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Things to do in Salisbury

Our most recommended things to do in Salisbury

From London: Stonehenge, Windsor and Salisbury Guided Tour

1. From London: Stonehenge, Windsor and Salisbury Guided Tour

Immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape of the west of England on a 10-hour tour from London, and learn about the rich heritage of its pagan past and royal history in Salisbury, Stonehenge and Windsor. Departing from central London, drive west to the monoliths of Stonehenge, which have confounded people for over 5,000 years. Having baffled historians and archaeologists as to how it was built, your guide will explain some of the theories. Continue to the market town of Salisbury, best known for its 13th-century cathedral. Built during the reign of Henry III, it boasts the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom at 404 feet (123 meters), and is one of the finest examples of early Gothic English architecture. Visit Salisbury Cathedral, and be welcomed by a specialist Salisbury Cathedral Guide and given an introductory talk before their tour. Marvel at the Magna Carta, the famous agreement made between King John and his barons at Runnymede in 1215, and now housed in the Chapter House. Explore Royal history with a visit to the queen's official residence, Windsor Castle: witness the changing tastes in decor of the State Apartments over centuries of monarchs living there; see paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci and Rembrandt; admire Queen Mary's dolls house, the most famous dolls house in the world; and see St George's Chapel, the final resting place for several monarchs.

From London: Windsor, Stonehenge, & Salisbury Cathedral Trip

2. From London: Windsor, Stonehenge, & Salisbury Cathedral Trip

Discover some of England's must-visit spots on a guided tour from London to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Salisbury. See Windsor Castle in the historic market town of Windsor, discover the mysteries of Stonehenge, and step back in time while exploring the interior of Salisbury Cathedral. Windsor  Windsor is a stunning English town, rich in history and located on the River Thames. The town is famed for its royal connections and is home to Windsor Castle which is the queen’s official residence. Surrounded by gorgeous countryside, it has a diverse mix of history, culture, and heritage. Stonehenge You'll never forget your first glimpse of Stonehenge with its monolithic rocks rising up against the skyline on Salisbury Hill. Theories abound about the mysterious rock formation. Was it intended as a religious temple? An astronomical clock? A Bronze Age burial ground? Salisbury Sample the splendor of Salisbury. Soaring into the skyline, the spire of Salisbury Cathedral stands at an astounding 123 m (404 ft). Erected 800 years ago, the revolutionary spire is considered one of the leading examples of Early English architecture. Delve into the charms of the bustling market at your leisure.

From Bath: Private Stonehenge and Salisbury Trip with Pickup

3. From Bath: Private Stonehenge and Salisbury Trip with Pickup

Stonehenge is the greatest and most iconic marvel of prehistoric Britain and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This monument still retains its power and sense of wonder over all those who gather here. Travel back in time and discover what inspired stone age people to start erecting this monument 4,500 years ago. Upon arrival your guide will offer you an entertaining and informative privately guided tour of this unique Stone Circle and you will learn about recent archaeological discoveries. Later, enjoy a traditional pub lunch in the centre of Salisbury and explore this charming mediaeval city. Soak up the splendour and scale of Salisbury Cathedral, which boasts Britain's tallest spire, the world's oldest working clock, and the best-preserved original 1215 Magna Carta, an ancient pact safeguarding individual liberty. This document inspired America's Founding Fathers to write their Constitution and Bill of Rights. Journey back to the delightful Georgian City of Bath, where you will either be dropped off at your accommodation or in the centre of town. This will definitely be a day to remember. **PLEASE NOTE that children aged 12 years or under are not permitted on this tour due to UK child seat law restrictions. Your driver-guide is neither insured nor licensed below this threshold.

