With its 404-foot (123-meter) spire, Salisbury Cathedral is hard to miss, and it’s the cathedral’s elaborate architecture and exceptionally preserved original copy of the Magna Carta that draws visitors to this Wiltshire city. Although the old cathedral is the city’s biggest draw, there are other things to do in Salisbury, from exploring what remains of the Iron Age hill fort of Old Sarum to downing a pint at the medieval Haunch of Venison pub. And while you’re in the area, pop over to Stonehenge, England’s iconic circle of prehistoric standing stones.
Like elsewhere in the UK, you’ll find the warmest, driest weather in Salisbury if you visit during the summer months, particularly in July and August. That said, there are plenty of festivals worth checking out throughout the year, from the St. Thomas’s Christmas Tree Festival, when the cathedral is filled with decorated Christmas trees, to the Salisbury Cathedral Festival of Flowers in spring, when the cathedral’s interiors are adorned with masses of colorful blooms.
Salisbury is easy to explore on foot, and while taxis are available in the city, most key attractions are within easy walking distance of one another. Local bus service is provided by Salisbury Reds, which also offers a hop-on hop-off bus tour that connects the city center to Old Sarum and Stonehenge. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle from one of the providers in town and cycle out to the old henge yourself.
If you're a fan of the supernatural, or just love the idea of having a pint in a medieval pub, then you must visit the Haunch of Venison. This historic (and, purportedly, haunted) hostelry is full of atmospheric charm, with dark exposed beams and more than its fair share of ghost stories. The food’s not bad either, and while you’ll find a few venison dishes on the menu, they also serve soup, bruschetta, and vegetarian risotto.
