Salisbury {pronounced SawZ Bree} is a medieval as well as Cathedral city located in Wiltshire Southern part England. Lying only 9 miles away from the Stonehenge, the city is a tourist spot for many visiting South of England. The Stonehenge is a World UNESCO heritage site maintained by the National Trust and English Heritage. Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and its old site, Old Sarum as well as the city itself attract many tourists yearly.
Over the Easter weekend, I surprised the OH with a trip to this medieval cathedral city for our first staycation. I had been wanting to visit the Stonehenge for the longest time, it is a bucketlist place to visit. It is always nice to tick items off the bucketlist especially those that have been on for the longest time. I am also happy that this trip was a local adventures trip, where I was able to explore cities which are local to me.
Whereto Stay in Salisbury
Depending on the purpose of your visit, Salisbury has an abundance of truly magical hotels and B&Bs. Our hotel was a short walk to the city centre and close enough to the Cathedral and museum. The purpose of our trip was to see both the cathedral and museum but also the Stonehenge. We stayed at the Best Western’s Red Lion Hotel for a bargain price of £69 per night. The room was quaint an overall feel of the hotel was cosy, I definitely love that it was a 13-century coaching inn. This added the extra charm to the hotel but definitely lacks in parking space which is not free.
We only spent the night at the hotel but we definitely enjoyed ourselves, being so close to Nandos was a bonus. The traditional pub was definitely inviting and so was the afternoon tea offered at the hotel. It is a perfect location especially with good weather allowing you to seat outside for a cool drink.
Must See places in Salisbury
I chose Salisbury for our staycation specifically for the proximity to the Stonehenge and did not know much else. The city has been in the news of late in regards to the supposed poisoning of a former Russian spy. Obviously this couldn’t have come at a bad time, the OH thought I wanted to poison him too. I told him, there better, cleaner and untraceable ways to do it than how it was done. Let’s just say that kept him quite for a little while longer than I imagine. What can I say, I am a scientist by training and an avid watcher of crime dramas, so I know a thing or two.
Anyway, back to the lovely town of Salisbury, located about 90 minutes drive from Oxford in Wiltshire. The city is filled with so much history, from the actual name to the Iron age constructions within the town. When I reserved the hotel, I started to research things to do in the city, and Sam never fails me. She shared this Weekend Guide about Salisbury and suggested some places to see. I knew for sure that I wanted to visit the Cathedral and Salisbury Museum as well as the Stonehenge.
Salisbury Cathedral
An Anglican cathedral with an impressive church spire which is the tallest in the UK and the oldest working close. I was definitely mesmerized by the beauty of the Cathedral, from the house, the architecture is most impressive. To say the inside is the most beautiful would be an understatement, it took 38 years to complete the main body. The history of the church is truly fascinating, from the Magna Carta to the Old Sarum. It is a must visit church especially if you’re into Gothic cathedrals.
Salisbury Museum
I was really looking forward to checking out the museum but unfortunately it was closed over the Easter period. We got chance to glance at the museum from the outside and hoping on our next visit it will be open. The museum houses one of the best collections of local archaeological finds as well as those relating to the Stonehenge. It is housed in the King’s House where it is reported King James I used to entertain guests.
Stonehenge
The overall highlight and purpose of our visit to Salisbury, though the OH’s comment left me speechless. As a National Trust and English Heritage member entrance and parking is free which is a bonus. Arriving at the site you have an option to either take the 5 minute bus ride to the circle or 20-25 minute walk. It was a cold rainy and miserable day, we opted for the free shuttle bus to the circle plus audio guide.
The Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument owned by the Crown and part of UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. No one knows exactly how the circle came to be and truly purpose, it’s still a mystery to be marveled at. The stones stand at 13 feet each in a ring of standing stones and are regarded as a British cultural icon. It is truly fascinating learning about what has been uncovered and the various historical and non-significant theories.
Both the English Heritage (manages to Stonehenge) and National Trust (owns the surrounding area) work to preserve it. Members of both English Heritage and NT enter the site for free, non-members can purchase tickets {17.50} on the day. Can be cheaper when booked online plus you have an opportunity to donate whatever you want. I am very happy to have been able to visit in person, experience it for myself and can not wait to visit again.
