Salisbury Cathedral

Built in the 13th century (the main body in just 38 years), Salisbury Cathedral boasts Britains tallest spire, towering over the medieval city at a height of 123m (404ft). It also houses the largest cathedral cloisters in Britain, the largest and earliest set of Quire stalls in Britain, the world's best preserved Magna Carta and Europe's oldest working clock (dating from 1386). There is a requested voluntary donation on entrance and for an additional charge you can explore the roof spaces and tower by climbing the 332 steps to reach the foot of the spire 225 feet above ground level where you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the city and surrounding countryside. These scheduled tours run at least once a day led by a fully trained guide but with a maximum of 12 people per tour advance booking is recommended. The Cathedral is open daily from 7.15am to 6.15pm (7.15pm Mon-Sat June to August) but please check opening times as they can be affected by services, special events and concerts. There is also a Cathedral Shop and Restaurant which are open every day of the year except Christmas Day.

More information at http://www.salisburycathedral.co.uk

Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum

Housed in the King's House, a grade 1 listed building in Salisbury Cathedral Close, the museum's extensive collections focus on the archaeology and history of Salisbury and south Wiltshire and its archaeological collections are designated as being of national importance. In addition to the award winning Stonehenge Gallery there are also displays of costume, art (including Turner watercolours), ceramics and the history of Salisbury. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays in July and August 2pm to 5pm. More information at http://www.salisburymuseum.org.uk

Mompesson House

More information at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-mompessonhouse.htm

Stonehenge

No visit to this part of the country would be complete without a trip to one of the greatest prehistoric monuments in the world. Whilst not the largest stone circle in the world it is the only one having lintels around the top making it unique. It is surrounded by the remains of other ceremonial and domestic structures, earthworks, burial mounds and other circular monuments, many of which are accessible by road or public footpath. More information at www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge

Old Sarum Castle

A massive Iron Age hillfort abandoned in 1220 when the new Salisbury cathedral was built 2 miles away. The site contains the ruins of a castle, cathedral and Bishop's Palace and there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from the ramparts.

More information at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/oldsarum

Farmer Giles Farmstead

Situated 11 miles west of Salisbury at Teffont, Farmer Giles is a unique 38 acre working farm where you can learn all about farming, past and present, and enjoy the wonderful Wiltshire downland setting. You can feed the lambs, groom the donkeys, see the ponies, rare breeds and wildlife in their natural habitat, have a tractor and trailer ride, stroll through the vineyard, visit the milking parlour and pets corner, see the exhibition of farming bygones and old machinery and much more. There is also a restaurant & bar and adventure playground.

More information at http://www.farmergiles.co.uk

Wilton House

Home to the Earl of Pembroke since the 16th century and situated in 21 acres of gardens beside the River Nadder, Wilton House has much to admire. Start your visit in the old riding school with a short film detailing the history of the Herbert family (the Earls of Pembroke) followed by a visit to the recreated Tudor kitchen and Victorian laundry. The house itself includes The Double Cube Room which is the finest surviving 17th century state Room in England and, having been designed to display the family portraits by Sir Anthony Van Dyck, is now the greatest collection of his paintings still seen in its original setting. There are many other treasures to view in the house before exploring the magnificent gardens which include a rose garden, water garden and riverside and woodland walks. There is also an adventure playground, restaurant and gift shop.

More information at http://www.wiltonhouse.co.uk

In addition to these tourist attractions the city also boasts a strong night-life.

For entertainment there is a varied programme of events from national touring shows and films to music, exhibitions and drama from resident companies at The City Hall (http://www.cityhallsalisbury.co.uk), Salisbury Arts Centre (http://www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk) and Salisbury Playhouse (http://www.salisburyplayhouse.com). In addition, there are many fine restaurants, bars and public houses.
There is also plenty for budding shopaholics to enjoy with traditional, specialist shops mingling with the best in high street names, often set within original, medieval timber framed buildings. There is also the Salisbury Charter Market, open twice a week and incorporating a farmers' market selling locally produced goods.

Three great shopping centres:-

The Old George Mall

Situated in the heart of Salisbury and housing over 50 high street shops it has its own multi-storey car park and is fronted by the 13th century George Inn which is mentioned in Samuel Pepys' Diary.

Maltings Shopping Centre

Situated next to the River Avon and with its own car park The Maltings houses a variety of shops from fashions and books to crafts and gifts. There is also a cafe and public house.

Wilton Shopping Village

With its riverside setting, restaurant and beautifully restored 18th century courtyard Wilton Shopping Village provides a unique and relaxing shopping experience with a wide range of factory outlet shops including The Edinburgh Woollen Mill, The Golf Company, Leading Labels, Pavers Shoes, The Wilton Carpet Factory and more.

More information at http://www.wiltonshoppingvillage.co.uk

This information is copyright Cravenplan Computers Ltd. No reproduction or redistribution without express permission.