1 Salisbury Cathedral, ☏ +44 1722 555120. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM. Constructed between 1220 and 1258 to replace the previous cathedral at Old Sarum, this Gothic-style cathedral has the highest spire in the United Kingdom at 404 feet (123 metres). Cathedral services take place daily and opening times can vary at short notice depending on services. The cathedral close is especially beautiful with fine lawns surrounded by elegant and historic buildings. There are daily 90-minute guided tours up the tower (extra payment). It is not for those scared of heights, but the views are magnificent, and 60-minute floor tours led by volunteer guides. Suggested donation: adults £7.50, seniors £6.50, students £4.50, children £3, families (2 adults + children) £15. (updated Sep 2017)
Magna Carta (Great Charter). Apr-Oct: M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM, Su noon-4PM; Nov-Mar: 9:30AM-4:30PM, Su noon-3:45PM. For history buffs, the chapter house displays the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta. Photography of the original Magna Carta is not allowed. (updated Jun 2022)
Oldest working clock. The oldest working mechanical clock is on display and has been ticking apparently over 4 billion times since 1386. The bell however only rings on special occasions. (updated Mar 2019)
2 Old Sarum, Castle Road, SP1 3SD (from Salisbury Marketplace, it's one-hour walk from Salisbury Marketplace up Castle Street, or take bus PR11 (every 15 min), 8, X4 or X5 about 8 minutes north.), ☏ +44 1722 335398. Located on a hilltop north of modern Salisbury, Old Sarum is the site of the original city, showing evidence of habitation from 3000 BC to 1219 when the bishop relocated Salisbury Cathedral to its current location. Until 1832 Old Sarum was a 'rotten borough', which elected two members of parliament despite long periods during which there were no residents. Most of the site is free to enter, although there is a charge to enter the Inner Bailey. Adults £4.80, children £2.40, concessions £3.60. (updated Sep 2027)
3 The Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, The King's House, 65 The Close, SP1 2EN, ☏ +44 1722 332151. M-Sa 10AM-5PM (Jul-Aug Su 2-5PM). This small but varied museum houses displays on the history of Salisbury, costume, ceramics, pictures and the Stonehenge Gallery. In Notes from a Small Island, Bill Bryson comments that "Salisbury museum is outstanding and I urge you to go there at once"! Adults £5, child £2.
4 Dinton Park and Philipps House, Dinton, Salisbury, SP3 5HH (8 miles west of Salisbury), ☏ +44 1672 538014, sw.customerenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk.
5 Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, Hangar 1 South, Old Sarum Airfield (Off the A345, 5 miles south of Amesbury, 2 miles north of Salisbury near Old Sarum). Mar-Oct: Tu-Su and Bank Holiday Mondays 10AM-7PM; Nov-Feb: Sa Su 10AM-4PM. Last entry one hour before closing. The big attraction here is sitting in a variety of aircraft cockpits and playing with the controls. The museum is run by dedicated and very helpful volunteers. Adults £8.50, seniors/students/disabled/serving UK military personnel £7, children 5-16 £6, children under 5 free, families (2 adults, 2 children) £23. (updated Sep 2017)
6 Arundells, 59 Cathedral Close, SP1 2EN, ☏ +44 1722 326546, info@arundells.org. A 13th century medieval canonry now maintained by volunteers as a Grade II* listed building with beautiful surrounding gardens. (updated Dec 2024)
7 Mompesson House, The Close, SP1 2EL, ☏ +44 1722 335659, mompessonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk. A Georgian era townhouse with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It was built by Thomas Mompesson and later renovated by his son Charles in the early 18th century. The house reflects the Queen Anne style and features notable architectural influences from Christopher Wren. It houses exceptional Georgian plasterwork and carvings, as well as collections of 18th-century drinking glasses and ceramics. The house, bequeathed to the National Trust in 1975, also served as a filming location for the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. (updated Dec 2024)
8 St Thomas & St. Edmunds Church, St Thomas's Square. A Grade I listed Church of England parish church in central Salisbury, founded in the early 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th century. It was founded as a small chapel built by Bishop Poore for workers on the cathedral. It was later expanded and dedicated to St Thomas of Canterbury. The church features a 15th-century doom painting above the chancel arch, a rebuilt chancel, and a tower with an unusual pyramid roof. It underwent significant restoration during the 19th century, including the removal of pews and the installation of a new altar and organ. The church has strong historical ties with Salisbury Cathedral, and its parish was merged with St Edmund’s in 1974. (updated Dec 2024)
9 The Rifles Museum, 58 The Close, SP1 2EX, ☏ +44 1722 419419, marketing@thewardrobe.org.uk. Located in The Wardrobe, a Grade II* listed building constructed in 1254 and rebuilt in the 15th century. The museum houses the combined collections of the Royal Berkshire Regiment and the Wiltshire Regiment, which were previously held at Brock Barracks in Reading and Le Marchant Barracks in Devizes. Acquired by the museum trustees in 1981, The Wardrobe became a military museum in 1982, initially named the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment Museum, and it now showcases a wide range of artefacts from both regiments. (updated Dec 2024)
10 New Art Centre (Rochcourt Sculpture Park), Roche Court, East Winterslow, SP5 1BG, ☏ +44 1980 862244. A contemporary art museum dedicated to showcasing both British and international sculptors. The museum features a diverse collection of sculptures in various styles and materials, with regular exhibitions and events. It offers visitors the chance to explore a wide range of three-dimensional artworks while engaging with the art through interactive programs and special commissions. (updated Dec 2024)
