Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Salisbury has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Salisbury.
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Sights in Salisbury
Situated on the River Avon, Salisbury is the only city in Wiltshire, England. With a rich history dating back to the Romans, the medieval city of Salisbury is home to a whopping 13th century Cathedral, one of the tallest spires in the country, as well as the bestpreservedoriginal Magna Carta – making it the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend away.
As the saying goes, ‘Salisbury Plain is where time stands still’ – and indeed, it seems as though the city has been untouched by time. Steeped in character, Salisbury is a bustling city with a lively market, quaint cobbled streets and plenty of traditional pubs to pop into.
But, the real star of the show is Salisbury Cathedral. Built in 1220, the Cathedral is home to the tallest spire in the UK, which soars to 404 feet (123m) – that’s even taller than Big Ben! As well as being an aweinspiring sight, the Cathedral is alsosignificant for its 16thcentury Clock Tower, the oldest working clock in the world.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can even climb up the 332 spiralling steps to the top of the Spire for breathtaking views of the city below. Just be warned – it’s not for the fainthearted!
Another mustsee is the Magna Carta. This ancient document, dating back to 1215, is the bestpreserved Magna Carta in existence and is on display in Salisbury Cathedral’s Chapter House. If you want to learn more about the historic importance of the Magna Carta, you can join one of the free guided tours, which run daily.
So, whether you’re looking to explore a beautiful medieval city, learn more about British history or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through picturesque surroundings, Salisbury is the perfect place for you.
History of Salisbury
The city of Salisbury is located in the southwest of England, in the county of Wiltshire. It is situated on the edge of the Salisbury Plain, at the confluence of the rivers Avon and Wilts. The city has a population of approximately 40,000 people.
The history of Salisbury began with the founding of a cathedral in the city in the early 13th century. The cathedral, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country. It is home to the tallest spire in England, at 404 feet (123 metres).
The site on which the cathedral was built was originally chosen in 1220, when the Bishop of Old Sarum (the town from which Salisbury takes its name) decided to move his seat to a more central location. The building took nearly 40 years to complete and was consecrated in 1258.
Over the centuries, Salisbury has been the scene of numerous historical events. In the 14th century, it was the site of the signing of the Treaty of Salisbury, which ended the first phase of the Hundred Years’ War. In 1645, during the English Civil War, the city was occupied by Parliamentary forces.
In more recent times, Salisbury has become a thriving cultural and commercial centre. The city has a lively arts scene, with several museums and art galleries, and a variety of shops and restaurants. It is also home to two universities: the University of Wiltshire and Salisbury University.
Vacation in Salisbury
Salisbury is a historic market town and the administrative centre of Wiltshire, England, with a population of 40,302 at the 2011 census. The city is located 20 mi (32 km) northwest of Southampton and 120 mi (190 km) westnorthwest of London. Nearby are Stonehenge, Avebury and Old Sarum. The city is notable for its medieval cathedral, completed in 1258. The cathedral has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom (123 m).
Salisbury railway station is an interchange between the national rail network and the heritage heritage Alderbury Railway. Salisbury is also home to five military garrisons.
Popular tourist attractions in Salisbury include Salisbury Cathedral, Wilton House, Old Sarum, Stonehenge, and the Rufus Stone.
The city has a number of museums including the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, the Wardrobe Museum, and the Dickens Centre.
In the centre of the city is a large openair farmers’ market which is held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. It is one of the largest farmers’ markets in the UK with over 50 stalls selling a wide range of local produce.
Just outside the city is the Army Air Corps Museum which is located at Middle Wallop. The museum houses a collection of over 30 historic aircraft.
Salisbury Racecourse is located just to the south of the city and hosts horse racing fixtures throughout the year.
The city is home to a number of annual events including the Salisbury International Arts Festival, the Jazz and Funk Festival, and the Salisbury Folk Festival.
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