Things To Do in Salisbury

How much do you know about the medieval city of Salisbury?

Let us enlighten you and inspire you and tell you about things to do in and around the city…

Find out more about the attractions in and around Salisbury from our spectacular early English gothic Cathedral and best preserved Magna Carta through to the iconic World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, just eight miles north of Salisbury.

Discover the history of Salisbury from Medieval times

Enjoy walking our medieval streets and soaking up the history and heritage, you will find historic buildings all around you, just don’t forget to look up to take in the impressive architecture! A great way of learning more about the city’s history is to join on one of Salisbury City Guides’ regular city walks which depart from outside the Salisbury Information Centre or pick up/download a Salisbury Treasure Trail and you will discover hidden gems that you perhaps had never noticed before. 

Salisbury Market Place is a hive of activity, with the regular Charter Market which dates back to Medieval times and is held every Tuesday and Saturday as well as themed markets from time-to-time including Vintage, Continental and Teenage markets. 

Salisbury Cathedral is a jewel in our city’s crown. The impressive 123 metre spire can be seen from miles away and from all approaches into the city. Friendly and knowledgeable guides can take you on a tour and highlight some of the key historical features of the building including the legend behind why the ‘new’ cathedral is where it is and is no longer at Old Sarum (the original site of Salisbury). If you don’t mind heights then be sure to book onto a Tower Tour. Climb the 332 steps for a behind-the-scenes look at the architecture, not to mention amazing views across the city from 68 metres above ground level. You never know, you may just see the resident peregrine falcons flying around! 

Delve further into Salisbury’s past by paying a visit to The Salisbury Museum. Here, you will find a wealth of exhibits showcasing archaeological finds, some important artwork and lots of historical information on the city and surrounding area. The Wessex Gallery in particular has a great deal of artefacts from the Stonehenge World Heritage Site and is definitely worth a visit if you are planning to head to Stonehenge as well. 

Just two miles north of Salisbury is the Iron Age hillfort of Old Sarum. This English Heritage site is also the original site of Salisbury and has the remains of the original cathedral as well as once bustling medieval castle. 

Close by to Old Sarum, you will find Boscombe Down Aviation Collection with its fascinating array of aircraft from across the years. Visitors young and old can have fun climbing into the various cockpits that are on show as well as watch restoration of aircraft take place. 

Enjoy an active time in Salisbury

There are many walks for you to enjoy in and around Salisbury. Stroll along footpaths in the pretty countryside surrounding the city such as the Town Path, which connects Queen Elizabeth Gardens to the Harnham area of the city. It’s from along here the John Constable painted one of his famous scenes of Salisbury Cathedral. Or, if you fancy a longer walk, then why not take on the long-distance Avon Valley Path or Clarendon Way routes which connect Salisbury to Winchester and Christchurch respectively. 

Bring your bike with you and cycle some of the National Cycle Routes 24 and 45 as they pass through the city, or pick up sections of the Wiltshire Cycle Path. 

Keen golfers can take to the greens at Salisbury and South Wilts Golf Course (near Salisbury Racecourse), Salisbury Golf Centre and High Post Golf Club or travel slightly further south to Rushmore Golf Club, near the Larmer Tree Gardens. 

If you fancy something to really get your pulse racing then why not try a tandom skydive with GoSkyDive at Old Sarum Airfield or Skydive Netheravon? You’ll be sure to get some fantastic views from over 10,000 feet! 

Green space

Salisbury has more than its fair share of parks and green spaces where you can relax over a picnic or enjoy a romantic stroll. The Cathedral Close, in particular, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity yet hidden behind its mighty wooden gates and massive stone walls. Here, you will also find the riverside gardens of Arundells and The Rifles Museum. 

Just three miles west of Salisbury is the town of Wilton. Here, you will find Wilton House with its majestic grounds. Head to the Japanese water garden for the quirky red wooden bridges and watch the calming flows of the river as it passes under the Palladian Bridge. The adventure playground is a great hit with the younger visitors too! 

Slightly further afield, you will find one of Wiltshire’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs. Think rolling chalk downland, amazing nature and some fantastic walking opportunities and you’ll get the picture. It is also here that you will find several attractions including Langford Lakes nature reserve, the Larmer Tree Gardens and Old Wardour Castle. 

Immerse yourself in Salisbury’s arts, culture and entertainment

There are many inspirational events on offer here in Salisbury, while arts venues include Salisbury Playhouse, City Hall, Salisbury Arts Centre and Studio Theatre.

Discover regular art exhibitions at The Young Gallery and Fisherton Mill and look out for the biennial Salisbury Arts Trail where you can visit galleries not usually open to the public.
You will find events here in Salisbury throughout the year. Salisbury Cathedral also hosts an impressive array of art and sculpture exhibitions as well as concerts, recitals and hands-on activities for younger visitors. Wiltshire Creative’s Salisbury International Arts Festival is a highlight on the calendar. Taking place late May-early June it brings with it a wealth of theatre, talks, concerts and family events. 

For team-building or some family-fun with older children then why not head to one of Salisbury’s two escape rooms? Live Escape Salisbury and Salisbury Escape Rooms are a fantastic way to enjoy some bonding over solving the clues and cryptic puzzles to make your way out of the rooms. 

Plan your trip now

So whether you are here for a day trip or for a short break, as you have seen there’s plenty to keep you entertained here in Salisbury. If you still need further information then be sure to contact the Salisbury Information Centre or drop us a line. Don’t forget to take a look at our blog too for some great ideas of things to see and do that are coming up in the area shortly and book your tickets to many of our attractions and activities in advance of your visit.