Your Guide to Salisbury

Spectacular Salisbury

Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
Prepare to be amazed by one of the finest cathedrals which has the tallest spire in the UK, measuring in at 123m. Not only is it a beautiful display of architecture and design, but the cathedral also houses some incredible artefacts. Inside is the best preserved of one of four surviving Magna Carta dating back to 1215. This important document limited the powers of the monarchy and set out specific rights for individuals. You can also see the oldest working mechanical clock which was built in 1386 and strikes every hour. Surrounded by an 80-acre close of rolling lawns there is even more to explore outside.

Salisbury Racecourse
This historic racecourse has been in use since the 16th century and now brings you high quality racing every summer. Spend a day watching these high octane races with events including family days, evening spectaculars with live music, ladies day and cup days. With bars, catering and a big screen so you don’t miss a moment it’s an exciting day out.

English Heritage Old Sarum
An impressive structure built into the earth, this English Heritage prehistoric site was created during the Iron Age. With an outer rampart and inner Norman mound and ditch you can see the ruins of a royal castle. This is where Salisbury began, and you can stand in the footprint of the original Cathedral.

National Trust Figsbury Ring
Take a stroll around Figsbury Ring, a Neolithic and Iron Age site with a hill fort and inner enclosure. There are views across the Salisbury Plains, to Old Sarum and you can see Salisbury Cathedral. Depending on when you visit you can see a carpet of wild flowers including some wild orchids.

National Trust Pepperbox Hill
At the top of Pepperbox Hill you’ll find Eyre’s Folly, built in the 17th century. This brick folly could have been used as a lookout and is still a lovely viewpoint today. The land surrounding the folly is home to rare orchids, juniper and yew and is a significant site for butterflies including the rare duke of burgundy.

National Trust Mompesson House
Explore this National Trust 18th century townhouse in the heart of the Cathedral Close in Salisbury. It may look familiar as it featured in the film Sense and Sensibility! Visit the tea room, tranquil walled garden and walk the hallways of the house where volunteers can tell you more about the history of the building.

Wonderful Wiltshire

National Trust Dinton Park and Philipps House
Bring the dogs for a peaceful country walk in the grounds of Philipps House. The house is owned privately but provides a wonderful backdrop to the park views. Cattle often graze here and there are footpaths to follow through the park and woodland. Take a picnic and rest on one of the benches as you admire the view with lunch.

National Trust Mottisfont
The Mottisfont Estate is an inspiring setting with an 18th century house set amongst stunning gardens. Artists spent time here to relax and create, drawing inspiration from their surroundings. Today a gallery showcases 20th century art and you can view the house as it is today after being transformed into a New-classical home. Outside the estate has riverside walkways to follow, woodlands to explore and gardens which bloom with beautiful roses in early summer. Take your time and visit the shop and plant centre and have tea and cake at the café.

Bluestone Vineyards
Growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier varieties, the family behind Bluestone Vineyard are dedicated to producing only the best fizz. Learn about the process behind making their sparkling wines, and try a few, on a tour of the vineyard. You can also book a self-guided tour and meander through the 10 acres of vines.

English Heritage Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, consisting of a ring of massive standing stones set within earthworks. Dating back over 4,500 years, it is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, thought to have been used for ceremonial or astronomical purposes.

Longleat
Longleat is a stately country house in Wiltshire, England, famous for its stunning Elizabethan architecture, extensive landscaped gardens, and the Longleat Safari Park—the first drive-through safari park outside Africa. It combines history, wildlife, and outdoor adventure, making it a popular destination for families and visitors interested in both heritage and animals.

English Heritage Old Wardour Castle
Old Wardour Castle is a spectacular ruin. One of its kind in England, the six-sided 14th century tower house has staircases, lion heads, arches and a wine cellar. Follow the audio guide to hear the story of the castle and learn how it became the ruin it is today. Visit the separate banqueting house with its gothic battlements before having a picnic in the grounds.

National Trust Stourhead
Visiting Stourhead is like exploring another world. Carefully designed by Henry Hoare it is a world-famous landscaped garden with a lake at its centre, reflecting and amplifying the beauty. Walk up to Alfred’s Tower for panoramic views across three counties, spot the garden temples and explore the wider estate. The Palladian-style villa is home to a collection of heritage pieces collected by the Hoare family including artwork, furniture and more.

Connect with Culture

The Salisbury Museum
Collections range from artefacts from Stonehenge to art, ceramics and fashion. Through these displays you will learn about the history of Salisbury and Wiltshire and see some important finds. Special exhibitions feature throughout the year so it’s worth checking what’s on during your time here.

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection
Originally used as a training airfield, these grade II listed hangers house an extensive collection of aircrafts, uniforms and photographs. Sit in the cockpit of many of the planes for a pilots eye view.

Wiltshire Creative
Productions by Wiltshire Creative, a performing arts charity, are staged at the Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury Arts Centre. Popular shows, big names and seasonal delights fill the calendar at the Playhouse while the Arts Centre shows more music and comedy. Each year in summer the market square in Salisbury and surrounding venues, including Stonehenge become centre stage for the Salisbury International Arts Festival.

Roche Court Sculpture Park
Indoor spaces and rolling countryside are home to 20th and 21st century art at the Roche Court Sculpture Park. Incredible sculptures strike a juxtaposition against the natural backdrop and you’ll never know what is on display at the next turn. As well as the external gallery, and indoor space also showcases special pieces.