English Heritage: Attractions Pass for Overseas Visitors

4. English Heritage: Attractions Pass for Overseas Visitors

Get a range of benefits with a 9-day or 16-day single or family English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass, offering free entry to more than 100 stately homes, castles, prehistoric remains and gardens the length and breadth of England. Only available to non-UK residents, the great value pass will save you money even if you only visit 2 or 3 attractions, making a 9-day pass suitable for a weekend break. You can visit as many English Heritage attractions as you like, and come back as many times as you want to. But the more places you visit, the more money you save! Plan your vacation with the help of our overseas visitor Guidebook. The English Heritage website will also help you plan your visit before you travel. Once you have decided which attractions to explore, there is no need to get your money out at every attraction, and no need to keep track of your spending. The monuments bring the story of England to life, and have all been selected for their historic significance. Located in some of the most beautiful settings in England, they include mighty castles, tranquil monastic ruins, pleasant gardens and grand stately homes. Many host special events throughout the year, and your pass also gives you free or reduced price entry. You might even come face-to-face with a knight in shining armor. All sites have reduced opening times during the winter months (October to March). Detailed information available after booking. The full list of places you can access with your pass is as follows: In London: Apsley HouseChiswick HouseEltham Palace and GardensJewel TowerMarble Hill HouseRanger’s House - The Wernher CollectionWellington ArchIn the South East: 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey & BattlefieldBayham Old AbbeyCarisbrooke CastleDeal CastleDover CastleFort Brockhurst (as part of a pre-booked group)Home of Charles Darwin (Down House)Lullingstone Roman VillaMedieval Merchant’s HouseOsborne HousePevensey CastlePortchester CastleRichborough Roman FortRochester CastleSt Augustine’s AbbeyWalmer Castle & GardensYarmouth CastleIn the South West: Berry Pomeroy CastleChysauster Ancient VillageCleeve AbbeyDartmouth CastleFarleigh Hungerford CastleHailes AbbeyLaunceston CastleMuchelney AbbeyOkehampton CastleOld SarumOld Wardour CastlePendennis CastlePortland CastleRestormel CastleSt Mawes CastleSherborne Old CastleStonehengeTintagel CastleTotnes Castle In the East of England: Audley End House & GardensBerney Arms Windmill (as part of a pre-booked group)Castle Acre PrioryDenny Abbey and the Farmland MuseumGreat Yarmouth Row Houses and Greyfriars’ CloisterGrime’s GravesFramlingham CastleOrford CastleSaxtead Green Post MillTilbury FortWrest Park In the East Midlands: Ashby de la Zouch CastleBolsover CastleHardwick Old HallKirby HallKirby Muxloe CastleLyddington Bede HousePeveril CastleSibsey Trader WindmillLincoln Medieval Bishops’ PalaceRushton Triangular LodgeIn the West Midlands: Boscobel House and the Royal OakBuildwas AbbeyGoodrich CastleHaughmond AbbeyKenilworth Castle and Elizabethan GardenStokesay CastleWenlock PrioryWitley Court and GardensWroxeter Roman CityIn Yorkshire: Aldborough Roman SiteBrodsworth Hall and GardensByland AbbeyClifford's TowerHelmsley CastleKirkham PrioryMiddleham CastleMount Grace PrioryPickering CastleRichmond CastleRievaulx AbbeyRoche AbbeySt Peter's ChurchScarborough CastleThornton Abbey and GatehouseWhitby AbbeyYork Cold War Bunker (pre-booked visits only)In the North West: Beeston Castle and Woodland ParkBrougham CastleCarlisle CastleFurness AbbeyLanercost PrioryStott Park Bobbin MillAt Hadrian's Wall: Birdoswald Roman FortChesters Roman FortCorbridge Roman TownHousesteads Roman FortIn the North East: Aydon CastleBarnard CastleBerwick-Upon-Tweed-BarracksBelsay Hall, Castle and GardensBrinkburn PrioryDunstanburgh CastleEtal CastleLindisfarne PrioryPrudhoe CastleTynemouth Priory and CastleWarkworth Castle

Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge & Salisbury with Christmas Lunch

5. Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge & Salisbury with Christmas Lunch

Drive past Stonehenge, where you can view this ancient monument. Situated atop Salisbury Hill, 40 ton rocks stand alone since their arrival 5,000 years ago. Abundance of theories surround Stonehenge; from a religious temple to an astronomical clock and even a Bronze Age burial ground! Savor a delectable three course Christmas lunch, complete with all the trimmings, including a glass of wine and a choice of either tea or coffee to complement your meal. Following a traditional Christmas lunch, you will head for the town of Salisbury which has one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Britain. Also discover the beauty of Bath! Designated a World Heritage Site, Bath was the first city in England to receive this prestige and proudly stands on the slopes of the River Avon. Enjoy a whistle stop tour of Bath’s famous monuments from the comfort of your seat! Take in Bath Abbey, which saw the coronation of the first British King in 973 AD. Admire the architecture of the stunning Royal Crescent. Marvel at the famous Pulteney Bridge, modeled on the Florentine Ponte Vecchio.