One thing I do wish we did when we visited the Salisbury Cathedral was go up the tower for a bird’s eye view. That’s one of my favourite past times whenever I visit a new place, I like finding the highest point of the city. I can definitely recommend visiting the city for a more home-feel feeling and great touristy places.
lexhan says
Beautiful destination and rich history in here. I love the post and learnt a thing or more from it all. Amazing images too.
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
What a beautiful place! I love all of the info you gave. Would love to visit someday!
Dee Jaye says
This looks amazing to visit and the pics are great. i would love to visit one day
Olivia Jade says
Salisbury looks like such a beautiful place to visit with plenty to do, it’s always great exploring a new place and taking lots of photos along the way x
Mellissa Williams says
What a beautiful place to visit, I would love to visit there one day – especially Stonehenge, it is such an iconic landmark.
Stephanie Merry says
I have to admit, I’ve never been to Salisbury or Stonehenge before, but it’s on the bucket list – it looks so pretty there! x
Hannah Anderson says
Never been to Stonehenge now but thanks to your very informative post I really want to now!
Waren Jean says
Very informative! Just in time when I am planning to visit UK next year. That cathedral is a must see!
Alison Rost says
It’s amazing that you were able to visit and see these beautiful sights for yourself. I love that you can also donate when you can, it’s one of the best ways to help out in preserving these lovely places!
mail4rosey says
I have researched Salisbury a bit. I’d love to go visit. Stonehenge is a classic that I would enjoy visiting.
Christina Beauchamp says
I just love the architecture of the cathedral. Beautiful!
Adaleta Avdic says
These photos are so amazing! I have always wanted to go to the Stonehenge.
Wanda Lopez says
Those pictures and sites are stunning. I can imagine how amazing this experience was.
HomeJobsbyMOM says
Such amazing photos! I love all of it and totally want to go there one day. My husband says its a plan once the kids are out of the house.
Jenny says
I love this part of the country. Stonehenge is on our bucket list too.
Mary Jingjing Mortos Lopez says
The cathedral is very rich with architectural designs, it was amazing to see its structure in your photos.
Laura says
I’d love to visit Stonehenge. My friends have been and they said that the walk to get there was worth it, especially with a picnic to look forward to at the end! xxx
Ickle Pickle says
We visited Salisbury for the first time last year and fell in love with the place, it is lovely! Love Stonehenge too. Kaz
KGR says
I’ve always wanted to visit Stonehenge but never have got round to it! I never knew that Salisbury had a museum though, it must have interesting to explore the city.
Mommy Engineering says
Now THIS is a staycation I would LOVE to do! Such a beautiful place!
Sanne says
Wait, is that how you pronounce Salisbury, haha? Stonehenge is definitely on my bucket list!
Sanne
Anosa says
Yes, I had been pronouncing it wrong for years lol
Young, Sick and Invisible says
It’s such a beautiful place, so old but idyllic with so much history behind it.
Annie Cho says
I haven’t visited any of these spots, and would love to go! Stonehenge looks so eerie, and I love historic architecture!
xoxo
Annie
Annreeba Joy says
This sounds you had an amazing visit in Salisbury. Adding this to our bucket list. Thanks for sharing.
Roy says
Learned a lot about Salisbury. There are so many things to see.
Anosa says
Thanks for stopping by
Sarah Bailey says
Oh wow it looks like you had such an amazing time visiting Salisbury. I would LOVE to go to Stonehenge but I couldn’t go and walk the distance you need to so the nearest I’ll ever get is seeing it from the road and others pictures.
Anosa says
Awww bless, there is a shuttle bus available then a small short walk to see them but otherwise from the car is fine too
Joanna says
I live in Poole so I have been to Salisbury quite often for day trips. I did go to Stonehenge once as well and I did enjoy it. I think the audio guide makes the entire place come to life, otherwise there would be just some stones and that’s it.
Anosa says
Agreed, the audio guide definitely brought it to life for me, I loved it so much.
Chana + George says
My father was in the Navy and one of his favorite places he’s ever visited was Stonehenge. My husband and I are about to move to Italy and we can’t wait to visit these places! Great resource and history background!
Thanks,
Chana
OnceUponADollhouse says
You’re inspiring our wanderlust! Adding this to our bucket list.
-Joan Cajic says
Oh wow, I’ve been pronouncing this all wrong every time lol, now I know. I need to visit Stonehenge this year.
Amber says
Ooo this just excites me. I just love history. I was at Stonehenge YEARS ago as a teen, but I didn’t appreciate it then. I need to go back and show my kids.