Salisbury Attractions
You can easily see Salisbury by foot, either on your own or by taking a guided daytime or evening walk sponsored by the Salisbury City Guides (tel. 01722/320349; www.salisburycityguides.co.uk). Tickets are £3.50 for adults and £1.50 for children. Check with the Tourist Information Centre about themed walks on Saturday and the Ghost Walk on Friday.
- Landmark
Avebury
One of the largest prehistoric sites in Europe, Avebury lies on the Kennet River, 11km (7 miles) west of Marlborough and 32km (20 miles) north of Stonehenge. Some say visiting Avebury, in contrast to Stonehenge, is a more organic experience -- you can walk right up and around the… - Historic Site
Mompesson House
This is one of the most distinguished houses in the area. Built by Charles Mompesson in 1701, while he was a member of Parliament for Old Sarum, it is a beautiful example of the Queen Anne style and is well known for its fine plasterwork ceilings and paneling. It also houses a… - Landmark
Old Sarum
Believed to have been an Iron Age fortification, Old Sarum was used again by the Saxons and flourished as a walled town into the Middle Ages. The Normans built a cathedral and a castle here; parts of the old cathedral were taken down to build the city of New Sarum (Salisbury). - Religious Site
Salisbury Cathedral
You'll find no better example of the Early English pointed architectural style than Salisbury Cathedral. Construction on this magnificent building began as early as 1220 and took only 45 years to complete. (Most of Europe's grandest cathedrals took 300 years to build.) Salisbury… - Landmark
Stonehenge
This huge circle of lintels and megalithic pillars is considered by many to be the most important prehistoric monument in Britain.Some visitors are disappointed when they see that Stonehenge is nothing more than concentric circles of stones. But perhaps they don't understand that… - Historic Site
Wilton House
This home of the earls of Pembroke is in the town of Wilton. It dates from the 16th century but has undergone numerous alterations, most recently in Victoria's day, and is noted for its 17th-century staterooms, designed by celebrated architect Inigo Jones. Shakespeare's troupe is…
Salisbury Shopping
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; www.oldgeorgemall.co.uk), 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.
Salisbury Nightlife
The Salisbury Playhouse, Malthouse Lane (tel. 01722/320333 for the box office; www.salisburyplayhouse.com), produces some of the finest theater in the region. Food and drink are available from the bar and restaurant to complete your evening's entertainment.
The City Hall, Malthouse Lane (tel. 01722/434434 for the box office; www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk), has a program of events to suit most tastes and ages in comfortable surroundings. A thriving entertainment center, it attracts many of the national touring shows in addition to local amateur events, exhibitions, and sales, thus providing good entertainment at a reasonable price.
The Salisbury Arts Center, Bedwin Street (tel. 01722/321744; www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk), housed within the former St. Edmund's Church, offers a wide range of performing and visual arts. A typical program contains a broad mix of music, contemporary and classic theater, and dance performances, plus cabaret, comedy, and family shows. Regular workshops are available for all ages in arts, crafts, theater, and dance. The lively cafe/bar is a pleasant meeting place.
The Avon Brewery Inn, 75 Castle St. (tel. 01722/416184; www.theavonbreweryinn.co.uk/his.htm), is decorated like a Victorian saloon from the gay 1890s. Its idyllic garden setting overlooks the River Avon. It offers some of the tastiest and most affordable food in town.
