Salisbury
is approximately 80 miles south west of London and an easy day trip
from London.
Salisbury Cathedral is unique in Britain. Unlike its cousins, Salisbury
did not evolve gradually over centuries, with constant
additions and renovations. Rather, it was built nearly to completion
within a single generation. As a result, it presents a
unity of vision that is remarkable. Every year over 600,000 visitors
come from all over the world to the Cathedral and Close, the largest
and best preserved Cathedral Close in Britain.
Salisbury is also the main jumping off point for world famous Stonehenge.
We have a page covering the logistics of making a visit
to Stonehenge by public transport from Salisbury.
|
 |
|
|
On
Arrival
The main central coach and car park is very central, right
next to the River Avon with the medieval centre on the other side
of the river.
There are good public toilets here (charge) and a large Sainsburys
supermarket ideal for snacks. There is a small Tesco directly opposite.
Neither supermarket has a cafe.
The train station is a 10 minute walk from the very centre, just west
of the centre. The bus station is very central, very near the market
square.
Restaurants / Food
There is something for everyone within Salisbury. If you're
on a budget there are the normal fast food outlets, a Tesco &
Sainsbury supermarket. For budget cafe style fayre, Woolworths has
a cafe at the back of their store. The market in the medieval square
on Tuesday & Saturday has a farmers section and other local produce
including cakes and other bakery items.
The centre has its share of tea rooms housed in olde worlde buildings,
if you want to be conspicuous as a visitor this is a good starting
point.
Otherwise you will find the full range of cuisine's for all budgets
from pubs to chain store restaurants to wine bars to upmarket candlelit
restaurants. |
Tourist
Information
The official tourist information office is in the heart of
the shopping centre near the market. It is well signposted. Its worth
making as your first stop, if only to pick up a free street map, (which
has discount coupons).
Salisbury
City Centre Street Map |
City
Centre by River Avon |
Salisbury
Cathedral
The Cathedral was begun in 1220, and finished, with the
exception of the tower and spire, in 1258. Constable painted it, and
generations of artists with paintbrush or camera have attempted to
capture its beauty rising above the water meadows of the River Avon.
At 404 feet, it is the tallest spire in England, a fact known by most
schoolchildren. |
Salisbury
Cathedral Official Web Site
(Includes Opening & Admissions) |
The
Cathedral is more than the spire, however. An old saying records that
there are as many pillars as there are hours in the year, and as many
windows as there are days. Many of those pillars are made from beautiful,
dark Purbeck Marble, which isn't actually marble but crystalline limestone,
and isn't from Purbeck, but from Corfe Castle, Dorset.
The cathedral library houses an original copy of the Magna Carta,
brought here by the William Longpre, Earl of Salisbury and half-brother
to King John. Longpre is buried in the cathedral, the first person
so honoured.
In
the nave you can see what is probably the oldest working mechanical
clock in the world, dating to 1386. There are no hands and no clock
face; rather, it rings a chime of bells every hour. It was originally
built to call the bishops to services.
|
Salisbury
Close
Just
as there is more to the cathedral than the spire, so there is more
to the city than the cathedral. A wide green space, The Close, surrounds
the Cathedral.The
Close, essentially a walled city within the city, is ringed by wonderful
period houses.
Mompesson
House
A perfect example of Queen Anne architecture and was built for Charles
Mompesson in 1701. It is noted for its elegant and spacious interior,
especially the magnificent plasterwork and fine oak staircase. See
the important Turnbull collection of 18th century drinking glasses,
fine period furniture and charming walled garden with its garden tea
room. Mompesson House featured as Mrs Jennings' London home in the
award-winning film `Sense and Sensibility`. Mompesson House is now
owned by the National Trust. |
Wardrobes Military Museum Cathedral Close
Salisbury Museum Cathedral Close |
Wardrobes
Military Museum
The Wardrobe dates from 1254. It is known as the Wardrobe having
been used as a clothing and document store by bishops in the 14th
century.
The Wardrobe now tells the absorbing story of the Royal Berkshire
Regiment, the Wiltshire Regiment and the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal
Regiment.
Salisbury
Museum
Salisbury Museum is the home of the award-winning, redesigned Stonehenge
Gallery, the Monkton Deverill gold torc, and the now famous Warminster
Jewel and the famous `Amesbury Archer`. Displays include Early Man,
the Romans and Saxons, history of Old Sarum and Salisbury (with
the renowned Giant and Hob Nob), the Pitt Rivers collection, pottery,
porcelain and Wedgwood in beautiful 17th century rooms, a pre-NHS
surgery, costume, lace and embroidery.
|
 |
|
