Many shops in Salisbury are set in beautiful medieval timber-framed buildings. As you wander through the colorful market or walk the ancient streets, you'll find everything from touristy gift shops to unique specialty stores.
Hard-core shoppers and locals gravitate to the Old George Mall Shopping Centre, 23B High St. (tel. 01722/333500), a short walk from the cathedral. With more than 40 individual shops and High Street stores, you can find the latest fashions as well as household appliances, CDs, toiletries, and greeting cards.
Another place of note, situated within a 14th-century building with hammered beams and some original windows, is Watsons, 8-9 Queen St. (tel. 01722/320311; www.watsonsofsalisbury.co.uk). This elegant store carries bone china from Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, and Aynsley; Dartington glassware; and a fine line of paperweights.
We always stop in at Rivermead Books, 19 North St., Wilton (tel. 01722/741609), which sells an array of secondhand books, plus some rare first editions. There are more than 23,400 books in stock. We once purchased an autographed murder mystery by Agatha Christie here for a reasonable price.
