Salisbury History Itinerary
If you love nothing better than to really get the feel of a place and to understand the history of an area then this is the itinerary for you.
We recommend starting your day with a visit to the original site of Salisbury, Old Sarum. See the ruins of the old cathedral and learn about the history of the site including the friction between the Clergy and Army which caused the people of Old Sarum to relocate. Discover the myths behind how the ‘new’ city of Salisbury’s location was chosen and soak up the views from the outer bailey of the city of Salisbury and the surrounding countryside.
After visiting Old Sarum, head into the city to see the ‘newer’ cathedral which began being built in 1220. Within the Cathedral see the font, the oldest working clock and the Magna Carta exhibition within the Chapter House, where the best preserved Magna Carta manuscript is displayed. Volunteer guides are on-hand to take you on a tour of the Cathedral floor (at certain times of the day).
If you have a head for heights then booking onto a Tower Tour is a must as not only can you enjoy the views of the city but you can also see the eaves and roof areas from within this magnificent building.
After this, you’ll probably be ready for a spot of lunch! There are several options available within the Cathedral Close, including the Cathedral’s own Refectory restaurant. Alternatively, make the short walk into the city centre where you will find a large selection of places to eat.
Once you are refuelled and refreshed explore some of the city’s other historic delights from the former home of Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath at Arundells or the beautiful Queen-Anne townhouse, Mompesson House, both within the Cathedral Close. Learn more about Salisbury and Stonehenge’s history by visiting The Salisbury Museum or discover more about our local military regiment on a trip to our military museum, The Rifles.
Approximately five minutes’ walk from the Cathedral is St Thomas’s Church which is well-worth a visit if you are keen on medieval history. Above the chancel arch you can seen a Medieval ‘doom’ painting, depicting judgement day as well as other historic treasures.
We recommend starting your day with a visit to the original site of Salisbury, Old Sarum. See the ruins of the old cathedral and learn about the history of the site including the friction between the Clergy and Army which caused the people of Old Sarum to relocate. Discover the myths behind how the ‘new’ city of Salisbury’s location was chosen and soak up the views from the outer bailey of the city of Salisbury and the surrounding countryside.
After visiting Old Sarum, head into the city to see the ‘newer’ cathedral which began being built in 1220. Within the Cathedral see the font, the oldest working clock and the Magna Carta exhibition within the Chapter House, where the best preserved Magna Carta manuscript is displayed. Volunteer guides are on-hand to take you on a tour of the Cathedral floor (at certain times of the day).
If you have a head for heights then booking onto a Tower Tour is a must as not only can you enjoy the views of the city but you can also see the eaves and roof areas from within this magnificent building.
After this, you’ll probably be ready for a spot of lunch! There are several options available within the Cathedral Close, including the Cathedral’s own Refectory restaurant. Alternatively, make the short walk into the city centre where you will find a large selection of places to eat.
Once you are refuelled and refreshed explore some of the city’s other historic delights from the former home of Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath at Arundells or the beautiful Queen-Anne townhouse, Mompesson House, both within the Cathedral Close. Learn more about Salisbury and Stonehenge’s history by visiting The Salisbury Museum or discover more about our local military regiment on a trip to our military museum, The Rifles.
Approximately five minutes’ walk from the Cathedral is St Thomas’s Church which is well-worth a visit if you are keen on medieval history. Above the chancel arch you can seen a Medieval ‘doom’ painting, depicting judgement day as well as other historic treasures.
Extend your stay
Why not extend your stay and take in the greater Wiltshire history too? Just ten miles north of Salisbury you’ll find the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. Pre-booking your visit to Stonehenge is strongly advised. We also have a wealth of historic places to visit in the nearby area too, including Wilton House, the ‘lost’ village of Imber, Figsbury Ring and slightly further afield, the other part of the World Heritage Site, Avebury.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.