School Holiday Boredom Busters in Salisbury

We know what it’s like, the children break up for the school holidays and you often wonder how you will entertain them over the next six weeks, especially without breaking the bank.
This handy blog gives you some ideas on what you can do to break the boredom in Salisbury without costing you a fortune. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to comment below.

1.    Take a stomp around Old Sarum

Step back in time at Old Sarum. Children will love the opportunity to explore the old ramparts, follow a circular walk around the old bailey and to imagine all the goings on that used to take place here in years gone by. It’s free to visit the outer bailey and the ruins of the old cathedral but there is an admission charge to enter the old castle area (and to park) however English Heritage members are free.

2.    Cycle the Golden Way

The Golden Way is a 7-mile circular cycle route that encompasses most of the city. With some of the sections of this walk off-road, this family route can be enjoyed by the whole family. Don’t have your own bikes? You can hire bikes from Hayball Cycle Store on Winchester Street. 

3.    Pop along to one of our parks

Salisbury’s parks make for fantastic free days out. Head to Queen Elizabeth Gardens for the play area, see if you can jump across to the mini (manmade) island that can be found in the river, paddle in the shallow areas of the river and if you are lucky, the ice cream van may just be parked up too. With views overlooking the Cathedral, Queen Elizabeth Gardens makes a great spot for a picnic as well!

At Churchill Gardens (just off the Southampton Road), you can get active by joining in with the weekly Parkruns, practice your skating at the skate park or head to the two play areas. Whereas at Victoria Park not only is there a play area but tennis courts that you can hire as well. Look out for family coaching sessions that run during the school holidays for a small fee. 

4.    Take a look at free events being run around the city

Keep an eye on our events listings for upcoming events that don’t cost a penny including the Bishopdown Play Day and the Salisbury Playday. More events will be added in the coming weeks so please keep checking back. 

5.    Try a spot of nature watching

Look for a kingfisher, do some pond dipping. Take a look at our previous blog for some great ideas on where to nature spot in and around Salisbury.

6.    Make the most of your memberships

If you are an English Heritage or National Trust member then be sure to check out the local places that you can use your membership cards. For English Heritage there’s Old Sarum, Old Wardour Castle and Stonehenge locally and for National Trust there’s Mompesson House, Stonehenge and Stourhead House and Gardens.

7.    Meet the animals at River Bourne Community Farm

From alpacas to chickens, there are all kinds of farmyard animals to be found at River Bourne Community Farm in Laverstock, plus entry is free (although donations are most welcome). 

Want to know what else is on over the school holidays?

Be sure to check out our what’s on pages for lots more events that are taking place and have a look at our things to do pages for lots of other ideas for family walks, bike ride suggestions and days out. 

If you have any family favourite boredom busters, please share them below.