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Insider tips: Planning a trip to Salisbury

Thomas Dowson is the founder of Archaeology Travel, a website for those seeking adventures in archaeology and history. As a professional archaeologist Thomas enjoys visiting archaeological and historical sites around the world. On his blog, you can find more information and all the details for planning a trip to Salisbury.

What should I do on my first trip to Salisbury?

Salisbury is one of England’s designated Heritage Cities. So there is a lot to see for those who enjoy history. With England’s tallest spire, you will not be able to miss Salisbury Cathedral. England’s tallest spire houses the world’s oldest working clock. And you really should not miss getting up closer. On display in the Chapter House is one of four surviving copies of the 13th century Magna Carter. The Cathedral Close has a number of historic houses, including one that now houses the impressive Salisbury Museum.

What are some hidden gems to see in Salisbury?

St Thomas’ Church houses the largest and best preserved Doom Painting in the United Kingdom. Painted by an unnamed artist in 1470 and depicting the Last Judgement, it was covered in the early 16th century during the Reformation. This extraordinarily detailed painting was not seen again until 1819 and not uncovered fully until 1881. In 2019 Salisbury’s Doom Painting was fully restored, and is on display free, for all to see.

How much time should I spend in Salisbury?

Two days in Salisbury would give most visitors enough time to see a lot that this historic city has to offer. Besides the cathedral, there is the Iron Age and medieval site of Old Sarum on the edge of the city, and the world famous stone circle, Stonehenge, that is not even half an hour from the city centre.

What is the best way to get around Salisbury?

Salisbury is not a very big city. So getting about is very easily done on foot. Even Old Sarum is a pleasant walk from the city centre, at around 40 minutes. Stonehenge, on the other hand, is a bit further out. For those without a car, and not wanting a 3 hour hike, there is public transport from the city centre to the prehistoric stone circle.

What are the best months to visit Salisbury?

Salisbury has a charm of its own throughout the year. But for me, my favourite time to visit Salisbury, as with much of southern England, is spring into early summer, from April to June. That said, on a crisp autumn day the autumnal colours of the trees set against a bright blue sky make October a very close second.

What is neighborhood Salisbury known for?

Not a neighbourhood as such, but Cathedral Close and the area around the cathedral is the historic centre of Salisbury. The Close itself has a number of historic properties, in which a number of Salisbury’s more famous residents have lived. For example, the late Sir Edward Heath - a former British Prime Minister. This is also a wonderful, quiet space to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

What is the best family-friendly thing to do in Salisbury?

Salisbury Cathedral is not just for adults, but children enjoy exploring it too. Besides a walk around the vast church, on offer for the whole family are guided tours up into the church tower. Climbing up into the roof space with its 13th century wooden beams is an adventure itself. Here children are fascinated by the medieval graffiti and being able to stare into England’s tallest spire.

Other Sightseeing Options in Salisbury

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What people are saying about Salisbury

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 266 reviews

I thought I was going to be able to get the entrance tickets for Stonehenge and Windsor Castle from the guide, but that wasn't the case. While we were able to get entrance tickets to Stonehenge when we arrived, we were not able to get entrance tickets to Windsor Castle because it was sold out. I was very disappointed to not be able to go into Windsor Castle.

We caught this tour after our cruise and it was the best way to finish off a great vacation. Rob provided great insight and historical information of these sights, as well as some other insights into the town. We were limited on time at these great stops but overall, with everyone penny. Highly recommend it!

Really great way to get from the Southampton port to London after a cruise. The bus was great - modern tour bus, and the tour guide was very knowledgeable. Stonehenge was a great learning experience, and seeing Windsor was good for someone from the USA.

It was a great trip with wonderful Tour guide name Sona. She is very knowledgeable, open to people and very friendly! All four stops are great, a lot of knowledge, things to see and enjoy. Highly recommended.

The pass is recommended. Paying locally is much more expensive.