A guide to Salisbury

Did you know?

  • 1.
    Salisbury Cathedral was moved stone by stone from its original location at Old Sarum in 1220 to where it is currently located. The cathedral also has a working 14th century clock, which is the oldest working clock in Britain and an original copy of the Magna Carta.
  • 2.
    By early 20th century, Salisbury became known for its military links, with more servicemen living in the city and creating demand for facilities and amenities. To this day, military use of the nearby Salisbury Plain continues.
  • 3.
    Salisbury hosts a market in the central square three times a week, and a monthly farmers market on the first and third Wednesday of the month.

Salisbury Area

Salisbury is a medieval Cathedral city in the county of Wiltshire. It sits nine miles south of the iconic prehistoric stone circle at Stonehenge, which stands on the grassland of Salisbury Plain. At the city’s heart is Salisbury Cathedral, a beacon that has attracted visitors for centuries and continues to do so today. The city’s ornate 13th century cathedral has the tallest spire in the United Kingdom, which rises to a colossal 404 feet. Surrounding the cathedral is a medieval city, made up of cobbled streets and historical buildings with modern amenities. Salisbury is exceptionally well located for access to the coast and West Country and there are direct trains to the capital.

Surrounding Villages

  • Wilton
    For over 400 years Wilton House has been the country seat of the Earls of Pembroke. With a charter market in the village square open for several hundred years, the tradition lives on with a weekly market every Thursday. Wilton has a very impressive Italianate church which hosts ceremonies and services throughout the year.
  • Tisbury
    Tisbury is a chocolate box village in the Nadder Valley, and with a direct train line to London it is an extremely desirable location for many. The pretty high street has many independent shops and retailers, including a fishmonger, butcher, bakery, several coffee shops and a fabulous delicatessen offering supplies from around the globe.
  • Broad Chalke
    Broad Chalke is a pretty village mostly made up of period houses set in the desirable Chalke Valley. There is a community run village shop in the old church, a coffee shop and music room for local events. The village pub is a popular stopping off point for walkers strolling through the valley.
  • Downton
    Downton lies to the south of Salisbury and is a thriving village with a junior and senior school, local supermarket, village hall and church, coffee shop, doctor’s surgery, dentist and a few independent retailers along ‘The Borough’. The village hosts many events including the annual ‘Cuckoo Fair’ along with a Maypole dance on the village green.

Lifestyle

  • Shopping

    Salisbury has a wide array of shopping opportunities

    with a range of independent retailers, boutiques, high street shops and major outlets. Salisbury prides itself on the diversity it offers shoppers; with an eclectic selection of retailers, there really is something for everyone and little need to go further afield.

  • Eating

    The Chapter House

    In The Chapter House there is a cosy restaurant and friendly pub; look no further if you want a good steak or a tasty Sunday roast.

    Anokaa

    Contemporary Indian cuisine which offers impeccable service and traditional cooking, yet set in a modern and relaxed restaurant.

    Baroushka

    Middle Eastern mezze, tagine dishes and unique wines run by a local family who are passionate about what they do.

    Tinga

    Transport yourself to Mexico City and treat your taste buds to authentic Mexican food in this independently owned Mexican bar and restaurant.

  • Drinking

    The New Inn

    This pub offers a range of beers and ales, also a large beer garden to the rear with views over the cathedral.

    The Ox Row Inn

    British fare & Sunday roasts in a quaint space with homely furnishings and fireplace, with tables and chairs spilling out onto the central market square.

    Cosy Club

    A quirky bar/pub to meet for a few drinks or cocktails, with shabby-chic décor and a garden to the rear.

    Qudos

    A contemporary pub which offers live music at the weekend and an opportunity to dance the night away!

    Maul’s Wine & Cheese Bar

    The only place to meet your friends when you want to share a glass of wine or fizz accompanied by a platter of artisan meats, cheeses and olives.

Travel

  • Trains

    Average journey time from Salisbury to London Waterloo is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

  • Other Transport

    Other transport in the area includes many buses to the surrounding areas, as well as good access to the A30, A303, M27 and M3.