel like everything in August revolves around children’s activities but did you know there’s plenty going on in and around Salisbury that adults can get involved in? So whether it’s a case of getting a babysitter or perhaps you are travelling as a couple or a group of friends here are some ideas for what you can see and do in the area:

Discover the arts

Explore Salisbury Cathedral’s current exhibition, Beyond by Diane Maclean with a free, drop-in guided tour. These run regularly throughout the month and offer you a fascinating insight into the sculptures and installations that are on display both in and out of the Cathedral. 

Within Salisbury Library, on Market Walk, Salisbury Group of Artists will be holding their summer exhibition and over at Fisherton Mill there’s an exhibition of printmaking featuring selected artists from across the country.

If you want to improve your own artistic abilities, there are life drawing classes within the Cathedral Close on 6 and 13 August. At Langford Lakes nature reserve, join Wiltshire Wildlife Trust in a Botanical Butterfly Illustration event on 10 August and hone your watercolour skills. 

Check out some of the city’s concerts

There are plenty of concerts and performances taking place this month no matter what your musical preferences are. Music in the Park returns to Queen Elizabeth Gardens on 4 and 18 August (subject to the weather) so why not bring along a picnic and enjoy the music and views. 

Salisbury Cathedral will be host to Margaret Ravalde (soprano) accompanied by their Assistant Director of Music, John Challenger, on piano for a performance of music by Debussy, Ravel, Schumann and Quilter in the Songs of the Forest concert on 7 August. Then on 11 August, the Swing Unlimited Big Band will be on the lawns of the Cathedral bringing with it toe-tapping music. 

Popular West Country band The Wurzels will be performing at River Bourne Community Farm on 10 August alongside other bands. There will also be a BBQ and plenty of cider! 
Later on in the month, Scottish duo The Proclaimers will be heading to the City Hall where pop, folk, new wave and punk collide.

Head to the ‘ghost’ village of Imber

Have you ever been to Imber? The Ministry of Defence will be allowing access to the village on Salisbury Plain during selected dates in August. The village was used for military purposes during WW2 and was evacuated in 1943. The villagers were never allowed to return.
St Giles’ Church will be opening on various dates during August.  Discover a small exhibition within the church and chat to the volunteers about the history of the church and the village it sits in. 

Enjoy open air theatre in the grounds of Arundells

The majestic grounds of Arundells, in the Cathedral Close will be host to an open air theatre performance of Cranford on 27 August. Feel free to bring rugs, low-backed seating, and picnics along and watch the performance of Victorian life in this beautiful setting.

Make a break of it

If you fancy staying for longer then why not check out our hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties and much more? We’ve plenty of ideas for days out and lots of great places to eat and drink in and around the city. We look forward to seeing you soon!