Landmarks in Salisbury

One of the most notable landmarks in Salisbury is of course, Salisbury Cathedral. Approach the city from any direction and you will probably see the impressive spire! However, there are many other landmarks in and around the Salisbury area which are also worth noting including:

The Salisbury Guildhall

Facing onto the Guildhall Square and adjacent to the Market Place (which is historic in its own rights too), The Guildhall dates back to 1795 and houses the city silver collection as well as some notable paintings. It's easily recognised by its grand pillars and steps. Today, Salisbury Guildhall houses the Salisbury City Council’s offices as well as the Salisbury Information Centre. Until recently, the building was partly used as a magistrate’s court and still has prison cells beneath it from its days as the city jail. A popular wedding venue, Salisbury Guildhall is also used regularly for events and functions. 

St Thomas’ Church

One of the oldest churches in Salisbury and located in the heart of the city centre. It is widely-believed that the church pre-dates Salisbury Cathedral and was used as a place of worship for the builders of the ‘new’ cathedral.

Make sure you visit inside St Thomas' Church to see the medieval ‘doom’ painting above the chancel arch which represents judgement day. Whitewashed during the Reformation of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII, it was only in 1819 when faint traces of colour were discovered that people rediscovered the painting. It was properly restored and retouched in 1953. 

Find out more about the Medieval doom painting and other architectural features by picking up one of the information sheets on display within the church. 

The Poultry Cross

The Poultry Cross was one of four crosses which once marked the site of the market. It can be found on the corner of Silver Street and Minster Street. It dates from circa 1450 with the curving buttresses which support the pinnacle and cross being late additions, only being added in the early 1850s. As its name suggests, this was the area of the market where poultry was sold. 

Odeon Cinema

The Odeon Cinema on New Canal was formerly the hall of John Halle and dates from 1594. Not only is the exterior of this cinema pretty different to the norm but the entrance hall is well worth a visit too!

Fisherton Street Clock Tower

The Fisherton Street Clock Tower was once home to the city’s lock-up and reminders of this can still be seen at the foot of the tower.

Old Sarum

A massive Iron Age hill fort located two miles north of the city centre now under the care of English Heritage. Old Sarum contains the ruins of a castle, the foundations of the original Cathedral and has influences from Norman, Saxon and Roman times. 

Find out more about Salisbury’s landmarks

For details of other Salisbury landmarks and for more in-depth history on the sites make a visit to the Salisbury Information Centre where you can buy a self-guided walk around guide to the city for a small charge. Salisbury City Guides also run regular Salisbury City Walks of the city centre where you can learn more about the various landmarks within Salisbury and their interesting history.

Find out more about landmarks further afield in Wiltshire on the VisitWiltshire website.