Wine and Dine

Charlie’s Kitchen, Salisbury
Perfect for: lunch, small bites, dinner, drinks
Gather for a Mediterranean feast at this family run restaurant. Using homemade recipes and local ingredients the menu is full of mezze options with vegetables, hummus, seafood and falafel. Larger dishes include flame cooked meats and Charlie’s specials.

The Chapter House, Salisbury
Perfect for: breakfast, lunch, tea and cake, dinner, drinks
This black and white timber pub serves more than your typical British fare. Alongside steaks, burgers and lunchtime sandwiches there are a couple of African inspired dishes. If you don’t fancy a big meal, pop in for a drink by the fire.

Tinga, Salisbury
Perfect for: lunch, small bites, dinner
Colourful and vibrant, Tinga brings a taste of Mexico to Salisbury. Bright artwork and green foliage matches the zingy flavours of the food and drinks on offer. The menu is inspired by street food of Mexico City and includes small dishes and main-size portions.

Anokaa, Salisbury
Perfect for: takeaway, Indian feast
This beautiful Indian restaurant is full of flavour and the tempting aroma of fresh spices. The extensive menu covers all of your favourite dishes alongside some new options for you to try. You can choose to dine in, or takeaway.

Elai Restaurant, Salisbury
Perfect for: takeaway, Indian feast
Tuck into a flavourful Indian feast at this riverside restaurant. Overlooking the river Avon the menu celebrates the tastes of Kerala with a variety of curries and sides including a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

Grillado, Salisbury
Perfect for: takeaway, Italian
The colourful dishes at Grillado are bursting with authentic Italian flavours. Homemade pasta is served alongside creamy risottos, stone-baked pizzas and succulent offerings from the grill.

Baroushka, Salisbury
Perfect for: lunch, small bites, dinner, takeaway
Try something new at Baroushka, a Lebanese restaurant serving mezze, shawarma and tagines. It’s a great choice for groups as you can order a number of smaller dishes to share.

The George and Dragon, Salisbury
Perfect for: lunch, dinner, Sunday roast
This welcoming pub dates back to 1530 and sits on the River Avon with outdoor seating. Tuck into pub classics or visit on one of their event days, maybe open mic night on a Sunday or quiz night on a Thursday.

Haunch of Venison, Salisbury
Perfect for: dinner, drinks
The Haunch of Venison is a beautiful historic pub with old wooden beams, a black and white timber exterior and unique details inside. Dating back to 1320, workers stayed here during the construction of the cathedral. Said to be the oldest and most haunted spot in Salisbury it’s worth being brave and popping in for a drink at least, make sure you find the mummified hand!

The Great Bustard, Great Dunford
Perfect for: lunch, dinner
Offering a choice of dining options with a restaurant, pub and courtyard you will be warmly welcomed here. Bringing you farm-to-table dining you are sure to receive the best flavours and freshest ingredients here.

Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge
Perfect for: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Multi award-winning, the Greyhound on the Test is a wonderful riverside spot with a menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In winter the fires are roaring, and in summer you can sit out by the river and watch as people fish.

Ultimate Days Out for the Family

Salisbury Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a great opportunity to work together to solve the mystery in time. The ever-changing games test your skills and plant you in different settings which are always exciting. Salisbury Escape Rooms receives incredibly good reviews and is well worth scheduling into your stay in the area.

Outburst, Salisbury
Perfect for families with children of different ages, there are different activities on offer at Outburst. Take younger children to Clown About, a play area with slides, ball pools and a climbing wall, there is a separate baby and toddler area to make sure everybody is safe and has a good time. Alongside this there is bowling and lazer combat at Outburst.

River Bourne Community Farm
This free to visit (donations are encouraged) community farm is a relaxed place to meet the animals. Feed pots are available are there are several nature trails to follows.

Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
If anyone in your family is a Peppa Pig fan, this is an unmissable opportunity. 9 rides and a giant playzone will keep everybody entertained. Visit Peppa’s house, go on a train ride, fly high in the big balloons and ride the waves. Paulton’s Park is more than just Peppa Pig World with other regions to discover during your day here.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Let the children run off steam at this award-winning arboretum and gardens. There’s a treehouse for make believe games, a bog garden with bamboo tunnels and a wobbly bridge and the education garden lets little ones make their own music and learn about growing food.

Relax and Revive

Ethereal Spa, Salisbury
The Ethereal Spa brings you more than you’d expect from a massage. Incorporating ASMR techniques your relaxation experience is deepened with light touches and whisper quiet treatments. This stimulates your senses to make sure you have the most deeply relaxing experience possible.

Bishopstrow Hotel Spa, Warminster
At the Bishopstrow spa you can relax in boutique surroundings. Treat yourself to a massage to revive tired muscles or perhaps you’d like to visit as a couple for a bespoke treatment which has been tailored for two. The salon offers pedicures and manicures or you could take some time out and relax in the pool. There is also a steam room, sauna and experience shower.

Vita Skin Spa, Salisbury
The Salisbury Vita Skin Spa is perfect for a quick break for yourself. Book a treatment and spend some time in their relaxation room where soft lighting and background music let you drift away. Treatments include Japanese head spa, facials, scrubs and wraps and a variety of massages. An infra-red sauna is also available, sessions can improve the cardiovascular system, relieve aches and pains and improve overall health.

Savannah Spa, Romsey
A trip to Savannah Spa is something a bit different. Inspired by East African lodges this warm and welcoming boutique spa is surrounded by 3 acres of meadows and woodland. Book for a half, or full day for meditations, sound baths, massage and time in the spa, sauna and relaxation room. Everything here has been created for your relaxation with aromas, views and experiences creating a sense of tranquillity.