Something Old. Something New.
World-class attractions, unique independent shops, top quality schools, a comradely spirit and stunning scenery: Salisbury has it all. No wonder it topped The Sunday Times’ Best Places To Live guide in 2019, with the paper saying the city "remains a divinely attractive and welcoming place".
It is true, the heart of Salisbury is an inviting mix of old and new. Medieval properties are woven into the fabric of the city centre, as the majestic Salisbury Cathedral regally towers over all.
With hundreds of independent businesses in the city centre offering the highest quality products and services, Salisbury has a truly unique offering. From specialist retail shops to award winning family-run restaurants, our diverse range of independent businesses proudly offer an array of products and services, specialist expert knowledge, value for money and exceptional customer service. Salisbury is timeless in its originality.
Set in the heart of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside there is much to see and do you won't want to go anywhere else. But, with good road and rail links, getting to other parts of the country is easy.
Salisbury train station is on the main line to London with a commute of just one and a half hours. Direct trains also run to Bristol, Southampton and Exeter.
Airports in Southampton and Bournemouth are less than a 45-minute drive away, with Heathrow, Gatwick and Bristol easily accessible by road and train.
The great travel links make Salisbury a perfect location for businesses, and business meet-ups. We have many venues that offer meeting rooms for hire, and rentable office space available for short-term, medium or long-term use - including co-working spaces.
Salisbury has one of the best internet services in the country making working from home just as easy as within the office. In 2020, the city became the first in the UK to have universal access to ultra-fast fibre broadband which means that Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology is available to 20,000 households and businesses. This offers a much faster and more reliable connection.
With a reputation for inspiration, Salisbury’s two grammar schools - Bishop Wordsworth’s and South Wilts – are regularly amongst the best performing in England. Whether young or old there are plenty of opportunities to learn in Salisbury.
For many, the low crime rate is a big draw to Salisbury. According to the latest report, crime figures over the year ending June 2020 show there were 41,086 offences in the Wiltshire Police area. This puts the overall crime rate at 56.9% per 1,000 people, compared to a national average of 84.7%.
For health-related issues there are both NHS and private options available locally. Salisbury District Hospital has a big presence within the community. In its latest inspection it was rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission, with ‘Outstanding’ critical care. The Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, is a major local employer with over 4,000 staff. For those looking for a job, or a new challenge, Salisbury has a lot of employment opportunities – from leading health care professionals to tech pioneers.
Salisbury has a strong arts and culture scene, with entertainment for all ages and a tradition of hospitality that has grown stronger over our 800-year history. There is always something to see and do. Salisbury Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading touring theatre producers with a busy schedule of shows for all ages, while the Salisbury International Arts Festival and Chalke Valley History Festival are two of the biggest cultural festivals in the South West that both draw crowds from around the world.
Our focus on all ages was highlighted in March 2022 when the city was named in the top 10 family-friendly travel destinations in the UK, by travel guide Bounce. Salisbury came 7th, when judged on criteria including family attractions, weather, affordability, safety, and restaurants that were welcoming to families.
If you like being active, Salisbury is a hive for fitness. There are cycle and walking routes to make the most of the beauty of the city and surrounding countryside, clubs for those who like to get fit and make friends, and a large choice of gyms.
If you're thinking of relocating to Salisbury, we have a wide range of local businesses on hand to provide help, advice and excellent services; from estate agents and solicitors to insurance brokers and financial advisors. Explore our local business directory here.
With so much to offer, Salisbury is waiting for you.