Top 10 things to do in Salisbury this summer
You will never be at a loose end this summer with so much to see and do around Salisbury!
From markets to mini golf and spitfires to escape rooms – there is plenty on offer.
With only a few weeks of the holidays left, we've put together our top things to do in Salisbury as the summer draws to a close:
Save the pennies at Salisbury Cathedral!
Salisbury Cathedral has recently been named the UK's best value attraction so why not take time this summer to find out why!
We know the summer holidays can be expensive, but the survey from Money.co.uk found you'll get more bang for buck with a visit to our magnificent cathedral. The number one spot was given based on quality of reviews and cost of admission.
There is so much to do and see at the cathedral. There are a variety of tours you can take to find out more about the history of the building. The popular Towers Tour has now restarted. You can view the best preserved of the four remaining Magna Cartas. There’s also the world’s oldest working clock, Weaving Workshops (during August) and the Treads Through Creation exhibition of 12 huge embroidered panels.
Admission is still by booking only at the moment (not for the refectory and gift shop though) but anyone who does buy a ticket can re-use it for repeat visits for 12 months from the date of purchase. Plus, it is free entry for all under 13s and residents in the SP1, SP2 and Laverstock areas. No wonder it was named best value attraction!!
Fayre on the Square
This is one for all the family to experience this summer. There is a nine-hole mini golf course, a city garden bar and street food vendors – something for everyone! Fayre on the Square, organised by Salisbury City Council, can be found in the Market Place until 31st August.
Outdoor summer spaces
Salisbury is lucky to have beautiful outdoor spaces right in the heart of the city. Take a break from shopping to sit back in the tranquil settings of Arundells in the Cathedral Close, or the gardens at The Rifles Museum (seen in the photo above). Take a picnic to Queen Elizabeth Gardens where, on a warm day, it’s a perfect location to paddle in the river. Head to Churchill Gardens for fun play areas for the children or take a walk through the Harnham Water Meadows to see one of the best views of Salisbury Cathedral. There are many other city parks ideal for summer fun. You can find them here.
Salisbury Street Sellers
Salisbury Street Sellers is a hugely popular market that celebrates traditional English crafts, products and produce. Every second Sunday of the month you will find a range of independent and quirky traders in the Market Place. From food and drink vendors to live music and a vibrant atmosphere, it promises to be a great family fun day that showcases everything that makes our city special.
Splash of Colour
A great way to keep the whole family occupied. Splash of Colour is a pottery café that gives all ages the chance to paint their own pottery designs, make their own mosaics or even take to the pottery wheel. From babies to grandparents, it is a fun way to spend time together and you will have a keepsake to take away and treasure too.
Have a splash about
Whatever your age or ability there is a swimming pool to suit at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre. There is a main pool, beach pool and learner pool with Inflatable Fun and Family Fun available for families that would like to swim together. You could even hire the whole pool! Booking is still advised at the moment. You can do that through the Wiltshire Council website.
See Wiltshire’s prehistoric past
The stone circles of Stonehenge have stood in the Wiltshire countryside for nearly 5,000 years and have become (some would say) the world’s best known prehistoric monument. The visitor centre takes visitors back in time, explaining more about how the stones ended up here and why. During the summer months they are also giving younger children the chance to get involved by unearthing the past in special Stonehenge sandboxes. Artefacts from across the centuries are ready to be excavated, giving children the chance to learn more about the history of Stonehenge through the things that have been left behind.
800 years new
If history is your thing, then Salisbury has it in bucket loads! The city grew around the cathedral as it was being built 800 years ago. Sometimes, even those that live in the city, can walk past some of its most wonderous heritage. Do you know where the oldest building is? Where to find a dragon?! Or who was beheaded on Blue Boar Row? Take a trip through Salisbury’s past using The Salisbury Trails App. Download it to you phone and take a leisurely summer stroll to uncover Salisbury's unique heritage and points of interest. Or, take a look at our blog about the hidden architectural gems of Salisbury to pick the best bits.
Secret Spitfires
It is a story people are only now becoming aware of – the spitfires that were built by ordinary men, women and children in Salisbury during the Second World War. A memorial has now been put up at Salisbury Rugby Club to act as a lasting tribute to all those who constructed approximately 2,500 Spitfires in total secrecy in Salisbury between 1940-1945. The full-sized replica Spitfire is definitely worth a look this summer. And, you can find out more information about their amazing story, here.
Escape rooms with a spooky twist!
It you like a challenge this one is for you! There are two escape rooms in Salisbury to choose from: Live Escape Rooms Salisbury and Salisbury Escape Rooms. Both offer different puzzle rooms where you have to work together to piece together the clues and hopefully find a way out!! As well as offering the normal game options, Live Escape Rooms Salisbury has also now launched ghost hunts where you can become a paranormal investigator and meet the spirits of one of Salisbury’s most haunted buildings.
If you are looking for things to do a little further afield, then Salisbury is a perfect location to explore the wider area.
The Jurassic Coast, Bath, the New Forest and Longleat are just some of those attractions worth a visit. Find more ideas here.